Verizon
AST SpaceMobile Secures Rocket Launches for Complete Satellite Constellation
AST SpaceMobile has signed new launch deals that will put a total of 60 new satellites into orbit over the next two years. This will complete its commercial network and enable the company to provide continuous cellular coverage from space over the whole United States, Europe, Japan, and other strategic markets globally. Blue Origin joins SpaceX and India's ISRO in providing launch services for AST. Blue Origin's New Glenn rocket will be able carry up to eight of AST's Block 2 BlueBird satellites per launch. New Glenn is an all-new rocket with a reusable first stage that is expected to have its first flight in the next few months. Both AT&T and Verizon have contracted with AST to provide satellite coverage in "dead zones" for their customers. AST's technology works with essentially all existing cell phones.
Carriers Weigh in on FCC's Proposed Phone Unlocking Rule
T-Mobile and AT&T have submitted formal objections to the FCC over its proposed rule requiring carriers to unlock new phones after 60 days, regardless of whether the phone is fully paid off. (This type of unlocking would let customers use their phone with a different network.) T-Mobile and AT&T argue that — for their prepaid brands in particular — longer locking periods are necessary to ensure that phone subsidies are recovered. Prepaid phones sold by Metro by T-Mobile and Cricket (an AT&T brand) are typically subsidized so they can be sold far below their actual retail price. For example, Metro currently offers the Samsung Galaxy A15 5G — A $200 phone — for free. Metro currently locks phones for a full year to ensure the phone subsidy is recovered in monthly service charges. T-Mobile says that the FCC's proposed 60-day rule "would see subsidies reduced by 40% to 70% for both its lower and higher-end devices", and that a "handset unlocking mandate would also leave providers little choice but to limit their handset offers to lower cost and often lesser performing handsets." AT&T agrees, saying the proposed rule would create "upward pressure on handset prices and disincentives to finance handsets on flexible terms." Verizon is already subject to stricter phone unlocking rules as a condition of its FCC license for band 13, a core frequency band for its network. Verizon therefore voiced its support for the new rule, since it would create "a uniform unlocking policy that applies to all providers", effectively ending Verizon's current competitive disadvantage. However Verizon still acknowledged the need for longer locking periods in the prepaid market, saying "a longer, 180-day locking period for prepaid is necessary to enable wireless providers to continue offering subsidies that make phones affordable".
T-Mobile Enables Text Via Satellite as Carriers Prepare for Hurricane Milton
T-Mobile, Verizon, and AT&T have put out detailed information on how they're preparing for Hurricane Milton and responding to Hurricane Helene. For the first time, T-Mobile is activating Starlink Direct-to-Cellular satellite SMS service for its customers, including the ability to text 911. This experimental service is being deployed on a temporary, emergency basis in Florida as well as the areas previously impacted by Hurricane Helene. This service enables any ordinary T-Mobile phone to receive service via satellite (at this time, for texting only) when land-based networks are unavailable. Engadget reports that phones will display a network name of "T-Mobile SpaceX" when connected to the service. SpaceX advises that the service works best outdoors or, if necessary, near a window. Because the Starlink Direct-to-Cellular fleet is only partially deployed, service may be intermittent. Separately, Verizon announced that it's waiving all "domestic call, text, and data usage for postpaid consumer and Verizon Small Business customers most impacted by the storm in parts of Florida from Oct. 9th – Oct. 23rd, 2024."
OpenSignal Rates Carrier's 5G Performance
OpenSignal has released its latest annual ranking of 5G networks worldwide. T-Mobile USA and Puerto Rico came in first in 5G availability among all 5G networks on the planet. In other key categories — like 5G download speed — no US carrier cracks the top-20 list globally. However, AT&T and Verizon did both place in the top 5 worldwide for "most improved" year-over-year in 5G download speed. In a similar report focusing on the US released in July, T-Mobile came in first for "average overall download and upload speeds" as well as "consistent quality". However Verizon came in first for video and gaming "experience" and 5G upload speed. AT&T, meanwhile, came in first for overall "availability" (regardless of technology).
Verizon Experiencing Outage
Many Verizon customers are reporting an outage in mobile service. Reports started around 9:30 Eastern this morning. DownDetector shows the majority of issues on the east coast. Verizon says it is aware of an issue and is working to resolve it.
AST SpaceMobile Successfully Launches First Five Commercial Sats
This morning, a SpaceX rocket successfully took five new satellites into orbit that will eventually provide satellite service (including 5G data) for existing AT&T and Verizon cell phones in places without cellular coverage. The launch of these "BlueBird" satellites operated by AST SpaceMobile follows a successful testing campaign using "BlueWalker" test satellites (already in orbit) to validate the technology. This "Block 1" group of five satellites will be enough to cover the whole United States, but not continuously; service will be available intermittently, as the satellites pass overhead. This will enable a beta testing campaign by AT&T and Verizon. AST is already manufacturing the next 17 "Block 2" satellites. By the time AST has launched around 45–60 BlueBird satellites, they will be able to offer 24/7 continuous service throughout the US, Europe, Japan, and more. SpaceX is currently working on a competing system by upgrading its Starlink network, which will be used by T-Mobile. Both the AST and SpaceX systems rely on massive antenna arrays that are large enough to emulate a cell phone tower from space.
Verizon Launching Satellite Service for Android Phones That Support NTN
Verizon has announced a new satellite connectivity service that will offer SOS and location-sharing features in cellular dead zones with compatible Android phones starting this fall. Non-emergency messaging will launch next year. The first compatible Android devices (using the 3GPP rel. 17 NB-NTN standard) are the new Pixel 9 series from Google and "upcoming Galaxy devices" from Samsung. Verizon is partnering with Skylo to offer the service. Skylo's service works similarly to Apple's "Emergency SOS via satellite" feature, and will bring Samsung (and Google) phones up to parity with iPhones in Verizon's lineup. Verizon also has a partnership (and investment stake) with AST SpaceMobile, which will offer similar functionality that works with existing phones. However that service is not available yet because more new satellites must be launched (literally) before it's ready for consumers. This new, Skylo-based service allows Verizon to offer satellite connectivity — for compatible phones — sooner. This service requires specific hardware support in the phone, including an NTN modem and L-band antenna. Qualcomm's upcoming X80 modem includes NTN support and is expected to appear in the next wave of flagship Android phones. MediaTek also offers chips that support NTN. While the Pixel 9 series comes with satellite service from Google, Verizon says it is "working towards a plan to move Pixel 9 to Verizon" satellite service. Both T-Mobile and AT&T seem to be skipping NTN and relying on future systems that require new satellites but will work with existing phones; AT&T is also partnering with AST, while T-Mobile is working with SpaceX Starlink.
HMD Launches Barbie Phone in US
HMD has teamed up with Mattel for a Barbie Phone. The HMD Barbie Phone is a basic flip phone offering a simple, Barbie-themed interface (based on KaiOS). A number of Barbie-themed accessories are included, such as two extra back covers with different designs, a beaded lanyard with attachable charms, stickers for decorating the phone, and a pink charger. The phone itself includes a 5 megapixel camera with flash, memory card slot, MP3 player, and a 1,450 mAh (pink) battery. A Snake game is included, which has been re-themed for Barbie with watermelons. It has excellent support for Verizon and T-Mobile 4G networks, and decent support for AT&T's 4G network. It will sell for $129 unlocked from HMD. Pre-orders begin Sept. 23, with full availability Oct. 1.
Verizon, T-Mobile Protest Allocation of 4.9 GHz Band to AT&T's FirstNet
The FCC has proposed that the 4.9 GHz band be managed by FirstNet, a 5G network dedicated to public safety and operated by AT&T. The 4.9 GHz band (4,940–4,990 MHz) has been set aside for local public safety use since 2002, but local agencies have found it challenging to make full use of it with modern technologies. Meanwhile FirstNet and AT&T have years of experience operating a nationwide 4G/5G network dedicated to public safety. AT&T's agreement with FirstNet gives public safety users priority, but allows AT&T to use excess capacity on FirstNet for its own commercial network at times. For this reason, Verizon and T-Mobile have filed complaints against the FCC's plan, calling it a $14 billion giveaway to AT&T.
Total by Verizon Rebrands, Remixes Plans
Of Verizon's multiple prepaid brands, Total by Verizon might have the most confusing branding. Which is why the company is rebranding the offering to just "Total Wireless". Total is also remixing its service offerings so that all plans now include 5G. Total now offers a five-year price lock guarantee (excluding promotions and discounts like the auto-pay discount). For family plans, the fourth line is free. New customers get a free 5G phone, and existing customers get a "$200 Anniversary Credit towards any 5G phone". Total now advertises "10x faster data that never slows you down", but the "10x" is referring to the speed of Verizon 5G UW vs. Verizon 4G, and the plans still carry the disclaimer that "in times of traffic, your data may be temporarily slower than other traffic." Total considers itself "a community-focused brand" "committed to serving and connecting with Latino audiences". While the logo remains red to subtly remind people of its continued Verizon affiliation, new marketing will include a distinct shade of teal, as well as a "rich blue" and "bright yellow".
Verizon Refreshes Brand, Adds Perks
Verizon today launched a new logo for the company. The new logo trades a red checkmark for a soft yellow glow in the "v" of the wordmark. The company is also expanding its smartphone trade-in program and rolling our new ticket-access perks. "Verizon Access" is a new program for all Verizon customers offerings exclusive event ticket pre-sales and free giveaways. This includes "thousands of tickets to concerts and music festivals" as well as soccer and football games, and red carpet movie premieres.
Hands On with the TCL 50 XE NXTPAPER 5G
TCL has been showing off prototype phones with its "NXTPAPER" matte-display technology for a while now, but now one is actually going on sale in the US. The TCL 50 XE 5G comes in two flavors: with or without the NXTPAPER display. The display is the only difference, so this hands-on also applies to the TCL 50 XE 5G. The model with the regular display was just launched on Verizon Prepaid, while the NXTPAPER version is sold unlocked by TCL. So, what's the phone like in person? What's the NXTPAPER display like? Read on for our impressions.
Verizon Prepaid Intros Another 5G Phone Under $100
The TCL 50 XE 5G is now available on Verizon Prepaid, the second 5G phone available from Verizon Prepaid for under $100, following the Motorola moto g 5G (2024). The 50 XE has a 6.6-inch display with 90 Hz refresh, 5,010 mAh battery, 18-watt fast charging (charger included), 50 megapixel camera, NFC, and a fingerprint reader. It's powered by a MediaTek Dimensity 6100+ chipset with 4 GB RAM and 128 GB storage (expandable). TCL will also be offering the 50 XE 5G unlocked in the US in a NXTPAPER edition with its unique matte display technology. Verizon Prepaid also recently added the TCL 50 LE, a 4G entry-level phone for just $80.
Verizon Taps AST for Satellite Coverage
Verizon is finally joining AT&T and T-Mobile in making plans to offer satellite coverage for existing phones in cellular "dead zones" across the whole US. Verizon will join AT&T in using AST SpaceMobile, a company that has already conducted a series of successful tests of this technology with its test satellite and AT&T. AST is preparing its initial batch of five commercial satellites for launch starting later this year. Verizon will use band 5 for satellite service. Band 5 is a low-frequency band at 850 MHz, and was the very first band to be used for commercial cellular service in the US. AT&T made a firm commitment to AST earlier this month. T-Mobile will use a similar system from SpaceX that uses new Starlink satellites. All three offerings will work with existing phones without modifications, thanks to new satellites being launched with massive antenna arrays.
Carriers Fined for Misleading "Unlimited" Plans and "Free" Phones
All three big national carriers — Verizon, T-Mobile, and AT&T — have been fined a total of $10.2 million for misleading advertising and have agreed to change the way they market "unlimited" data plans and "free" phones. The agreement was reached between the carriers and 50 attorneys general, including New York Attorney General Letitia James who led the charge for the fines. According to the agreement, "'Unlimited' mobile data plans can only be marketed if there are no limits on the quantity of data allowed during a billing cycle".
T-Mobile, Verizon in Talks to Carve up US Cellular
The Wall Street Journal reports that US Cellular is in talks to sell its assets to T-Mobile and Verizon in two separate but related deals. The T-Mobile deal is reportedly further along and could close this month. That deal includes spectrum licenses and "some operations" for around $2 billion. The Verizon deal could take longer and is not guaranteed. The main assets of interest are spectrum licenses. US Cellular holds licenses in 30 states covering 51 million people. US Cellular's over 4000 towers are reportedly not part of either deal. It is unclear if one or both buyers would take some or all of US Cellular's customers. US Cellular is currently the largest regional wireless carrier left in the US.
Motorola Gives its Stylus Phone a Spec Bump
Motorola has revealed the 2024 edition of its moto g stylus 5G, a model that typically sits near the upper end of its moto g series of affordable phones. The new model addresses most shortcomings of last year's model, adding wireless charging and boosting the wide-angle camera resolution from 8 megapixel to a more-useful 13 megapixel. The selfie camera also gets a boost, from 16 megapixel to 32, and RAM gets a nice bump to a generous 8 GB. Wired charging is also faster at up to 30 watts instead of 20. Other specs remain similar, including the large AMOLED display with 120 Hz refresh, pop-out stylus, Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 chipset, and 5,000 mAh battery. There's also NFC, expandable storage, and a headset jack. The body is water repellent with an IP52 rating, slightly thinner than last year's model, and has a "vegan leather" finish on the back. Motorola will sell it unlocked for $400 starting May 30th. It will also be offered by AT&T, Metro by T-Mobile, Cricket, Boost, Consumer Cellular, US Cellular, Spectrum, Xfinity Mobile, Google Fi, Optimum Mobile, Straight Talk, Total by Verizon, and Visible.
FCC Fines Carriers for Selling Your Location Data Without Consent
The FCC today announced fines totaling nearly $200 million against T-Mobile (and Sprint), AT&T, and Verizon, for illegally selling real-time customer location data to third parties without consent and without "reasonable safeguards". The fines follow a multi-year investigation started under the previous administration. Today's fines were first proposed in early 2020. T-Mobile and Verizon objected and were able to reduce their fines, to over $92 million (including Sprint) and almost $47 million, respectively. AT&T is fined more than $57 million.
Visible First to Offer Annual Payment Plan, with Discount up to 26%
Visible is introducing a new "annual plan" option that gives customers the option of paying for a whole year of service in advance, in exchange for a discount. The premium Visible+ plan is available for $395/year, a savings of $145 (over 26%) compared the usual $45/month rate. The standard "Visible" plan is $275/year, a savings of $25. The two plans are otherwise the same as the monthly options, including unlimited data, talk, text, and hotspot on the Verizon 5G network. New customers can sign up for an annual plan starting this Wednesday, while existing customers will be able to switch to annual payment in May.
Visible Improves its Premium Plan
Visible is enhancing its premium Visible+ plan while keeping the price the same at $45/month. The plan will now include faster mobile hotspot, free smartwatch connectivity, and two international roaming improvements. Unlimited full-speed data in Canada and Mexico is being bumped up from 0.5 to 2 GB per day. For 140 other countries, a "Global Pass" is now available for a flat $10/day that includes unlimited talk and text, and 2GB of high speed data. One free day per month is included with Visible+. Domestic mobile hotspot service is also being doubled in speed from 5 to 10 Mbps. Visible uses the Verizon network. Its plan prices includes all taxes and fees.
Motorola Brings More Affordable 5G Phones to its 2024 Lineup
Motorola has announced the 2024 editions of the moto g 5G and moto g power 5G, priced at $200 and $300, respectively (MSRP, unlocked). Both phones offer 5G, a vegan leather finish on the back, 120 Hz display refresh, 50 megapixel main camera, 5,000 mAh battery, 128 GB storage (expandable), NFC, fingerprint reader (on the side), and a headset jack. For the moto g 5G, NFC is a key addition compared to last year's version. For the extra $100, upgrades on the moto g power 5G (compared to the moto g 5G) include a sharper display (FHD+ instead of HD+), double the RAM (8 GB instead of 4), better front camera (16 megapixel instead of 8), an 8-megapixel wide-angle camera (instead of 2-megapixel macro), faster charging (30-watt instead of 18), and wireless charging. Compared to last year's moto g power 5G, improvements include more RAM, the wide-angle camera, NFC, wireless charging, and faster wired charging. Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile will all offer both phones. The moto g 5G (2024) will come to T-Mobile and Metro by T-Mobile first, on March 21st. Boost, Consumer Cellular, Cricket, TracFone, US Cellular, Xfinity, Google Fi, Optimum, Cox, Straight Talk, Total by Verizon, Simple Mobile, Walmart Family Mobile, and Visible will also offer it. The moto g power 5G (2024) will launch with Cricket on March 22nd, and later with Metro, US Cellular, Straight Talk, Total by Verizon, Walmart Family Mobile, and Visible as well. Motorola's g series for 2024 also includes the already-announced, 4G-only moto g play (2024), which retails for $150.
Verizon Makes it Easy to Add a Second Number to One Phone
Verizon today launched Second Number, a new add-on plan that adds a second line and telephone number to your existing phone. People might use a second number for safely selling on online marketplaces, operating side gigs, or replacing landlines, for example. The plan can be added to any postpaid service for $10/month "plus fees" for a limited time ($15/month after June 5th). The plan requires a phone capable of dual-SIM via eSIM, which includes many current higher-end phones. Phones with this feature active are designed to clearly identify which line is associated with an incoming call or message, and make it easy to choose a line for outgoing communication. Verizon says the service will automatically transfer when a customer upgrades their phone.
Samsung Launching Two New Affordable 5G Phones Today, Too
While Samsung's big news today is the new S24 series of flagship phones, the company is also quietly launching two new affordable 5G phones today: the Galaxy A15 5G and Galaxy A25 5G. The Galaxy A15 5G updates last year's A14 5G with a 6.5-inch FHD+ AMOLED display with 90 Hz refresh, a major upgrade for a phone that sells for $200. It also has double the built-in storage (128 instead of 64 GB), faster fast charging (25W instead of 15), and replaces the depth camera with a 5 megapixel wide-angle camera. Other specs carry over from the A14 5G, including a 5,000 mAh battery, 50 megapixel main camera, NFC, fingerprint reader, expandable storage, and a headset jack. It's powered by a MediaTek Dimensity 6100+ chipset. Verizon, T-Mobile, Boost, and US Cellular started selling the phone today, and samsung.com indicates that AT&T may offer it as well. The Galaxy A25 5G doesn't seem to be nearly as popular with US carriers, as there are no indications that any of the big three national carriers plan to offer it. It's quite similar to the A15 5G, with the upgrades being OIS on the main camera, an 8 megapixel wide-angle camera, 4K video capture, and 120 Hz display refresh. It's powered by a Samsung Exynos 1280 chipset. For these upgrades, US Cellular shows a list price of $300. Boost and TracFone may offer it, as well.
Verizon Still Charging Controversial Junk Fee While Paying Class-Action Settlement
Verizon has started the process of paying customers up to $100 each to settle a class-action lawsuit over the "Administrative and Telco Recovery Charge" on the bills of its postpaid wireless and data customers. The suit alleged that the fee is not adequately disclosed in advertising of the company's rates. Verizon disagrees, saying its use of the phrase "plus fees & taxes" covers the charge. Affected customers will be notified via email and postcard with instructions to file a claim to receive payment. Verizon settled the suit without admitting fault and the terms of the settlement do not require it to stop charging the fee. In fact, the company continues to asses the monthly fee and recently raised it from $1.95 to $3.30.
Moto Gives its Affordable g play More Value
Motorola is launching a new version of its affordable moto g play phone for 2024. Last year's model was popular with carriers; this year's model appears to be just as popular, with AT&T, Verizon, Cricket, Consumer Cellular, U.S. Cellular, Xfinity Mobile, and more already announcing plans to offer the phone. The new model has more memory and storage (4 / 64 GB), steps up to a 50 megapixel main camera, better front camera, and add stereo speakers. It also switches from a MediaTek processor to a Snapdragon 680. Other specs are similar, including a 6.5-inch HD+ display with 90 Hz refresh, 5,000 mAh battery, fast charging, fingerprint reader, expandable storage, and a headset jack. The moto g play (2024) will launch unlocked for $150 on February 8th, "with subsequent availability at Consumer Cellular, Verizon, Xfinity Mobile, Visible, Cricket, AT&T, UScellular, and Cox Mobile, and on Straight Talk, Walmart Family Mobile, Total by Verizon, and Simple Mobile."
Verizon Covers All 30 NFL Stadiums with Fast mmWave 5G
Verizon customers now have access to the fastest form of 5G in all NFL stadiums in the US. mmWave 5G is well-suited to the demanding, high-density environment of packed stadiums and arenas, where traditional cellular networks often struggle. Not all 5G phones support mmWave 5G, although most Verizon 5G phones do. Verizon notes that customers may need to turn off Wi-Fi to access mmWave 5G.
Samsung Brings Back the FE for its Galaxy S23 Series
After skipping a year last year, Samsung has brought back the more affordable model of its flagship phone series with the Samsung Galaxy S23 FE. As with previous "FE" devices, this is effectively Samsung's "affordable flagship" device at $600, filling out the lineup just above the top end of the company's A-series phones. The S23 FE has a 50 megapixel main camera, 12 megapixel ultra-wide camera, and 3x telephoto camera with 8 megapixel resolution. The 6.4-inch AMOLED display has adaptive refresh up to 120 Hz. The 4,500 mAh battery can be charged up to 50% in around 30 minutes with 25W charging. It also supports fast and reverse wireless charging. It's powered by a Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 processor paired with 8 GB RAM and either 128 or 256 GB of storage. Other features include an IP68 rating for dust and water, Bluetooth 5.3, and Wi-Fi 6E. It will be available in several colors, including Mint, Cream, Graphite, and Purple. (The 256 GB storage option is only available in Graphite.) The Samsung Galaxy S3 FE will be available from Verizon on October 26 for $600, and from AT&T on October 27. Samsung.com will also offer exclusive Indigo and Tangerine colors.
Verizon Starts Lighting Up Full C-Band for Faster 5G
Verizon is now cleared to use 100% of the C-band spectrum it won in an FCC auction in 2021. This relatively new mid-band spectrum is ideal for providing terrestrial 5G service with a good balance of coverage and fast data speeds. This spectrum was originally used by satellite operators, but the FCC worked with those companies to relocate their operations to a smaller band of higher frequencies, freeing spectrum for 5G. This required the launch of new satellites. As those launches have been proceeding well, Verizon is now able to access all of its new spectrum four months ahead of schedule. Verizon initially launched in just 60 MHz of the C-band. As the transition proceeded, Verizon was able to expand that to 100 Mhz in some areas. Now Verizon has full access to at least 140 Mhz in the C band in all available markets, and up to 200 MHz in some (mostly rural) markets. That additional bandwidth gives the 5G network much greater capacity without getting congested and slowing down. It also gives Verizon the capacity to expand its use of 5G for home internet service.
Visible Drops Base Rate to $25/month
Visible has officially dropped the price of its entry-level service plan from $30/month to $25/month. The company offered the lower rate through some limited promotions earlier this year, but has now made $25/month the standard rate. This entry-level plan is the "Visible" plan, as opposed to the "Visible+" plan, which is still $45/month. The more expensive plan adds a "Premium Network Experience", access to Verizon's faster "5G Ultra Wideband" network, international calling and texting, and roaming in Canada & Mexico. The cheaper plan still includes unlimited data, calling, and texting, as well as basic 5G access, unlimited mobile hotspot, and unlimited calling and texting to Mexico and Canada.
AT&T and Verizon Hike Rates on Old Plans
Verizon and AT&T are both increasing the monthly rate for some of their older plans. AT&T is increasing the monthly charge of its Unlimited Elite plan by $2.50 for phone lines added before August 1, 2022. Verizon is increasing the price of "select legacy plans" by $3/month. This reportedly impacts the 5G Start, Go Unlimited, Beyond Unlimited, Beyond Unlimited w/5G Ultra Wideband, Above Unlimited, Above Unlimited w/5G Ultra Wideband, and Single Unlimited Talk & Text 500MB plans. Verizon implemented a similar $2/month price hike on other legacy plans in April.
Straight Talk Intros New Multi-Line Discounts
Straight Talk Wireless has tweaked its most popular plan to include significant new discounts for families with multiple lines on the same account. The Silver Unlimited plan still includes unlimited data, calls to Canada & Mexico, and 5 GB of hotspot data. The first line is still $45/month, but now a second line is just $30/month, a third line is $15, and a fourth line is just $10. That means four lines are now just $100/month, down from $180 previously. The new discounts only apply to the Silver Unlimited plan; Straight Talk's other plans remain unchanged. Straight Talk operates on the Verizon network and is available exclusively at Walmart, walmart.com, and straighttalk.com. Straight Talk was a brand of TracFone, and now part of the "Verizon Value portfolio of prepaid brands".
Verizon Continues Updating Rugged Lineup with Sonim XP10
Verizon has launched the Sonim XP10, a rugged smartphone with a wide range of features for field workers and "workers in dangerous environments". Just last week, Verizon launched the Kyocera DuraForce Pro 3, a similar but higher-end rugged smartphone. AT&T launched the XP10 in November with sub-6 5G, but the XP10 is launching on Verizon as a 4G device. The XP10 replaces the XP8, with a lighter and sleeker design, larger screen, longer battery life, more memory, and better cameras. Its rugged credentials include MIL-STD-810H ratings for drops (from six feet directly onto concrete), water immersion (in six feet of water for 60 minutes), and all weather conditions (from -4° F to 131° F). The XP10 can also be "sprayed, submerged and rigorously cleaned in soap and water or with harsh chemicals, like isopropyl alcohol or bleach, to ensure it is fully disinfected." For dangerous work environments, the XP10 is rated Non-Incendive Class I, II and III Div 2. Other key features include a removable 5,000 mAh battery, wireless charging, PTT+, extra-loud 100bB+ speakers, fingerprint reader, memory card slot, and NFC. Sonim offers a full suite of accessories, including ultra-rugged headsets, Remote Speaker Microphones (RSM), vehicle kits, and multi-bay chargers. The Sonim XP10 is available for Verizon business customers starting today for $550. For a limited time, Public Sector customers can get the XP10 for free with a 2-year agreement while business customers can get it for $0.99 with a 2-year agreement.
Kyocera Brings DuraForce Pro up to Date
Kyocera today launched the DuraForce Pro 3, an overdue replacement for its DuraForce Pro 2 rugged, business-focused smartphone launched in 2018. The new model updates nearly all specs to modern standards, including 5G, larger display, larger battery (4,270 mAh), better cameras, better processor (Snapdragon 7 Gen 1), more memory (6 / 128 GB), Wi-Fi 6E, and more programmable shortcut buttons. Like its predecessor, the DuraForce Pro 3 has a rugged body that's rated IP68, miltary-rated for a long list of extreme conditions, and Non-Incendive for flammable environments. The 4,270 mAh battery is removable and supports 28W USB-PD 3.0 fast charging as well as wireless charging. The phone supports drop-in dock chargers as well as a wide range of specialty accessories for various industries. It can be used for PTT and as a body camera. The wide-angle camera is 16 megapixel while the main camera has a 64 megapixel sensor with 16 megapixel output. Its dual front-facing speakers go over 100dB for clear sound in loud environments. Other features include a fingerprint reader, NFC, and expandable storage via microSD. It's available from Verizon for $900 starting today and supports Verizon's mmWave 5G Ultra Wideband network.
Better 5G Service Near Airports Starts This Weekend
An agreement to limit 5G power levels near airports expires July 1st, which should mean better 5G service from Verizon and AT&T near airports starting that day. The agreement — between those wireless carriers, the aviation industry, and the FCC — addressed concerns that full-power 5G in the new C Band could interfere with the radio altimeters of some older planes. Although the frequencies do not overlap, they are close, and some radio altimeters had inadequate filters to prevent interference from nearby frequencies. The agreed-upon delay by wireless carriers gave airlines time to upgrade the problematic radio altimeters. Most planes have now received the upgrade, but Delta still 190 planes that need it, and JetBlue has 17. Until they can receive the upgrade, those planes may be restricted from landing at certain airports when visibility is low.
Verizon Intros Customizable Plans
Verizon today launched myPlan, a totally new plan structure. Users choose from one of two unlimited-data base plans, then add as many or as few "perks" as they want, for $10/month/each. Available perks include 100 GB of mobile hotspot data, a smartwatch plan, 3 international travel day passes (which don't expire if unused). Perks also include a Disney+ bundle (with Hulu and ESPN+), Apple One, or even Walmart+. Another perk is a $15 credit to Verizon's "+play" service, where other subscriptions such as Netflix and HBO Max are available. Because all "perks" are $10, they offer savings that vary depending on the perk. For example, the Disney+ bundle is normally $15/month. An Apple One subscription is normally $17/month. There is no minimum number of perks and they can changed at any time. The two base plans are Unlimited Welcome and Unlimited Plus. The Plus plan includes access to Verizon's "Ultra Wideband" 5G network, meaning its faster mid-band and mmWave frequencies, and truly unlimited "premium" data. Neither plan has any set data limit where speeds become slower, although customers on the Welcome plan may see slower speeds during times of network congestion. The Plus plan also includes 30 GB of hotspot data and better device discounts. Both plans have discounts available if you bring your own device. The Unlimited Welcome plan is $65/month for one line, or as low as $27/line/month for 5+ lines. The Unlimited Plus plan is $80/month for one line, or as low as $42/line/month for 5+ lines. All prices are with Auto-Pay. myPlan becomes available May 18th and replaces Mix & Match. Mix & Match customers can keep their existing plans if they prefer.
Pixel 7a and Pixel Fold Popular with US Carriers, But Details Differ
The top three US carriers will all sell both the Google Pixel 7a and Pixel Fold. All three will sell the Pixel 7a starting this afternoon. T-Mobile will sell it for the same price as Google ($500), while AT&T will charge $520 and Verizon will charge $540. The 7a comes in both mmWave and non-mmWave versions. The addition of mmWave 5G accounts for the price difference with Verizon. Although T-Mobile's version does not support mmWave, it will support three-carrier aggregation on the company's unique 5G SA network. AT&T's version does not support mmWave either, but does support mid-band 5G: band 77-C today and band 77-A (3.45 GHz) "enabled in a future software update". T-Mobile and AT&T say they will offer the Pixel Fold "soon" or "this summer" (respectively). Verizon is being much more specific, saying Pixel Fold pre-orders start June 20th, with full availability on June 27th. Verizon will offer the phone with the option of either 256 or 512 GB of storage.
Hands On with TCL's $120 5G Phone
TCL has a new affordable 5G phone for Verizon, and it's very, very affordable (as 5G phones go) at just $120. We spent some time with that phone: the TCL 40 XE. Check out our hands-on report to learn a little more about what $120 buys you in a 5G phone this year.
The TCL 40 XE Offers 5G for Just $120
Verizon has launched the TCL 40 XE 5G for prepaid customers. The phone is notable for including 5G at a price point of $120, a new level of affordability for 5G in the US. The next-cheapest 5G phone offered by Verizon prepaid is the Samsung Galaxy A14 5G, which Verizon sells for $200. The TCL 40 XE 5G sports a 6.56-inch HD+ display with 90 Hz refresh, 5,000 mAh battery, and 18W fast charging. It has a 13 megapixel main camera, 2 megapixel macro camera, and 8 megapixel front camera. It's powered by a MediaTek Dimensity 700 chipset with 4 GB RAM and 64 GB storage (expandable). It also has a fingerprint reader embedded in the lock button on the side.
T-Mobile Continues Expanding 5G Coverage, Tests Faster Uploads
T-Mobile is the first US carrier to successfully test carrier aggregation on the uplink side of a 5G data connection on a live 5G SA network. This new technology enabled upload data speeds of 207 Mbps, a record for sub-6 GHz (non-mmWave) 5G. Faster speeds are common in the dowlink (download) direction, but uplink speeds are typically slower. Faster uplink speeds enable higher-quality video conferencing, for example. The company expects to roll the feature out for regular customers early next year. The test used a smartphone with a Qualcomm Snapdragon modem and Nokia equipment on the network side. The two carriers that were aggregated were in bands 2 (1,900 MHz) and 41 (2,500 MHz). T-Mobile also provided an update on its 5G network coverage and plans. The company claims that its 5G network now covers "326 million people across 2 million square miles – more than AT&T and Verizon combined." That includes slower low-band 5G. As for the faster mid-band 5G that T-Mobile brands "Ultra Capacity 5G", the company says that it currently covers 275 million people nationwide, and plans to reach 300 million people – "nearly everyone in the country" – by the end of this year.
Verizon Makes its Free Trial Easier
Verizon has streamlined its Free Trial program and made the offering permanent after a successful pilot. Non-Verizon customers with an eSIM-capable phone can now sign up for a free 30 days of Verizon service by simply downloading the My Verizon app; a step of scanning a QR code has been removed.
