Alltel Launches Wi-Fi Hotspot

Alltel yesterday launched Alltel Wi-Fi, a new service specifically for users who want to bring their short-range wireless devices online in public places. The plan teams up with Boingo Wireless and lets any user of a Wi-Fi-equipped notebook or smartphone connect both to Alltel’s own locations as well as “thousands” of North and South American hotspots. The Internet connections peak at speeds up to 2.4Mbps and provide a real alternative to EVDO cellular access, according to Alltel.

Pricing for the Wi-Fi plan depends on existing service. An existing subscriber with an EVDO data plan can add Wi-Fi for $10 per month with unlimited access; those who only use phone service or a partial plan can still opt for a $22 monthly agreement. Non-subscribers can pay as they go to fill a gap in Internet access on a trip or a vacation, according to the company: users can pay as little as $8 for a single day’s access or as much as $30 per month. Great!

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Nokia Completes the Enpocket Acquisition

Nokia today announced that it has completed its acquisition of Enpocket, a global leader in mobile advertising providing technology and services that allow brands to plan, create, execute, measure and optimize mobile advertising campaigns around the world.
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Ericsson Launches HSPA in the 2.6GHz

Ericsson (NASDAQ: ERIC) today announced the launch of infrastructure and device platforms for WCDMA/HSPA in the 2.6GHz frequency band. The move is triggered by strong market interest and supports the growth of mobile broadband worldwide.

The launch of HSPA products for the 2.6GHz frequency band provides an immediate and secure choice for operators planning to offer mobile broadband services in this band.
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Sony Ericsson W580i Available through AT&T

Sony Ericsson’s W580i (reviewed here) is at last coming to the United States through AT&T. As a Walkman phone, the 580i focuses heavily on music, featuring special playback software, an FM tuner and higher-quality earbuds; the battery can provide up to 20 hours of music playback, or nine hours of call-time.

On its new network, the phone can identify songs through either Sony Ericsson’s TrackID or AT&T’s own Music ID service, and it will come preloaded with an AT&T music folder and a MEdiaNet web browser. The phone is expected to be available across the US this month, at a cost of $270 list or as low as $80 after a rebate and two-year contract.

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