T-Mobile, Verizon ink spectrum deal, eagerly await regulatory approval

Who says wireless carriers can't be friends -- or, at the very least, can't exchange a bit of spectrum here and there? T-Mobile this morning let it be known that it has entered into a deal involving the "purchase and exchange" of spectrum licenses in 218 markets in the US. The magenta-tinged carrier says the deal will help improve its position in 15 of the US's top 25 markets and should help with next year's LTE rollout. All of this is pending regulatory approval, of course, some of which hinges upon Verizon's own license purchasing from the likes of SpectrumCo, Cox and Leap. A full press release can be found after the break.

T-Mobile Signs Spectrum Agreement With Verizon Wireless

Today, T-Mobile USA, Inc. announced an agreement with Verizon Wireless for the purchase and exchange of certain Advanced Wireless Services (AWS) spectrum licenses in 218 markets across the U.S. The transaction will improve T-Mobile's spectrum position in 15 of the top 25 markets in the U.S. by providing an opportunity for T-Mobile both to acquire additional AWS spectrum and to realign its existing spectrum holdings. Following regulatory approval, this spectrum can be promptly deployed to enhance the company's 4G mobile broadband service, including the rollout of LTE service next year. Some of the spectrum T-Mobile is acquiring in this transaction include licenses that Verizon is purchasing from SpectrumCo, Cox and Leap, and the agreement is contingent on the closing of those transactions and is subject to regulatory approval by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and the Department of Justice.

"This agreement will provide T-Mobile with critical AWS spectrum, enhancing both network capacity and performance and allowing us to meet the growing consumer demand for 4G mobile broadband," T-Mobile CEO and President Philipp Humm said. "This is good for T-Mobile and good for consumers because it will enable T-Mobile to compete even more vigorously with other wireless carriers. We anticipate FCC approval later this summer, in time for us to incorporate this new spectrum into our network modernization and the rollout of LTE services next year."

T-Mobile will gain spectrum covering 60 million people - notably in Philadelphia; Washington, D.C.; Detroit; Minneapolis; Seattle; Cleveland; Columbus, Ohio; Milwaukee; Charlotte, N.C.; Raleigh-Durham, N.C.; Greensboro, N.C.; Memphis, Tenn.; and Rochester, N.Y. - in exchange for spectrum covering 22 million people and certain cash consideration. The agreement also includes exchanges in a number of markets in which the companies will swap licenses to create more contiguous blocks of spectrum and re-align spectrum in adjacent markets. These intra-market swaps will enhance T-Mobile's network performance and data throughput in key locations. This agreement is in addition to T-Mobile's previously announced $4 billion 4G network evolution plan, which includes modernization of 37,000 cell sites, launching 4G HSPA+ services in the 1900 MHz band and deployment of LTE in 2013.

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T-Mobile to offer prepaid and monthly4G service at participating Dollar General stores

Dollar General and T-Mobile Introduce No Annual Contract and Device Offering
Partnership brings T-Mobile device and service to more than 6,400 Dollar General stores

Bellevue, Wash. and Goodlettsville, Tenn. - Jun. 25, 2012
2012-06-25 14:52:42

Today, T-Mobile USA, Inc. and Dollar General Corporation announced a new distribution arrangement, bringing an affordable phone and convenient access to T-Mobile's prepaid and Monthly4GTM No Annual Contract service to Dollar General customers. Beginning in July, more than 6,400 Dollar General stores will offer numerous T-Mobile prepaid plan options and the Samsung t139 phone, which features messaging, Web browsing, a camera and Bluetooth connectivity.

"Dollar General is dedicated to making shopping for everyday needs simple, hassle-free and convenient," said Todd Vasos, executive vice president and chief merchandising officer, Dollar General. "Since 2004, our customers have had access to great T-Mobile plans, and we know that our customers will appreciate more communications options that are affordable and flexible."

The T-Mobile Monthly4G No Annual Contract $50 unlimited plan offers unlimited talk, text and Web with no overage charges, and the first 100 MB of data at up to 4G speeds all on America's Largest 4G Network®. In addition, Dollar General offers T-Mobile's Pay As You Go plans, and other Monthly4G No Annual Contract plans, giving customers a flexible option at any price point.

"Dollar General is the nation's largest small-box retailer and a well-respected company that customers go to when looking to get the most for their money," said Amy McCune, senior vice president of national accounts, T-Mobile USA. "This is a natural partnership to help bring Dollar General customers to America's Largest 4G Network at an incredible value."

T-Mobile product and plan offerings will be displayed in a bright end cap at the front of the store, featuring a variety of units and services to make selection simple for customers.

Monthly4G plans provide access to wireless service for 30 days; capable device required to achieve 4G speeds. After high-speed allotment is used, speeds slowed to up to 2G speeds for remainder of month. T-Mobile's HSPA+ 4G network not available everywhere. See coverage details at T-Mobile.com.

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Virgin Media revamps mobile tariffs with Premiere plan, tells Three UK and T-Mobile to keep up

Virgin Media challenges mobile operators to keep up

Incredible value with unlimited data from just £21
Insurance and backup service included
Combating bill shock with alerts and 'My Account' app

Virgin Media today unveiled an incredible range of mobile tariffs that will set a new standard in unbeatable value which will challenge the rest of the industry to keep up. The star of the show is the hero 'Premiere' tariff which combines all-you-can-eat data, unlimited texts, unlimited calls to UK landlines and 2,500 anytime minutes.

To make the most of the largest 3G network in the UK* as well as the hottest smartphones of the summer, Virgin Media has created some of the most competitive tariffs on the market designed to be simple, affordable and flexible, with amped up benefits for loyal Virgin Media** customers

'Premiere' starts at an incredible £21 per month for Virgin Media** customers as the company looks to help people to stay connected on the go and whilst making the most of the benefits and savings to be had from taking a mobile with their existing Virgin Media services.

The new tariffs include options for every mobile phone user with prices starting from as little as £18 per month for the new 'Starter' tariff, or £13 per month for Virgin Media customers. Not only do Virgin Media customers enjoy reduced costs, saving £5 per month on each tariff, but they also benefit from unlimited calls and texts to other Virgin Mobiles.

Jamie Heywood, director of mobile at Virgin Media said: "When we launched over ten years ago as the worlds first mobile company of its type, we revolutionised the market, and this is another such landmark. As people look for the best value, we're rewarding loyalty with some amazing tariffs with unlimited offerings that our customers can enjoy without worrying about hidden extras, as well as helping to combat bill shock."

In a pioneering move, all the new tariffs will include insurance*** for no extra cost for the length of the contract for new and existing Virgin Media customers. It follows a recent study by Virgin Media that found a staggering proportion of Brits (72 per cent) don't have insurance for their mobiles, despite 70 per cent also admitting to breaking or losing up to seven phones in the last decade – often within the typical 24 month contract period****.

Smartphones can cost as much as £500 and often contain invaluable data such as contacts, texts, emails and photos, so losing one can be a costly and incredibly frustrating experience. The new insurance service (worth £7.99 per month) provides 24 hour guaranteed handset replacement in the UK if it goes missing or is stolen***** and includes Mobile Rescue which will automatically back-up all contacts as well as lock and locate the handset remotely.

Heywood added: "An overwhelming number of consumers don't believe that mobile insurance is necessary and won't consider taking insurance through their mobile provider because it's too expensive. For too long mobile providers have failed to offer insurance that represents value for money. We were astounded to find so many people were prepared to gamble when it came to protecting their handsets, which is why we are now the only provider to offer inclusive insurance as standard for our loyal customers at no extra cost."

The new range of pay monthly tariffs are subject to 24 month****** contracts and in order to help ensure they have the perfect tariff for their needs, Virgin Media will automatically text customers when they are nearing the limits of their allowances (where applicable) to help ensure manageable costs. Virgin Media's smartphones also come preloaded with the 'My Account' app so customers can keep track of how much they've used of their monthly allowance, and if needed, customers have the flexibility to move up or down the tariffs at any point in their contract without penalty.

For customers already with their own data-hungry smartphones Virgin Media is also launching a new range of flexible 'SIM Only' tariffs. The 'SIM Only' tariffs work on a rolling monthly basis with 'Premiere' starting at £20 for cable and national customers who will benefit from unlimited data, text, calls to other Virgin Mobiles and UK landlines.

Virgin Media customers will also be able to take advantage of free WiFi access at up to 120 London Underground stations.

For more information on Virgin Media's products and services, head to www.virginmedia.com

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