Network access

Software company hopes to speed up mobile connections

Smith Micro Software, a company that normally stays behind the scenes of mobile service carriers, has released an iOS product that aims to let consumers connect to Wi-Fi in lieu of clogged networks.

The company today announced its NetWise SmartSpot tool, which switches users to Wi-Fi when it's available and switches back to networks when the Wi-Fi is out of reach, highlighting a need for mobile companies to address massive data usage that slows down service.

Data traffic bottlenecking has been an issue for some time now as consumers become accustomed to more data-heavy services and features like video … Read more

Android 4.0.3 update out for T-Mobile's Samsung Galaxy S II

Samsung Galaxy S II owners on T-Mobile can update to Android 4.0.3, but they may have to jump through a few hoops first.

The latest flavor of Ice Cream Sandwich launched as of yesterday evening for Samsung's Galaxy S II. Owners of the phone can learn how to install it via a T-Mobile support page. But be forewarned -- the update isn't available over the air (OTA), meaning you can't download it directly to your phone.

Instead, you have to install it via Samsung's Kies software, which requires you to download and install the … Read more

Lenovo offers no-contract mobile broadband for ThinkPads

Lenovo ThinkPad users who need 3G access can now get it without having to cough up money for a lengthy contract.

Available starting today, Lenovo Mobile Access is a service built into select ThinkPad Classic and ThinkPad Edge laptops for customers in the U.S. and parts of Europe. The service is geared for customers who may need mobile broadband access from time to time but don't want to be saddled with expensive monthly fees.

Lenovo ThinkPad owners can buy a "Time Pass" costing just $1.95 for 30 minutes of access allowing 30MB of data, or $… Read more

T-Mobile to offer iPhone-compatible '4G' at WWDC

During Apple's WWDC at Moscone West next week, T-Mobile has said that it will have an iPhone-compatible 4G network on hand for attendees, according to the Apple news blog 9to5Mac.

The carrier just announced last month that it's network would be compatible with the iPhone later this year, but few expected it to happen so soon.

Here's what a T-Mobile spokesperson told 9to5Mac:

While upgrading coverage inside the West side of the Moscone Center, T-Mobile has also deployed 4G HSPA+ service in the 1900 MHz band to test the live network on a small scale. As part … Read more

Internet lights up with new IPv6 connections

The next-generation Internet technology called IPv6, vastly more accommodating than its predecessor, began arriving for a small but significant fraction of Internet users today.

Several technology powerhouses are trying to encourage adoption the IPv4 sequel through an Internet Society event called the World IPv6 Launch that began today. (Well, actually it started at 5 p.m. PT yesterday -- blame the time-zone complications of global events.)

But start it did. The organizers want to keep tabs on the IPv6 performance during this sensitive introductory phase, and their data shows the arrival of IPv6 connections.

I use the IPvFoo Chrome extension … Read more

Verizon to include global roaming on Galaxy S III

Word on the street is that international travelers using Verizon Wireless might be able to talk on their Samsung Galaxy S III no matter what country they're in.

According to PhoneScoop, Verizon confirmed this rumor. Here's what PhoneScoop says:

Verizon Wireless confirmed to Phone Scoop in an email that its variant of the Samsung Galaxy S III will eventually be able to roam onto the 2G/3G networks of overseas network operators. The capability won't be available at launch, but will be enabled down the line through a software update. Verizon didn't say when that update … Read more

Verizon's 300 Mbps Fios plan to cost $205

Verizon piqued our interest last week when it announced that it would double the speed of its top-tier Fios plan but didn't reveal how much it would cost.

The new service, which will boost speeds to 300 Mbps for downloads and 65 Mbps for uploads, will cost customers $204.99 a month, according to purported training material (see below) sent to The Verge by an anonymous Verizon employee. While that may sound like a lot to spend on Internet service, that price is only $5 more than Verizon customers pay for the current top-tier, 150 Mbps plan.

Price and … Read more

Sprint boasts mobile hotspot add-ons but kills 5GB plan

In a thinly veiled attempt to get users excited about new mobile hotspot add-ons for smartphones and tablets, Sprint announced that it is swapping its 5GB for $29.99 per month data plan for two more costly options.

As of May 18, Sprint launched two hotspot add-ons, the first costs $19.99 per month for 2GB of combined 3G/4G on-network data and the second is $49.99 per month for 6GB of combined data. The 5GB $29.99 is now defunct, but users who have this plan can keep it until they cancel their service.

"Sprint's new … Read more

Verizon to add GSM roaming to four Android smartphones

Verizon Wireless wants to be sure its customers pack one of its phones when they travel abroad this summer.

The carrier confirmed today that four of its Android-powered smartphones will soon get a software update that will allow them to operate on GSM networks -- the dominant global wireless technology and the standard in Europe. Verizon said GSM roaming would be activated on the Droid Razr, Droid Razr Maxx, Droid 4, and HTC Rezound.

"Customers will see a notification on their device when the software update is available for their device," the carrier said in a statement. "… Read more