http://www.currentanalysis.com/ Analysis Reports provided by Current Analysis, Inc. en-us All materials Copyright 1997-2010 Current Analysis, Inc. Reproduction or distribution prohibited without express written consent. Fri, 30 Jul 2010 07:34:47 GMT http://www.currentanalysis.com/COMPETE/FrontEnd/Report.aspx?rid=54515&rss TracFone’s Straight Talk has diversified its group of wholesale partners to include AT&T. This is the latest attempt from the company to keep its momentum. However, it may be a sign that its relationship with Verizon Wireless could be in jeopardy. Whitesell, Maidy 2010-07-28T00:00:00-04:00 http://www.currentanalysis.com/COMPETE/FrontEnd/Report.aspx?rid=54409&rss During this review period, Sprint has discontinued its Worldwide Blackberry Data Plans. Alltel extended its promotion on devices until August 12, 2010. Sprint extended its promotion on devices until August 14, 2010. Karthikeyan, Deepa 2010-07-20T00:00:00-04:00 http://www.currentanalysis.com/COMPETE/FrontEnd/Report.aspx?rid=54406&rss During this review period,Sprint has discontinued its Worldwide Blackberry Data Plans. Alltel extended its promotion on devices till August 12, 2010 and Sprint extended its promotion on hardware devices till August 14, 2010. Sprint and Clear now have 44 4G markets. Karthikeyan, Deepa 2010-07-20T00:00:00-04:00 http://www.currentanalysis.com/COMPETE/FrontEnd/Report.aspx?rid=54279&rss LTE is the latest hype in the world of wireless broadband connectivity with trials being announced extensively, but clues to how soon it will make the leap from trials to mainstream service offerings can be found in LTE silicon offerings. Ogle, Jeff - Karthikeyan, Deepa 2010-07-15T00:00:00-04:00 http://www.currentanalysis.com/COMPETE/FrontEnd/Report.aspx?rid=54167&rss Qualcomm took long strides at its Uplinq conference last week to convince developers that its BREW platform still matters. The report offers an overview of the major announcements and partnerships at the event. Karthikeyan, Deepa 2010-07-09T00:00:00-04:00 http://www.currentanalysis.com/COMPETE/FrontEnd/Report.aspx?rid=14912&rss AT&T’s plans cater to all segments of its users, providing a complete solution that includes wireless/wireline integration. However, the steep cost of its services might discourage users looking to trim their bills. Karthikeyan, Deepa 2010-07-06T00:00:00-04:00 http://www.currentanalysis.com/COMPETE/FrontEnd/Report.aspx?rid=54118&rss Tiered data plans are here and they are here to stay. The report looks at their drivers, repercussions and future opportunities. Karthikeyan, Deepa 2010-07-06T00:00:00-04:00 http://www.currentanalysis.com/COMPETE/FrontEnd/Report.aspx?rid=13961&rss Data services command much of the attention these days, but voice still provides a stable revenue platform for carriers and remains the key reason why consumers buy wireless services. Ho, William 2010-07-02T00:00:00-04:00 http://www.currentanalysis.com/COMPETE/FrontEnd/Report.aspx?rid=14821&rss Virgin Mobile USA, Common Cents, and Assurance have begun to emerge with aggressively priced plans. Sprint’s brands are segmented and have a clear goal: stealing the prepaid market growth enjoyed by rivals Leap Wireless, MetroPCS, and TracFone. Whitesell, Maidy 2010-07-02T00:00:00-04:00 http://www.currentanalysis.com/COMPETE/FrontEnd/Report.aspx?rid=14648&rss One of the stronger competitors in the prepaid market, T-Mobile uses aggressive pricing for voice calling, messaging, and data – coupled with a wider selection of handsets – to make the company one of the top prepaid providers. Whitesell, Maidy 2010-07-01T00:00:00-04:00 http://www.currentanalysis.com/COMPETE/FrontEnd/Report.aspx?rid=51018&rss TracFone is a prepaid leader in the U.S. in terms of subscribers. It supports multiple brands and each targets a distinct market segment. Due to increased competitive pressure, the company has begun reshaping its pay-as-you-go offerings. Whitesell, Maidy 2010-07-01T00:00:00-04:00 http://www.currentanalysis.com/COMPETE/FrontEnd/Report.aspx?rid=14643&rss AT&T has simplified its prepaid offerings by removing its monthly Pick Your Plan option, focusing more on the pay-as-you-go crowd. Moreover, after a declining trend in 2009, the carrier has finally seen positive prepaid net additions in Q1 2010. Whitesell, Maidy 2010-06-30T00:00:00-04:00 http://www.currentanalysis.com/COMPETE/FrontEnd/Report.aspx?rid=14941&rss Boost remains competitive. The company has expanded its unlimited offerings with its $60 BlackBerry plan geared toward bringing in higher-ARPU customers. Whitesell, Maidy 2010-06-30T00:00:00-04:00 http://www.currentanalysis.com/COMPETE/FrontEnd/Report.aspx?rid=14820&rss Although Verizon Wireless is not focused on the prepaid segment, its brand reputation, network quality, and fairly large mobile-to-mobile calling base allow the carrier to place a premium price tag on its service and still attract customers. Whitesell, Maidy 2010-06-30T00:00:00-04:00 http://www.currentanalysis.com/COMPETE/FrontEnd/Report.aspx?rid=54016&rss Virgin Mobile is introducing the first prepaid portable hotspot device compatible with its existing broadband plans, the Novatel MiFi. While the device and plans are cost effective, the carrier’s limited 3G footprint might pose as a deterrent. Karthikeyan, Deepa 2010-06-24T00:00:00-04:00 http://www.currentanalysis.com/COMPETE/FrontEnd/Report.aspx?rid=14895&rss Sprint’s messaging services are strong due to a good mix of a la carte plans and voice bundles that cater to casual and heavy users. The carrier’s attractive prices and extensive feature set help it enhance its value carrier status in the U.S. wireless space. Karthikeyan, Deepa 2010-06-22T00:00:00-04:00 http://www.currentanalysis.com/COMPETE/FrontEnd/Report.aspx?rid=14897&rss T-Mobile’s cost-effective voice/data/messaging bundles encourage usage while combining savings to help lock in revenue, which is critical in tough economic times. Karthikeyan, Deepa 2010-06-22T00:00:00-04:00 http://www.currentanalysis.com/COMPETE/FrontEnd/Report.aspx?rid=14896&rss Verizon Wireless’ plans that include unlimited in-network messaging continue to appeal to a wide segment of its consumer base. By spearheading the voice/data/messaging bundles, the carrier has managed to lock in data revenue and increase ARPU. Karthikeyan, Deepa 2010-06-22T00:00:00-04:00 http://www.currentanalysis.com/COMPETE/FrontEnd/Report.aspx?rid=14808&rss Alltel’s messaging lineup including its My Circle bundles remains competitive. However, due to its divested state, the carrier is in a limbo of sorts and has made no new launches or improvements to its service. Karthikeyan, Deepa 2010-06-18T00:00:00-04:00 http://www.currentanalysis.com/COMPETE/FrontEnd/Report.aspx?rid=16991&rss Boost Mobile continues to be an innovative leader. The carrier was the first prepaid company to present a BlackBerry plan. Still, the success of this new offering may be limited, as rivals are getting ready to present their own BlackBerry offers. Whitesell, Maidy 2010-06-17T00:00:00-04:00 http://www.currentanalysis.com/COMPETE/FrontEnd/Report.aspx?rid=50751&rss TracFone is trying to keep its momentum going. Its multi-brand strategy started to pay off, especially on the revenues side and ARPU levels. However, the carrier has seen an increase on the competition front and has adjusted its price points. Whitesell, Maidy 2010-06-17T00:00:00-04:00 http://www.currentanalysis.com/COMPETE/FrontEnd/Report.aspx?rid=16768&rss Leap Wireless has made sweeping changes to its portfolio in the form of plans featuring tiered broadband plans and national footprint plans. While these initiatives help it better compete with prepaid rivals, low ARPU levels continue to plague it. Karthikeyan, Deepa 2010-06-14T00:00:00-04:00 http://www.currentanalysis.com/COMPETE/FrontEnd/Report.aspx?rid=53852&rss As U.S. mobile operators search for new revenue streams, attention is turning to consumers’ increasing usage of services while roaming internationally. This begs the question, who is taking the lead in the international arena? Whitesell, Maidy 2010-06-11T00:00:00-04:00 http://www.currentanalysis.com/COMPETE/FrontEnd/Report.aspx?rid=41168&rss Google is making steady progress in the mobile content space, but it needs to watch for competitors such as Apple in the advertising and hardware segments to avoid losing its lead. The company seeks to expand to the TV screen with Google TV. Hettick, Larry - Karthikeyan, Deepa 2010-06-09T00:00:00-04:00 http://www.currentanalysis.com/COMPETE/FrontEnd/Report.aspx?rid=53821&rss Yahoo! and Facebook will now let users of both services link their accounts to view and share updates across both networks: The move is part of Yahoo’s strategy to use social networking as a retention tool, but will it attract new Yahoo! users? Hettick, Larry - Karthikeyan, Deepa 2010-06-09T00:00:00-04:00 http://www.currentanalysis.com/COMPETE/FrontEnd/Report.aspx?rid=53759&rss Unlimited data plans overload carrier networks and cost more than the average consumer is willing to pay. AT&T is breaking this cycle with tiered data plans that should satisfy the majority of users while bringing new ones to the smartphone party. Ho, William - Greengart, Avi 2010-06-03T00:00:00-04:00 http://www.currentanalysis.com/COMPETE/FrontEnd/Report.aspx?rid=53765&rss New iPad users will no longer have an unlimited data plan option. While this is unlikely to affect users primarily using WiFi, it will negatively impact those who rely more on AT&T’s network due to the data-centric nature of the device. Karthikeyan, Deepa 2010-06-03T00:00:00-04:00 http://www.currentanalysis.com/COMPETE/FrontEnd/Report.aspx?rid=53763&rss Sprint’s analyst event was upbeat, with momentum in financial and customer numbers and improved customer satisfaction and network performance. A 4G lead, cool devices, and price/value messaging all sound good, but customer losses need to stop. Weldon, Kathryn - Ho, William 2010-06-03T00:00:00-04:00 http://www.currentanalysis.com/COMPETE/FrontEnd/Report.aspx?rid=53715&rss T-Mobile has reduced and equalized the cost of its Even More and Even More Plus webConnect plans. This aggressive pricing in conjunction with its HSPA + roll out to major metros should ensure good traction, provided the carrier steps up its promotion. Karthikeyan, Deepa 2010-05-28T00:00:00-04:00 http://www.currentanalysis.com/COMPETE/FrontEnd/Report.aspx?rid=53686&rss Yesteryear powerhouses Yahoo! and Nokia are collaborating for mapping and messaging services on mobile devices. Will this alliance help perk up their sagging presence in the U.S. market? Karthikeyan, Deepa 2010-05-26T00:00:00-04:00 http://www.currentanalysis.com/COMPETE/FrontEnd/Report.aspx?rid=53674&rss Attempting to boost its 3G data speed and performance in Times Square, AT&T is launching a “hotzone” in the area. This creative solution is the latest card played to counter network performance criticisms. Whitesell, Maidy - Karthikeyan, Deepa 2010-05-25T00:00:00-04:00 http://www.currentanalysis.com/COMPETE/FrontEnd/Report.aspx?rid=53652&rss Facebook’s new WAP site is a revolution of sorts, as it allows users to access their account faster and without incurring data charges. However, its availability is mostly limited to developing countries, where it will have greater appeal. Karthikeyan, Deepa 2010-05-21T00:00:00-04:00 http://www.currentanalysis.com/COMPETE/FrontEnd/Report.aspx?rid=16396&rss While the economy is increasing pressure on its postpaid business, U.S. Cellular is taking advantage of the momentum in its prepaid side via attractive plans and data services. The carrier continues to offer consumer friendly initiatives to curb churn. Karthikeyan, Deepa 2010-05-19T00:00:00-04:00 http://www.currentanalysis.com/COMPETE/FrontEnd/Report.aspx?rid=53564&rss Sprint has a winner in HTC’s upcoming 4G EVO device, and reasonably priced WiMAX data plans. It should ensure that major markets are covered with its 4G network before or shortly after the launch to take advantage of the existing buzz. Karthikeyan, Deepa 2010-05-14T00:00:00-04:00 http://www.currentanalysis.com/COMPETE/FrontEnd/Report.aspx?rid=53497&rss Service requirements aren’t just for smartphones anymore! All four top carriers, in one form or another, now mandate service add-ons with the purchase of select featurephones, and Verizon Wireless is confusing the category with the KIN. Eitt, Meredith - Greengart, Avi 2010-05-10T00:00:00-04:00 http://www.currentanalysis.com/COMPETE/FrontEnd/Report.aspx?rid=53493&rss As part of its prepaid multi-brand strategy, Sprint has retooled Virgin Mobile and introduced a fourth brand dubbed “Common Cents Mobile.” The Prepaid Group is getting ready to ride out any price war brought on by the competition. Whitesell, Maidy - Ho, William 2010-05-07T00:00:00-04:00 http://www.currentanalysis.com/COMPETE/FrontEnd/Report.aspx?rid=53262&rss T-Mobile is enabling its users to better enjoy their broadband service by eliminating or reducing its overage charges, sparing them the mundane task of tracking their monthly usage. Its ongoing promotions will lure consumers looking for value. Karthikeyan, Deepa 2010-04-28T00:00:00-04:00 http://www.currentanalysis.com/COMPETE/FrontEnd/Report.aspx?rid=53253&rss Leap Wireless has strengthened its mobile broadband portfolio, enabling users to choose between three unlimited plans in select markets. This provides the local contract-phobic crowd with a viable option to satiate high data needs. Karthikeyan, Deepa 2010-04-27T00:00:00-04:00 http://www.currentanalysis.com/COMPETE/FrontEnd/Report.aspx?rid=53234&rss Prepaid mobile broadband appears to be the new flavor of the season, as carriers across all realms scramble to cater to this hitherto untapped segment. But who offers a well rounded portfolio and gives users the best bang for their buck? Karthikeyan, Deepa 2010-04-23T00:00:00-04:00 http://www.currentanalysis.com/COMPETE/FrontEnd/Report.aspx?rid=41459&rss The newly-independent AOL is still suffering subscriber losses and declining ad revenue. Mobile competitors have also sped past it with respect to content. AOL must launch a groundbreaking service to make up for lost time and opportunity. Hettick, Larry - Karthikeyan, Deepa 2010-04-16T00:00:00-04:00 http://www.currentanalysis.com/COMPETE/FrontEnd/Report.aspx?rid=16828&rss As competition increases, MetroPCS has seen a decline in its growth and has reacted by presenting a new set of all-inclusive plans. Is this offer enough to attract and retain customers? Whitesell, Maidy 2010-04-16T00:00:00-04:00 http://www.currentanalysis.com/COMPETE/FrontEnd/Report.aspx?rid=16958&rss Now that Virgin Mobile is part of Sprint’s prepaid group, the multi-brand strategy will be a key factor going forward. This latest move suggests that the company will be focusing on the data segment and its new venture, Assurance Wireless. Whitesell, Maidy 2010-04-16T00:00:00-04:00 http://www.currentanalysis.com/COMPETE/FrontEnd/Report.aspx?rid=16992&rss Cincinnati Bell’s low cost plans, wireless-wireline bundles and its emphasis on smartphone users will help it retain high value subscribers. However, the lack of 3G data services and limited handsets will curb its overall revenue potential. Karthikeyan, Deepa 2010-04-15T00:00:00-04:00 http://www.currentanalysis.com/COMPETE/FrontEnd/Report.aspx?rid=16735&rss T-Mobile had enjoyed nice growth throughout the years but lately it has seen postpaid slowdown and even losses. With the competitive environment getting fiercer, it hopes a new plan portfolio and a speedy network will help stop the slide. Ho, William 2010-04-15T00:00:00-04:00 http://www.currentanalysis.com/COMPETE/FrontEnd/Report.aspx?rid=16561&rss Verizon Wireless is at the top of the industry in terms of its subscriber base, but is not resting on its laurels as it charges aggressively ahead with LTE. Ho, William 2010-04-15T00:00:00-04:00 http://www.currentanalysis.com/COMPETE/FrontEnd/Report.aspx?rid=16912&rss Alltel chugs along as it waits on regulatory approval to be acquired by ATN. With one year contract plans and aggressive handset pricing, it still stays competitive. Ho, William 2010-04-14T00:00:00-04:00 http://www.currentanalysis.com/COMPETE/FrontEnd/Report.aspx?rid=41436&rss Yahoo! still lags behind Google for unique page views and its ad revenues continue to decline. While Yahoo! Mobile is making an effort to launch innovative services that will up the competitive ante, it still lags behind Google in popularity. Hettick, Larry - Karthikeyan, Deepa 2010-04-14T00:00:00-04:00 http://www.currentanalysis.com/COMPETE/FrontEnd/Report.aspx?rid=52952&rss AT&T is offering its music users a new app that combines services ranging from music recognition to OTA downloads. The cohesive approach, in conjunction with bundled discounts, will make the $6.99 price tag palatable to a select few. Karthikeyan, Deepa 2010-03-30T00:00:00-04:00 http://www.currentanalysis.com/COMPETE/FrontEnd/Report.aspx?rid=52954&rss Carriers are trying to make femtocells fit a service model that benefits the carrier more than the customer. AT&T is the latest trying to make it work with unlimited calling or a direct hardware purchase. Ho, William 2010-03-26T00:00:00-04:00 http://www.currentanalysis.com/COMPETE/FrontEnd/Report.aspx?rid=52937&rss MetroPCS is partnering with RealNetworks to offer its own music store, branded MetroMusic Store. The launch marks the first major data-centric service from the carrier to leverage its upcoming LTE network. Karthikeyan, Deepa 2010-03-25T00:00:00-04:00 http://www.currentanalysis.com/COMPETE/FrontEnd/Report.aspx?rid=52926&rss Leap’s national footprint is now a reality. The carrier was successful at getting roaming agreements with national players, but will this be enough to attract and retain customers? Ho, William - Whitesell, Maidy 2010-03-24T00:00:00-04:00 http://www.currentanalysis.com/COMPETE/FrontEnd/Report.aspx?rid=52920&rss Verizon Wireless is reaching out to its online digital content shoppers via the upcoming BilltoMobile service. While it features attractive perks, the absence of a merchant list and a low spending limit might drive shoppers to alternatives. Karthikeyan, Deepa 2010-03-23T00:00:00-04:00 http://www.currentanalysis.com/COMPETE/FrontEnd/Report.aspx?rid=16885&rss AT&T continues to grow thanks to emerging devices, but grabbing switchers and upgrading network speeds and capabilities are table stakes that it cannot ignore. Ho, William 2010-03-19T00:00:00-04:00 http://www.currentanalysis.com/COMPETE/FrontEnd/Report.aspx?rid=52863&rss AT&T is narrowing the gap between its quick messaging devices and smartphones via a bevy of services that is well suited for its target audience and will encourage them to rely more on their devices for daily activities. Karthikeyan, Deepa 2010-03-17T00:00:00-04:00 http://www.currentanalysis.com/COMPETE/FrontEnd/Report.aspx?rid=13918&rss As new gizmos expand the boundaries of mobile devices, data access services are garnering a lot of attention. Today, carriers are counting more than ever on their data plan portfolios to stimulate service revenue and expand their potential reach. Karthikeyan, Deepa 2010-03-16T00:00:00-04:00 http://www.currentanalysis.com/COMPETE/FrontEnd/Report.aspx?rid=13962&rss App stores continued their onslaught with OEMs as well as carriers launching their iterations to partake in this trend. The open environment combined with the presence of online companies like Google and Apple is further fostering innovation. Karthikeyan, Deepa 2010-03-16T00:00:00-04:00 http://www.currentanalysis.com/COMPETE/FrontEnd/Report.aspx?rid=52813&rss T-Mobile has refreshed its broadband portfolio, bringing it more in line with the rest of its plans via its Even More and Even More Plus flavors. The carrier is also offering an HSPA+ broadband device to take advantage of its faster network. Karthikeyan, Deepa 2010-03-12T00:00:00-05:00 http://www.currentanalysis.com/COMPETE/FrontEnd/Report.aspx?rid=52789&rss Prepaid lessons learned in a ferociously competitive 2009 are now being implemented as carriers prepare for another round in 2010. Ho, William - Whitesell, Maidy 2010-03-11T00:00:00-05:00 http://www.currentanalysis.com/COMPETE/FrontEnd/Report.aspx?rid=52721&rss Virgin Mobile has strengthened its mobile broadband portfolio with enhancements to existing plans that match or even beat Tier 1 carriers’ pricing. This offers the contract phobic crowd with a viable option to satiate high data needs. Karthikeyan, Deepa 2010-03-04T00:00:00-05:00 http://www.currentanalysis.com/COMPETE/FrontEnd/Report.aspx?rid=52688&rss Online music retailers are expanding their tentacles into the mobile space in a bid to fill the void that carrier-based music offerings have created. This report offers an overview of the business and revenue models of a few top players. Karthikeyan, Deepa 2010-03-02T00:00:00-05:00 http://www.currentanalysis.com/COMPETE/FrontEnd/Report.aspx?rid=52635&rss Verizon Wireless looks to differentiate with an exclusive Skype Mobile application. As such it draws in high-use Skypers but the carrier also benefits in data revenue uplift from the conditional data plans on select smartphones. Ho, William 2010-02-19T00:00:00-05:00 http://www.currentanalysis.com/COMPETE/FrontEnd/Report.aspx?rid=52529&rss Carriers realize that it’s better late than never to join the app store mania and are pushing their stores via new enhancements to grab developer attention. This report outlines their initiatives while elaborating upon their programs and policies. Karthikeyan, Deepa 2010-02-08T00:00:00-05:00 http://www.currentanalysis.com/COMPETE/FrontEnd/Report.aspx?rid=52530&rss The CurrentTRACK database of over 1,000 mobile broadband services has highlighted a number of important trends across H2 2009, from pricing and marketing to service modeling. Mohr-McClune, Emma 2010-02-08T00:00:00-05:00 http://www.currentanalysis.com/COMPETE/FrontEnd/Report.aspx?rid=52470&rss AT&T extended its relationship with Apple by providing 3G connectivity to its iPad WiFi+3G model. While the data plans are attractive, it is unclear if the high device costs and a lack of contract options will attract and retain users. Karthikeyan, Deepa 2010-01-28T00:00:00-05:00 http://www.currentanalysis.com/COMPETE/FrontEnd/Report.aspx?rid=52417&rss Lower postpaid unlimited calling pricing is gaining carrier traction with AT&T and U.S. Cellular’s price drops; however, there are still more carriers left to adopt the new price points. Ho, William 2010-01-20T00:00:00-05:00 http://www.currentanalysis.com/COMPETE/FrontEnd/Report.aspx?rid=52402&rss Verizon Wireless has refreshed its data plans and increased its 3G Multimedia device range. Although these initiatives will help raise ARPU levels, they are unlikely to sit well with cost conscious consumers. Karthikeyan, Deepa 2010-01-19T00:00:00-05:00 http://www.currentanalysis.com/COMPETE/FrontEnd/Report.aspx?rid=52389&rss Verizon Wireless sets the postpaid market tone by dropping unlimited calling to $70 with the hope of upselling heavy talkers. In the competitive prepaid environment, it also looks for growth with the reintroduction of monthly prepaid plans. Ho, William 2010-01-19T00:00:00-05:00 http://www.currentanalysis.com/COMPETE/FrontEnd/Report.aspx?rid=52362&rss Sprint has reduced the cost of its Broadband 3G/4G Plan to $59.99 from $69.99, equalizing the cost of its 3G and 4G broadband plans. While this will boost its uptake in 4G markets, it will also cannibalize the sales of its Broadband 3G only plan. Karthikeyan, Deepa 2010-01-12T00:00:00-05:00 http://www.currentanalysis.com/COMPETE/FrontEnd/Report.aspx?rid=52349&rss After shocking the industry in 2009 with the $50 Monthly Unlimited plan, Boost Mobile expands to the CDMA platform and shocks again with an all-inclusive $60 BlackBerry Monthly Unlimited plan. This should drive higher-value net additions. Ho, William 2010-01-11T00:00:00-05:00 http://www.currentanalysis.com/COMPETE/FrontEnd/Report.aspx?rid=52348&rss T-Mobile is phasing out sales of its @Home unlimited VoIP calling service once stocks of the necessary wireline router are depleted. The Unlimited HotSpot Calling add-on is still available on any open hotspot for users with WiFi-capable handsets. Hettick, Larry 2010-01-11T00:00:00-05:00 http://www.currentanalysis.com/COMPETE/FrontEnd/Report.aspx?rid=52336&rss AT&T has moved to close the speed gap against T-Mobile with an unexpected HSPA 7.2 upgrade. However, the long-term fiber backhaul still follows the original 2011 timetable. Ho, William - Weldon, Kathryn 2010-01-07T00:00:00-05:00 http://www.currentanalysis.com/COMPETE/FrontEnd/Report.aspx?rid=52318&rss Nothing is more traditional than the end-of-year reading of the next year’s tea leaves. Rather than going the usual prediction route, we are taking a different approach, opting to deal in advice instead of conjecture. Ho, William 2009-12-30T00:00:00-05:00 http://www.currentanalysis.com/COMPETE/FrontEnd/Report.aspx?rid=52310&rss As 2009 winds down, it is time to recap the few significant data trends whose impact is likely to carry forward to the next year. This report highlights the year’s notable events and trends, with brief analysis on each. Karthikeyan, Deepa 2009-12-28T00:00:00-05:00 http://www.currentanalysis.com/COMPETE/FrontEnd/Report.aspx?rid=52268&rss Verizon Wireless launched Verizon Wi-Fi, offering its postpaid broadband customers additional value by including free access to its WiFi network nationwide as well as in Canada and Mexico. This helps it better compete with AT&T and T-Mobile. Karthikeyan, Deepa 2009-12-17T00:00:00-05:00 http://www.currentanalysis.com/COMPETE/FrontEnd/Report.aspx?rid=16986&rss Sprint is trying to emerge as a phoenix from the ashes of many poor performing quarters. Although it is taking many steps to simplify the business and get back to competitive relevancy, it’s still a long road back. Ho, William 2009-12-15T00:00:00-05:00 http://www.currentanalysis.com/COMPETE/FrontEnd/Report.aspx?rid=52227&rss In October 2008, Cox promised that it would launch wireless services in 2009. Technically, the company made it, but these services are still in the test phase in three markets. Ho, William 2009-12-09T00:00:00-05:00 http://www.currentanalysis.com/COMPETE/FrontEnd/Report.aspx?rid=52068&rss AT&T DataConnect Pass addresses only a niche customer segment that uses AT&T certified netbooks and laptops, leaving competitors to court the broader prepaid mobile broadband market. Ho, William 2009-11-25T00:00:00-05:00 http://www.currentanalysis.com/COMPETE/FrontEnd/Report.aspx?rid=51981&rss The U.S. mobile market is rapidly splitting in two, with Verizon and AT&T enjoying strong subscriber growth, while Sprint and T-Mobile are struggling to show any positive subscriber news. Perhaps it is time for the underdogs to shake things up. Hold, Eddie 2009-11-12T00:00:00-05:00 http://www.currentanalysis.com/COMPETE/FrontEnd/Report.aspx?rid=51902&rss Prepaid mobile broadband gets another player in Verizon Wireless, but with higher price points. Value-seekers may go elsewhere, but those who covet the carrier’s reliability and coverage messaging are the likely targets. Ho, William 2009-11-06T00:00:00-05:00 http://www.currentanalysis.com/COMPETE/FrontEnd/Report.aspx?rid=51811&rss T-Mobile brings interesting twists to the standard plan landscape but will customers understand which plan is right for them? Ho, William 2009-10-27T00:00:00-04:00 http://www.currentanalysis.com/COMPETE/FrontEnd/Report.aspx?rid=51750&rss The prepaid sector continues to get uncomfortably crowded with the launch of Straight Talk, backed by Wal-Mart. The new brand’s plans are the best value in the market, but how soon will the word get out? Ho, William 2009-10-16T00:00:00-04:00 http://www.currentanalysis.com/COMPETE/FrontEnd/Report.aspx?rid=51704&rss Though priced higher than competitors, AT&T’s brand may be a wild card in pulling its latest prepaid offering in the no-contract unlimited fight where value is the battle cry. Its national footprint also doesn’t hurt. Ho, William 2009-10-13T00:00:00-04:00 http://www.currentanalysis.com/COMPETE/FrontEnd/Report.aspx?rid=51688&rss The war of words between Google, Apple, AT&T and the FCC rages on, but AT&T has decided to stop fighting and is allowing VoIP over its 3G network. Who will be next? Ho, William 2009-10-08T00:00:00-04:00 http://www.currentanalysis.com/COMPETE/FrontEnd/Report.aspx?rid=51653&rss Going into the Q4 holiday season, we look back at the competitive voice landscape and how each competitor is setting itself up for sales success. Ho, William 2009-10-02T00:00:00-04:00 http://www.currentanalysis.com/COMPETE/FrontEnd/Report.aspx?rid=51587&rss Alltel is staying relevant and competitive going into the Q4 holiday selling season. With a smaller operating footprint, the carrier can enhance its portfolio with near impunity without fear of any national competitor response. Ho, William 2009-09-21T00:00:00-04:00 http://www.currentanalysis.com/COMPETE/FrontEnd/Report.aspx?rid=51575&rss Leap Wireless’ new Broadband plan is revolutionary in terms of its usage limit and price. The launch on top of its new all inclusive PAYGo voice offerings will up the ante of local users and push them to consider the carrier over pricey alternatives. Karthikeyan, Deepa 2009-09-21T00:00:00-04:00 http://www.currentanalysis.com/COMPETE/FrontEnd/Report.aspx?rid=51520&rss Sprint’s “Any Mobile, Anytime” can push those riding the fence on data to Everything Data plans. However, in light of competitors’ calling circles features, will Sprint’s voice-centric base be tempted to churn? Ho, William 2009-09-14T00:00:00-04:00 http://www.currentanalysis.com/COMPETE/FrontEnd/Report.aspx?rid=51498&rss Nearly seven months after Verizon Wireless’ Friends & Family was launched, AT&T matches with its own A-List. It’s better late than never, especially going into Q4 holiday season where switching and retention are heavily in play. Ho, William 2009-09-10T00:00:00-04:00 http://www.currentanalysis.com/COMPETE/FrontEnd/Report.aspx?rid=51500&rss Verizon Wireless has replaced its unlimited VCAST VPak plan with two new offerings that rein in data usage. The carrier is now the first to impose mandatory data plan requirements for non-PDAs, which is unlikely to sit well with casual data users. Karthikeyan, Deepa 2009-09-10T00:00:00-04:00 http://www.currentanalysis.com/COMPETE/FrontEnd/Report.aspx?rid=51393&rss AT&T now requires its new smartphone users to subscribe to mandatory data plans when they purchase a device under the contract rate. Although unlikely to cause a major shift in sales, the initiative will help it see a slight uptick in data ARPU. Karthikeyan, Deepa 2009-08-26T00:00:00-04:00 http://www.currentanalysis.com/COMPETE/FrontEnd/Report.aspx?rid=51378&rss Focusing on its wireless strengths, AT&T offers a new bundle discount that links wireless plans with U-verse TV and Internet. It also offers a $20-$30 discounted triple play that features unlimited mobile messaging. Hettick, Larry - Karthikeyan, Deepa 2009-08-25T00:00:00-04:00 http://www.currentanalysis.com/COMPETE/FrontEnd/Report.aspx?rid=51338&rss Sprint has reduced its Broadband 3G/4G Plan to $69.99 from $79.99 per month and is offering one month of free service to boost its uptake in new markets. However its reach is still too limited to create a noticeable impact in data revenues. Karthikeyan, Deepa 2009-08-20T00:00:00-04:00 http://www.currentanalysis.com/COMPETE/FrontEnd/Report.aspx?rid=51213&rss AT&T has changed its pay as you go data fees to $2 per MB from $0.01 per KB, effectively enhancing the value of its unlimited data plans to moderate and heavy users. The move signals yet another attempt from AT&T to match its offerings with that of Verizon Wireless. Karthikeyan, Deepa 2009-08-04T00:00:00-04:00