Google's introduction of "Project Fi" (as in Wi-Fi without the "Wi") provides a unique opportunity. Your can use whatever signal your phone can access among Wi-Fi, T-Mobile and Sprint broadband sources. Google has changed the pricing and technical profile of using wireless, and usually, most things that Google touches benefits the average consumer.
So, does this mean Google will be an "MVNO", or a re-seller of network access from 2 of the top 4 wireless carriers, or something else? As we peek over the horizon, instead of expecting the major carriers doing something different to compete, we see other MVNO's going in the same direction and offering some kind of network combination. Our challenge is to find where to classify Google's wireless. Is it "Wireless," "Prepaid," or "Broadband"? Instead of waiting to see what direction it goes, we'll just include it in every related corner of our Mountain Wireless Cellular networks and see if we can do our part to help this innovation grow.
To get in on the first round of the fun you only need a Gmail account and to request an "invite", which is similar to the start of other Google projects. Then, let the wireless innovation begin.
Thursday, April 23, 2015
Monday, April 13, 2015
Sprint Expands Foreign Roaming
Sprint has finally come to the table with an International Roaming package that finally puts them at par with the other major carriers. Aggressive pricing, paying ETF's and Unlimited Data can only go so far. Now Sprint will offer a competitive International Roaming Value package that allows Text, Voice and Data at reasonable rates. They also offer a Wi-Fi calling app that puts them into T-Mobile's arena that expands calling abilities to many extreme corners of the house and the globe.
Recognizing overall service improvements, Mountain Wireless has increased Sprint's "MW Rating" from a dismal "6" to a respectable "7". Positive field reports from Sprint users might even improve that rating again.
We have noted these changes on our Mexico and International Roaming web sites. One odditiy is that none of these improvements include service in Canada. We hope that's coming soon.
Recognizing overall service improvements, Mountain Wireless has increased Sprint's "MW Rating" from a dismal "6" to a respectable "7". Positive field reports from Sprint users might even improve that rating again.
We have noted these changes on our Mexico and International Roaming web sites. One odditiy is that none of these improvements include service in Canada. We hope that's coming soon.
Thursday, March 26, 2015
GoPhone Goes Awry
As wireless customers just like you, we get to encounter various levels of customer service. I deal more with wireless resellers (MVNO's) who do a good job handling customers online. Recently, I tried to activate an AT&T GoPhone SIM for short-time use which normally involves just assigning a phone number and plan to a SIM. Easy, right?
We normally head to the nearest AT&T store where they can set up a new GoPhone SIM, plan and number within minutes. Lately, the AT&T store has been too busy. Business is good, and that's OK. An agent threw me a new SIM and told me to activate it online...unless I wanted to wait. Fair enough.
However, I could find no way to activate a plain AT&T SIM online. If I could get far enough to choose a plan, there is no option for the "10 Cents a Minute" plan (because I have a Smart phone?). Failing that, I am directed to call a certain phone number to activate a GoPhone SIM. That person there could not do what I wanted...the computer wouldn't let her. Why not?
She eventually transferred me to "customer service". The person I spoke with there had a heavy foreign accent but knew exactly what to do and asked for no more than my ZIP Code, SIM number and desired plan. Done! I was able to add my own Discount Refill and life was back to normal.
GoPhone is good but I can see why the Prepaid re-sellers can make inroads on the major carriers. For the MVNO's, Prepaid is their main business. For AT&T, and possibly others, Prepaid still gets second class status...unless you connect with the right department, by choice or by accident. Or, how about online?
We normally head to the nearest AT&T store where they can set up a new GoPhone SIM, plan and number within minutes. Lately, the AT&T store has been too busy. Business is good, and that's OK. An agent threw me a new SIM and told me to activate it online...unless I wanted to wait. Fair enough.
However, I could find no way to activate a plain AT&T SIM online. If I could get far enough to choose a plan, there is no option for the "10 Cents a Minute" plan (because I have a Smart phone?). Failing that, I am directed to call a certain phone number to activate a GoPhone SIM. That person there could not do what I wanted...the computer wouldn't let her. Why not?
She eventually transferred me to "customer service". The person I spoke with there had a heavy foreign accent but knew exactly what to do and asked for no more than my ZIP Code, SIM number and desired plan. Done! I was able to add my own Discount Refill and life was back to normal.
GoPhone is good but I can see why the Prepaid re-sellers can make inroads on the major carriers. For the MVNO's, Prepaid is their main business. For AT&T, and possibly others, Prepaid still gets second class status...unless you connect with the right department, by choice or by accident. Or, how about online?
Friday, March 20, 2015
The PTCI Network Upgrades
It's always great to see one of the smallest networks make a significant upgrade to their network. Recently, PTCI wireless, in the Oklahoma Panhandle, decided not only to upgrade to 4G, they also took the bold step to switch the entire network to GSM. They now claim a roaming relationship with AT&T that will serve their customers better than before, and we agree.
So far this year there have been few network shutdowns. There are several carriers who are barely holding on so we expect this to be a temporary situation.
So far this year there have been few network shutdowns. There are several carriers who are barely holding on so we expect this to be a temporary situation.
Tuesday, March 17, 2015
Mobile-Friendly
For the last few months we have been encouraged to make all of our web sites more "mobile-friendly." We have spent hours doing just that and have not been adding any blog posts. Most of the big news has been available elsewhere but there have been a few stories among large and small carriers worth noting.
So far, our biggest story is AT&T's entry into Mexico. After purchasing 2 wireless networks there, what will happen next? AT&T has already said they will upgrade coverage to 4G LTE. What else? TelCel will probably shrink, either their network or their customer base, which is required by Mexican law.
The next step is less clear. Will AT&T start using a new name, or perhaps just...AT&T? Will across-the-border wireless roaming become transparent? Will T-Mobile need to find a way to charge less than their $1.79 per minute roaming charges (.20 per minute on some plans)? And what happens to Verizon and Sprint CDMA roamers? AT&T already owns the only CDMA network in Mexico (Iusacel). Why keep it running? Fortunately, the future is mostly 4G, so many newer phones will just need a SIM compatible with the new AT&T Mexican network. And how about Data roaming?
We need to have some competition from other US carriers just so AT&T will be encouraged to create the kind of beneficial deals they will be capable of providing. Also, keep watching Cricket Wireless who will be using their Mexico advantages in the prepaid arena. This is almost a daily project for our Mexico Cellular web site.
So far, our biggest story is AT&T's entry into Mexico. After purchasing 2 wireless networks there, what will happen next? AT&T has already said they will upgrade coverage to 4G LTE. What else? TelCel will probably shrink, either their network or their customer base, which is required by Mexican law.
The next step is less clear. Will AT&T start using a new name, or perhaps just...AT&T? Will across-the-border wireless roaming become transparent? Will T-Mobile need to find a way to charge less than their $1.79 per minute roaming charges (.20 per minute on some plans)? And what happens to Verizon and Sprint CDMA roamers? AT&T already owns the only CDMA network in Mexico (Iusacel). Why keep it running? Fortunately, the future is mostly 4G, so many newer phones will just need a SIM compatible with the new AT&T Mexican network. And how about Data roaming?
We need to have some competition from other US carriers just so AT&T will be encouraged to create the kind of beneficial deals they will be capable of providing. Also, keep watching Cricket Wireless who will be using their Mexico advantages in the prepaid arena. This is almost a daily project for our Mexico Cellular web site.
Sunday, March 15, 2015
Total Wireless Competition
There is now quite a bit of wireless competition at the $35 level but it has been mostly for people using GSM phones. For users with CDMA phones, mostly from Verizon Wireless, there has been just one easy choice...Page Plus. Now there is another: Total Wireless. Total is being offered by the company that owns Page Plus, America Movil, so, yes, they are competing against themselves.
The Total Wireless product was created to be sold at Walmart, but savvy visitors here know it is also available online, just like Straight Talk, also a Walmart/America Movil product. Just like Straight Talk, you get Unlimited Talk & Text and up to 2.5 Gb of data for 30 days, but unlike Straight Talk, it only costs $35, plus tax.
This seems to be a method of Walmart and America Movil to compete at this price level without affecting Straight Talk and other existing customers who will remain at the $45 level for (almost) the same product. "Almost" means Total Wireless is limited to 3G which Verizon probably supplies at a good wholesale price as they shift their own customers to 4G channels. Keep in mind all America Movil products also add sales tax which is not added by some competitors. Cricket Wireless is one $35 competitor that not only doesn't add tax, but also provides 4G coverage.
We have talked about Walmart as being a real wireless player before, and now you can play 'find the cheapest plan' at your nearest Wally World, or even online.
The Total Wireless product was created to be sold at Walmart, but savvy visitors here know it is also available online, just like Straight Talk, also a Walmart/America Movil product. Just like Straight Talk, you get Unlimited Talk & Text and up to 2.5 Gb of data for 30 days, but unlike Straight Talk, it only costs $35, plus tax.
This seems to be a method of Walmart and America Movil to compete at this price level without affecting Straight Talk and other existing customers who will remain at the $45 level for (almost) the same product. "Almost" means Total Wireless is limited to 3G which Verizon probably supplies at a good wholesale price as they shift their own customers to 4G channels. Keep in mind all America Movil products also add sales tax which is not added by some competitors. Cricket Wireless is one $35 competitor that not only doesn't add tax, but also provides 4G coverage.
We have talked about Walmart as being a real wireless player before, and now you can play 'find the cheapest plan' at your nearest Wally World, or even online.
Monday, January 26, 2015
AT&T Expands Deeper into Mexico
AT&T has agreed to buy another Mexican wireless carrier, Nextel of Mexico. This will be combined with their now-completed purchase of Iusacell of Mexico to create a wireless carrier with excellent coverage across the entire country. It means that AT&T (and Cricket) will have a substantial advantage over other US wireless carriers when offering roaming in Mexico. It also means Mexico wireless users will soon have top notch wireless broadband available as AT&T improves both networks to 4G LTE.
As frequent Mexico travelers, we'll offer continuous updates on the AT&T acquisitions and what it means to US wireless users. We expect big changes in what we recommend on our Mexico Cellular pages. We also expect some other US carrier will try to remain competitive, otherwise, we'll just recommend switching to AT&T and head for the beach.
As this unfolds, we have added AT&T as a "local" carrier at Mexico Cellular and you can also check our Mexico Coverage Maps including zoomable, Mexico Interactive Maps. Then head for the beach.
As frequent Mexico travelers, we'll offer continuous updates on the AT&T acquisitions and what it means to US wireless users. We expect big changes in what we recommend on our Mexico Cellular pages. We also expect some other US carrier will try to remain competitive, otherwise, we'll just recommend switching to AT&T and head for the beach.
As this unfolds, we have added AT&T as a "local" carrier at Mexico Cellular and you can also check our Mexico Coverage Maps including zoomable, Mexico Interactive Maps. Then head for the beach.
Tuesday, January 13, 2015
Putting on a Low-Cost Disguise
Last year, AT&T and T-Mobile entered a new mode of competition by acquiring some old networks. Both companies picked up some spectrum, some customers, but more importantly, a way to compete in the low-cost arena without diluting their main brand.
Picking up a Cricket Wireless phone gives you a slick way to get "AT&T Light". It's AT&T with a, "We'll do what it takes to compete" way to doing business. The same is true with MetroPCS which gives T-Mobile a chance to push the low end without cheapening the T-Mobile name. Both services have much to offer including a large selection of phones and competitive plans. They both even have a Mexico roaming package.
As I drove across eastern New Mexico at Christmas, I noticed that my Straight Talk phone never switched away from "AT&T" instead of the old "Roaming" label it displayed last time (which happened to be GSM supplied by Verizon). In this case, AT&T has taken over their recently-purchased Plateau Wireless network, eliminating my last objection to going with a single-network product like Cricket. Of course I won't want to travel across Nebraska until AT&T makes a presence there.
As we dissect each of carrier's offers, the only difference we can find is that Cricket's Mexico add-on gives you 100 minutes for $10 versus MetroPCS's 200 minutes for the same fee. Both are a great deal since going to Mexico either required a pricey roaming plan or the need to pick up a GoPhone phone or SIM. Look for reasonable Mexico Data roaming charges in the near future when AT&T acquires their own network in Mexico, which should also give Cricket a leg up. Chirp-chirp.
Picking up a Cricket Wireless phone gives you a slick way to get "AT&T Light". It's AT&T with a, "We'll do what it takes to compete" way to doing business. The same is true with MetroPCS which gives T-Mobile a chance to push the low end without cheapening the T-Mobile name. Both services have much to offer including a large selection of phones and competitive plans. They both even have a Mexico roaming package.
As I drove across eastern New Mexico at Christmas, I noticed that my Straight Talk phone never switched away from "AT&T" instead of the old "Roaming" label it displayed last time (which happened to be GSM supplied by Verizon). In this case, AT&T has taken over their recently-purchased Plateau Wireless network, eliminating my last objection to going with a single-network product like Cricket. Of course I won't want to travel across Nebraska until AT&T makes a presence there.
As we dissect each of carrier's offers, the only difference we can find is that Cricket's Mexico add-on gives you 100 minutes for $10 versus MetroPCS's 200 minutes for the same fee. Both are a great deal since going to Mexico either required a pricey roaming plan or the need to pick up a GoPhone phone or SIM. Look for reasonable Mexico Data roaming charges in the near future when AT&T acquires their own network in Mexico, which should also give Cricket a leg up. Chirp-chirp.
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