Why should there be concern regarding a GSM Monopoly? Sprint has a virtual monopoly on WiMax, Nextel had a monopoly on iDen. Network monopoly shouldn't be a concern, right?
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The future of U.S. cell phone carriers live chat with CNET editor, Kent German
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AT&T rocked the wireless world last month when it announced a bid to acquire T-Mobile. If approved, the deal would create the nation's largest carrier, but what would it mean for consumers? And what would happen if it doesn't go through? Could T-Mobile survive?
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There should be a concern, yes. GSM is the dominant global technology so if US customers want a phone that uses SIM cards and is one that they can take overseas, AT&T would be their only choice. Motorola and Nextel developed iDEN so it's not the best analogy. Also, Sprint may uses WiMax, but other 4G options are avaialble. And Sprint's WiMax isn't used anywhere else.
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Do you think we will have true 4g(100mb per second) on carriers like verizon and at&t any time soon?
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AT&T was out yesterday and stated the acquisition is all about additional contiguous spectrum, and not about acquiring more users. Really??? how do they think they will pay for this w/o the users?
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AT&T is saying spectrum is the main goal of the merger. That, and if it doesn't go through the carrier is doomed.
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I'm on Sprint now, but do you think with this merger, phone manufacturers will flock more towards Sprint? After all, most T-Mobile people would, I imagine, switch to Sprint, and I forsee them getting a bigger customer base, so better phones and plans, right?
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I'm currently a Verizon customer, but used to be on T-Mobile and loved them, but I moved to a very rural area with no TMO coverage (so I switched to VZW). With the potential merger with AT&T and T-Mobile does this mean that I might get all the benefits of a low priced T-Mobile calling plan AND the additional coverage that AT&T offers in my area?
Plus - I'm lovin' the TMO phones, UMA calling and customer service so I'm hoping the answer is yes.
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Will T-mobile customers be able to get some of the apps available to AT&T customers and will they be free?
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Do you feel this merger will motivate smaller carriers (like Cricket) to improve their phone lineup as a means of competition?
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Cricket will need to remain competitive on price while expanding its network (they want to go national), offering unique services, and introducing 4G (they want to do that too). And yes, a good mixture of basic phones and smartphones will be essential. It's already moving that way.
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From my understanding this deal is a long ways from being complete. Exactly what is the time frame that we'd be looking at this deal being 1st approved then 2nd completed?
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Thank you for setting this up. I really appreciate being able to talk to an expert. Anyway my question is as follows: I am currently a T-Mobile customer and absolutely love it. Never wanted to switch carriers but it looks like I may not have a choice. There is talks of the T-Mobile handsets not working on ATT due to spectrum issues and that the contracts will change as soon as the merger is final. I qualify for an upgrade with T-Mobile right now. Should I get into a new 2year contract with T-Mobile? Will the contract grandfather into ATT and will my handset work or will I have to aquire a new one with ATT?
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So say the deal does become approved, is this good, bad or neither for the Verizon customer?
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GSM is the dominant cell phone technology used around the world. It stands for Global System for Mobile Communications.
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Have they had or have MORE effect on AT&T & others? The price is lowest overall.
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if at&t merger goes through will t-mobile's 4g wifi service get better?because I can be standing next to my wife and she has 4 bars and wifi and I don't.t-mobile said that it is a glitch in my phone.will it get better?
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Motorola's new system that allows connection of the smartphone to the laptop device and to larger HD displays seems like a step in the right direction, even if it isn't quite yet the be all it could become. Do you see this being a major trend as bugs in the concept become resolved - processor speed, less proprietary peripherals, etc?
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Rumor has it, when and if the deal goes through, is it true that current T-Mobile customers will have to buy new phones that will operate on this new network?
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T-Mobile's 3G AWS technology is not compatible with AT&T's UMTS 3G technology. Basic GSM services for calling and texting will be compatible, though.
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We have been AT&T wireless data users for 6 years. They re-neg over past month to force us to drop our unlimited plan. The bill we received is the subject.
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When 4G comes in is there an option where you can do away with 3G
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One thing I've always hated about traveling is the cost of coverage and inability to use my phone. Will this possible merger of US GSM carriers ever help towards a global frequency standard? and hopefully cheaper global roaming?
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why is it that I have been with t-mobile since 2008 and I am still on flex pay and they said that I can't get off until they say so.I have payed my bill every month on time and ahead of time and they said that it's not good enough.will it get better with the merger?and if the merger goes through will they call it at&t-mobile?
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The Atrix idea seems a step in the right direction. there are issues but they seem resolveable with time - would you agree? The proprietary peripherals and processor speeds would need to be resolved before I'd be a serious customer, though.
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Good points about the Atrix. AT&T also needs to switch on the HSUPA data speeds. That should happen this month.
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