01/28, 3:05pm
Samsung Epic 2 slider may return after all
Samsung's seemingly abandoned Epic 2 for Sprint might still see the light of day after leaks saw it resurface. The Android QWERTY slider is now in Cellebrite's device tracking system, ACSyndicate found, usually a sign that it's getting close to release. The SPH prefix in front of its D705 model number suggests that it's intended for a Sprint-related carrier, which given Sprint's own absence could mean Boost Mobile or Virgin Mobile instead.
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01/18, 8:45pm
Allowance set at 2.5GB before throttling
Virgin Mobile has announced that it is finally ready to begin its throttling plans, which were mentioned last year but never implemented in October as promised. The carrier suggests it will reduce connection speeds for users who surpass 2.5GB of monthly usage on a Beyond Talk plan.
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12/11, 6:55pm
We review the Galaxy Nexus and Android 4
The Galaxy Nexus is arguably the first official Google phone whose appeal isn't just confined to hardcore Android fans: even those who only know the iPhone by name are taking notice. With a massive 4.65-inch, 720p display, a near-instant camera, and most importantly Android 4.0, it promises not just to be a powerful phone but the most cohesive expression of what Android can be. But can it cross over into the mainstream in a way that previously only Apple could? Our Samsung Galaxy Nexus review settles that question.
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12/05, 7:00pm
Entry level phones receive Virgin Mobile rendering
Two new entry level phones may soon be joining Virgin Mobile's smartphone ranks. Pocketnow has
posted renderings of the Chaser and Venture, two ZTE phones bearing the prepaid carrier's brand. Both are likely to run Android 2.3.
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12/05, 4:40pm
Ting to use step-up, step-down plans
Best known for its file hosting, Tucows is planning a new virtual carrier based off of sprint that could lower the practical cost of a smartphone bill. Ting will drop overage fees in favor of automatic tier changes. Similar to an older Rogers plan in Canada, customers are bumped up to a new tier if they use more voice, messages, or data than included the plan, potentially saving hundreds of dollars over the course of service.
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11/21, 7:50am
Galaxy Nexus priced and dated in Canada first
Canada beat the US to getting a commitment for a ship date and pricing for the Galaxy Nexus. Samsung's Android 4.0 flagship will ship both to Bell and to Virgin on December 8, supporting rumors. Both carriers will sell it for $160 on a three-year plan or $650 contract-free.
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11/14, 8:55am
Virgin Mobile first Canadian Galaxy Nexus carrier
(Update: Bell too) Virgin Mobile jumped the gun Monday to become the first Canadian carrier to officially commit to the Galaxy Nexus. A pre-order page now lets Canadians sign up for the Android 4.0 flagship, which the carrier has narrowed down to a launch in early December. It didn't give pricing, but it expects the phone to get a discount through its SuperTab plans, including a promo plan for $70 per month with just 200 minutes but 6GB of data and unlimited weekends and evenings from 6PM.
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10/19, 11:05am
C Spire confirms iPhone 4S deal
C Spire, once known as Cellular South, confirmed Wednesday that it would be getting the iPhone 4S. The American CDMA carrier plans to carry at least the flagship of Apple's line sometime in the "coming weeks." Prices are presumed to be the same $199 to $399 on contract for 16GB to 64GB.
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10/13, 5:40pm
iPhone 4S now on sale in first countries
Australia as is often case has had the distinction of being the first for an Apple launch in carrying the iPhone 4S. Apple's flagship Sydney store showed that demand hadn't tapered for the new model, with hundreds of buyers queued up in line. Both official and unofficial reports have pointed to "tens of thousands" of pre-orders at Optus and Telstra each, selling out of 64GB pre-orders.
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10/07, 4:20am
Apple denies US unlocked iPhone 4S for a month
Americans visiting the online Apple Store to pre-order an iPhone 4S encountered multiple limitations on what they could buy. The unlocked GSM iPhone 4S won't be available until November in the country despite Canadians and some other regions having the option from the start. No reasons have been given, although it may be either supply or an agreement with AT&T.
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10/03, 9:35am
T-Mobile tries to catch data crowd with 30 plan
T-Mobile started off the week by launching a new phone plan targeted at an audience much more focused on messaging than calls. A $30 prepaid plan will have just 100 minutes of voice but 'unlimited' data and unlimited text. It will support full HSPA+ speeds for the first 5GB and will cost 10 cents for every US minute over the included 100.
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09/30, 11:25am
Virgin gets Optimus Slider and Wildfire S
Virgin Mobile's US branch committed itself to Android further with two new additions that each bring a first to the prepaid carrier. The LG Optimus Slider is considered a sequel to the almost unusually popular Optimus V and brings in its self-described QWERTY keyboard for frequent messaging. LG hasn't said what processor is inside, but it will come with Android 2.3, a 3.2-inch (likely 320x480) touchscreen, and a 3.2-megapixel camera.
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09/13, 7:05pm
Verizon confirms prepaid all-in deal
Verizon on Tuesday confirmed intentions to take its $50 unlimited prepaid plan national this week. As of Thursday, prepaid customers will get unlimited voice, text, and data. New phone picks will be limited to basic phones like the LG Cosmos, Pantech Caper, and those from Samsung.
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08/23, 10:45pm
Piper estimates 6m Sprint iPhones in 2012
Recently leaked plans for an iPhone on Sprint could see Apple add six million more iPhones to its tally in 2012, Piper Jaffray analyst Gene Munster estimated Tuesday. Using Verizon's iPhone activations so far, where 11 percent of all cellphones sold are Apple's, he applied the same proportion to Sprint's own expected performance. Having the one extra carrier could accelerate Apple's iPhone sales expansion from 30 percent next year to 37 percent.
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08/19, 10:30am
New iPhones imminent
Canadian carriers Bell and Virgin Mobile have joined Telus in lowering the price of the iPhone 4. In both cases a 16GB model is just $100, although with Bell this requires a three-year contract, and on Virgin either the contract or coverage under a SuperTab. 32GB models remain as expensive as before, costing $270.
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08/10, 3:55pm
BlackBerry Bold 9900 now at Canadian providers
The BlackBerry Bold 9900 is now shipping at Canadian providers including Bell and Virgin Mobile, with Rogers and Telus expected to update their product pages later on today as well. At the former two, the smartphone costs $600 CAD ($607) without an agreement and $170 CAD ($172) on a three-year/SuperTab contract. Rogers has already said it would charge a steep $250 for the same device.
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07/28, 1:25pm
Triumph owners reporting screen, camera issues
Owners of the Motorola Triumph are reporting several issues with their devices. For one, the touchscreen is suffering from a flickering issue and the five-megapixel camera doesn't autofocus. Exchanging the device with Virgin Mobile for a new one doesn't fix the issue either, prompting the theory that the problem lies in the software rather than the hardware.
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07/15, 7:30pm
Phone makes official N. Am. in Canada
Late last month, Samsung confirmed that it was bringing the Galaxy S II smartphone to North America by way of Canada. None of the three Canadian providers, Bell, SaskTel and Virgin, offered any date, beyond generically this summer, as to when it would be available. Bell has now quietly revealed that it will arrive July 21.
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07/13, 1:05pm
Motorola Triumph, Apple iPhone could be causes
The US branch of Virgin Mobile is hiking the prices on two of its three Beyond Talk plans, according to an announcement. Although in all cases data will be unlimited, the option with 300 voice minutes is being pushed from $25 to $35 a month. The 1200-minute option is likewise going up $5 to $45, but the fully unlimited plan is being reduced $5 to $55. A $10 fee for BlackBerries is being dropped.
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07/02, 5:15pm
LG Optimus Black coming to most US CDMA carriers
LG's Optimus Black is now known to be coming to virtually every US CDMA carrier after FCC listings gave its plans away. A core LS855 model is headed to Sprint, while AS855, US855, and VM855 should reach Alltel, US Cellular, and Virgin. In every case, the chief updates are the expected switchovers to CDMA and EVDO for phone calls and 3G.
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06/30, 11:55am
Galaxy S II confirmed for Bell, SaskTel, Virgin
Samsung brought the Galaxy S II to North America for the first time with word it was coming to three wireless providers in Canada. This includes Bell, where the handset will be known as the Galaxy S II 4G, along with SaskTel and Virgin Mobile. The dual-core, Android 2.3-powered handset sports a 4.3-inch Super AMOLED Plus touchscreen and supports 3G HSPA+ data networks for up to 21Mbps download speeds.
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06/09, 1:00pm
Motorola Android hits Sprint by Photon 4G, Triumph
Motorola brought two Android phones to Sprint at a special event Tuesday by unveiling two flagship phones for both Sprint itself and Virgin. The Photon 4G is Sprint's first international 4G hardware and will talk to GSM networks along with Sprint's CDMA, 3G, and 4G networks. The phone stands as Sprint's first dual-core Tegra 2 hardware and packs a 4.3-inch 540x960 screen along with both a rear eight-megapixel camera and a front VGA camera.
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05/19, 11:05am
Virgin Mobile adds $20, 500MB data plan
Virgin Mobile USA has added a new service tier to its no-contract Broadband2Go mobile broadband offerings. The $20 plan gives users 500MB of data for use anytime that expires after one month even if not used. This tier splits the $10, 100MB offering and the $50, 'unlimited' access offering that provides 3G speeds up to 2.5GB in a month before throttling speeds.
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04/26, 6:25pm
Rogers and Virgin Mobile slip white iPhone 4 too
Canadian carriers joined in revealing plans for the white iPhone 4 this week as a pair of discoveries have pointed to the new color coming in. At least one Virgin Mobile store was already getting a "box load," while Rogers was sending an internal memo that was letting stores make orders but couldn't yet sell them, MobileSyrup said.
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04/15, 3:10pm
Samsung Replenish hits Sprint with cheaper data
Sprint at a Friday event confirmed the existence of the Samsung Replenish. The phone is its first eco-friendly smartphone and is built out of 82 percent recyclable material with a minimum of toxic materials as well as 34.6 percent recycled plastic on the outside. The carrier goes so far as to make an optional solar rear charging panel and to offer a special green Sprint ID pack to theme the OS for its mission.
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04/08, 4:45pm
Sprint to absorb Common Cents brand into payLo
Sprint on Friday said it would put an end to its Common Cents Mobile prepaid service and merge it into the Virgin Mobile payLo sevice instead beginning this May. Common Cents was launched less than a year ago, and current users are being informed that service will be unaffected as long as their accounts remain active and they stick to their existing plans. Additional minutes can be purchased from Virgin Mobile.
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04/04, 12:00pm
HTC Incredible S ships in Canada at Bell, Virgin
Canadian telecommunications and cable provider Bell is now shipping the HTC Incredible S. Virgin Mobile, Bell's sibling, has also now launched the device. At either provider, the phone costs $500 CAD ($519) contract-free or $100 CAD ($104) on a three-year contract with a voice and data plan. Bell requires a minimum $50 CAD ($52) per month plan while Virgin users can get a $40 CAD plan ($41.50).
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03/29, 3:35pm
Virgin Mobile says Incredible S is coming soon
Canadian wireless provider Virgin Mobile just announced on Twitter that it will soon launch the HTC Incredible S. Exactly when it will be out isn't known, but it's likely to mirror Bell's release on April 14. Virgin will price it at $500 CAD ($512), however, contract-free, according to a leaked Virgin inventory screen.
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03/18, 6:45pm
LG Optimus V in sellout, Nexus S 4G logo seen
Virgin Mobile's LG Optimus V has seen an unexpectedly high amount of demand based on first-hand looks. Every retailer that carries the ultra-budget Android 2.2 phone, including Best Buy, Target, and Walmart, has remained backordered for at least the past two weeks. Android and Me didn't check, but Virgin's online store also lists it as "temporarily out of stock."
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02/17, 3:50pm
Virgin Mobile Intercept to get Froyo on March 25
Virgin Mobile's first Android smartphone, the Samsung Intercept, will get the much-needed update to Android 2.2 on or about March 25, the carrier announced over Twitter on Wednesday. The successor to the Samsung Moment, the Intercept sports a slide-out hardware QWERTY keyboard along with a 3.2-inch LCD touchscreen. It shipped with Android 2.1 onboard.
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02/16, 11:15am
Virgin Mobile ups price, drops data limit on plan
Virgin Mobile has quietly restricted its unlimited Broadband2Go mobile data plan again recently, capping it at 2.5GB and upping its monthly subscription price. Just over a month ago, Virgin promised the plan will offer 5GB of full-speed data use for $40 per month. The provider is using a soft cap and optionally throttles speeds if the network is congested.
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02/01, 9:50am
LG Optimus V official for Virgin Mobile US
Virgin Mobile today picked up its least expensive smartphone to date by confirming plans for the LG Optimus V. The sibling to the Optimus S at Sprint shares the same 3.2-inch 480x320 screen, 3.2-megapixel camera and 600MHz processor but with a lower cost. At $150 off-contract, the Android 2.2 phone is one of the least expensive in the US.
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01/12, 12:05pm
Virgin Mobile limits data speeds after 5GB
Virgin Mobile on Tuesday let it be known that it will stop offering its all-inclusive, $40 per month 3G Broadband 2Go data plan. Instead, it will put a soft data cap in place when users reach 5GB of data use during their monthly use, limited access speeds but not quantity. The reason for this is to ensure an optimal experience, Virgin Mobile claimed.
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12/14, 8:55pm
Rogers and Fido iPhone unlocks rumored in works
Canadian carrier Rogers and its sub-brand Fido have brought back a system that would let customers more officially unlock iPhones after the sale, a possible leak of its strategy has uncovered. As part of a broader move that would let any subscriber out when out of contract, Rogers has let users get an unlock by calling its help line and having them contact Apple. Once greenlit, the phone needs only to be restored in iTunes to remove the restrictions, iPhone in Canada was told by Fido user Argun Tekant.
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11/18, 11:35am
Virgin US gives 1GB data for 20 dollars in Walmart
Virgin Mobile USA sparked its mobile data plans today by launching a new plan through Walmart. Those who have either the Novatel MiFi 2200 router or an Ovation MC720 modem can get 1GB of data per month for $20 when paying for access through the retailer. The plan is a direct balance between the lightweight $10 for 100MB deal and the $40 unlimited service.
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10/29, 7:55am
Sprint CEO Hesse says iPad a boon, odd on iPhone
Sprint has been reaping the rewards of the iPad even without an official deal, carrier chief Dan Hesse said in an interview that also raised eyebrows over iPhone discussions. The CEO noted that most iPads were Wi-Fi versions and that he had seen a boost to sales of the Sierra Wireless Overdrive. The pocket router is good for getting the iPad online away from home, he told GigaOM. It can connect to either 3G or 4G and share its connection with four other devices, none of which are options with the iPad's built-in 3G.
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10/04, 2:15pm
First Android phone for Virgin Mobile prepaid
As promised, the Samsung Intercept has begun shipping for Virgin Mobile prepaid phone plans. The Intercept is one of the first prepaid Android smartphones in the US and has the full slate of features, such as 3.2-megapixel camera, GPS , and Wi-Fi. The QWERTY slider ships with Android 2.1.
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10/04, 10:05am
Verizon Fivespot 3G router made official
Verizon today officially unveiled the Fivespot, the first portable router to support both Verizon's native 3G as well as world roaming. The ZTE-made router can share its access with up to five devices on Wi-Fi either on EVDO at home or up to 7.2Mbps HSPA around the world, including on the 850MHz and 1,900MHz bands used by AT&T and most Canadian carriers. Verizon preloads a SIM card for its official plans but hasn't said if the HSPA portion is unlocked.
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09/21, 11:25pm
Offering marks pepaid smartphone push
Virgin Mobile has confirmed that it has selected Samsung's Intercept handset as its first Android offering, according to the company's Facebook page. The offering represents a further push into the smartphone market for the prepaid carrier, which offers several contract-free plans with unlimited data.
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08/24, 7:55am
No contract, unlimited data en route
Confirming an earlier leak, Virgin Mobile has revamped its Broadband2Go data plans and now offers a true $40 unlimited data service. Replacing the earlier four tier arrangement, the simplified two tier pricing structure also includes a $10 option for 100 MB that gives casual users up to 10 days of access when needed. Available for use online from tomorrow, the development is likely to increase competition in the mobile broadband space.
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08/22, 12:10am
Virgin Mobile to land unlimited data
Virgin Mobile this weekend prematurely confirmed a major revamp of its Broadband2Go data plans that could see a return to real unlimited data. Rather than the four plans offered today, it would simplify to just a $40 unlimited monthly plan and a $10, 100MB 10-day plan. IntoMobile has added through a leaked memo that the changes will go live on August 24.
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08/03, 1:35pm
Bell, Rogers, Telus, Virgin and Vodafone OK Torch
In the wake of the BlackBerry Torch launch this morning, multiple Canadian carriers and at least one European carrier have promised to pick up RIM's touch slider. Bell, Rogers, Telus and Virgin Mobile will all have the device. Most of them will only commit to a launch in "coming weeks," but Bell has said it expects the Torch in the fall.
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07/30, 3:30pm
iPhone causes Rogers failure once again
Rogers suffered embarrassment in an iPhone launch again today as Electronista readers have reported that the company's activation system has shut down completely during the iPhone 4 release. Many customers have been unable to get Apple's device activated nationwide and in many cases are being told to go home with reservations for the devices. All other carriers, including Rogers' own sub-brand Fido, weren't affected by the issue.
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07/30, 7:40am
iPhone 4 ships in 17 more countries
The iPhone 4 today launched in 17 more countries and included more carriers. Apple's phone is now available in Australia and New Zealand, Canada, Hong Kong, Ireland, Scandinavian countries, Singapore and new European countries that include the Benelux area and Spain. South Korea, which had been included in the original "second wave" list, is only due to get the device later this year due to delays.
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07/26, 4:35pm
iPhone 4 unlocked in Canada but at high price
Apple has quietly confirmed that it will sell the iPhone 4 unlocked in Canada. A carrier-independent version will start at $659 CAD ($639 US) for a 16GB model and scale to $779 CAD ($755 US) for a 32GB version. It's not known if Apple will offer pre-installed micro SIM cards as with the iPad, but these usually cost between $5 and $10 CAD when bought separately.
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06/29, 12:35pm
Prepaid MiFi mobile hotspot arrives at Virgin
Virgin Mobile USA has launched the promised MiFi 2200. The provider's first such product, it allows up to five Wi-Fi connected devices access Virgin's 3G network. It's also the first US-based prepaid plan available for the pocket router.
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06/28, 11:55am
Tip gives firmer date for iPhone 4 world debut
Apple's wider international launch of the iPhone 4 has been penned in for July 23, according to an Electronista tipster. A source at a major Canadian carrier has the launch marked for that Friday, which would be consistent with the talk of a later July release date for the extra 18 countries involved. The contact warned that the date could move up if other carriers did the same, but Apple has rarely put launches across different dates for providers in a single country.
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06/23, 12:05pm
Virgin US MiFi to share connections on cheap
Virgin Mobile USA today became one of the rare North American carriers to offer Novatel's MiFi with prepaid data. Much like its USB modems, Virgin's MiFi will only require data by the bucket rather than a recurring rate; users can get as little as 100MB of data for a short 10-day stint at $10 or as much as 5GB of data for a full month at $60. The MiFi still shares its connection with as many as five devices over Wi-Fi.
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06/17, 3:15pm
HTC Legend now at Bell Canada
The HTC Legend smartphone is now available at Bell Canada. The phone made its North American debut at Virgin Mobile Canada last weekend, which is owned by Bell. At either provider, the device costs $80 CAD (about $78) on a three-year contract, but Bell offers it for $400 CAD contract-free where Virgin Mobile prices it at $350 with the same terms.
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06/12, 10:30am
HTC Legend reaches first N American carrier
Virgin Mobile Canada had the distinction later on Friday of becoming the first North American carrier to offer the HTC Legend. Its version runs on the 850MHz and 1,900MHz 3G bands but is otherwise very close to the international version with a 3.2-inch, 480x320 AMOLED touchscreen, a five-megapixel camera with flash, GPS and Wi-Fi. It runs Android 2.1 with the latest version of HTC's Sense UI and stands out through an extremely solid, unibody aluminum body.
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