Thursday, April 21, 2011

Android Phone Fans

Android Phone Fans

AT&T Files T-Mobile Merger Proposal with FCC

Posted: 21 Apr 2011 02:52 PM PDT

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Despite the continued protest of Sprint and others in the wireless industry, AT&T has submitted its proposal detailing the acquisition of T-Mobile to the FCC. Detractors argue that the merger would stifle competition as Verizon and AT&T would emerge as the only viable contenders in the US. AT&T is prepared to argue that acquiring T-Mobile will allow them to bring 4G LTE services to 97 percent of the United States, tracking the growing demand for wireless and bringing high-speed services to areas that otherwise would be left without. It’s a tough call, but luckily we aren’t the ones that have to make it. One FCC official sees no way the deal will pass, but something tells us this one won’t be that simple. In the end the results will trickle down to the consumer, good or bad.

AT&T Files Public Interest Statement With FCC on T-Mobile Acquisition

Dallas, Texas, April 21, 2011

AT&T Inc. (NYSE: T) today filed with the Federal Communications Commission its Public Interest Statement regarding its proposed acquisition of T-Mobile USA. The filing demonstrates the numerous benefits of the merger, including the deployment of 4G LTE network technology to more than 97 percent of the population. When the parties announced this transaction in March 2011, AT&T initially stated that it would deploy LTE to 95 percent of the U.S. population. After conducting a more refined analysis of the combined network, AT&T is increasing the scope of this commitment to 97.3 percent. This deployment will help fulfill this Administration’s pledge to connect every part of America to the digital age, and it will create new jobs and economic growth in the small towns and rural communities that need them most.

The publicly available filing, with certain portions containing competitively confidential information redacted, is available at www.MobilizeEverything.com.

Additional highlights of the filing include:

AT&T has helped make the United States the global leader in mobile broadband and smartphone sales. AT&T’s mobile broadband leadership, however, presents it with unique spectrum and capacity challenges. A smartphone generates 24 times the mobile data traffic of a conventional wireless phone, and the explosively popular iPad and similar tablet devices can generate traffic comparable to or even greater than a smartphone. AT&T’s mobile data volumes surged by a staggering 8,000% from 2007 to 2010, and as a result, AT&T faces network capacity constraints more severe than those of any other wireless provider.
AT&T is using up its spectrum at an accelerating rate, and the wireless broadband revolution is just beginning. Over the next five years, data usage on AT&T’s network is projected to skyrocket as customers "mobilize" all of their communications activities, from streaming HD video and cloud computing to a range of M2M applications like energy management, fleet tracking, and remote health monitoring. In just the first five-to-seven weeks of 2015, AT&T expects to carry all of the mobile traffic volume it carried during 2010.
This merger provides by far the surest, fastest and most efficient solution to that challenge. The network synergies of this transaction will free up new capacity - the functional equivalent of new spectrum - in the many urban, suburban and rural wireless markets where escalating broadband usage is fast consuming existing capacity.
This transaction will thus benefit consumers by reducing the number of dropped and blocked calls, increasing data speeds, improving in-building coverage, and dramatically expanding deployment of next-generation mobile technology.
The transaction’s benefits arise from the uniquely complementary nature of AT&T and T-Mobile’s GSM/HSPA+ technologies and spectrum holdings.
The combined company expects to integrate a significant portion of T-Mobile cell sites into the AT&T network. Upon network integration, which will benefit customers in as little as nine months, this will equate to "instant" cell splits - increasing cell density and effectively doubling the amount of network traffic that can be carried using existing spectrum in the areas served by those cell sites.
Groups across the political spectrum, including a broad range of consumer, disability, civil rights, and rural advocacy groups have highlighted the transaction’s potential to empower consumers, workers and small businesses to participate more fully in our nation’s broadband society.
The U.S. wireless marketplace is fiercely competitive, characterized by escalating usage, product differentiation, rapid innovation, fierce advertising campaigns, new entry, and sharply declining prices for wireless service by unit of consumption (e.g., minutes or megabytes). In fact, the FCC found last year that approximately three-quarters of Americans live in localities contested by at least five facilities-based wireless providers.1 These other competitors are rapidly growing and investing and will ensure the wireless marketplace remains vibrantly competitive after the transaction.
1Fourteenth Report, Implementation of Section 6002(b) of the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1993, 25 FCC Rcd 11407, 11621-22 42-45 (May 20, 2010) ("Fourteenth Wireless Report").

*AT&T products and services are provided or offered by subsidiaries and affiliates of AT&T Inc. under the AT&T brand and not by AT&T Inc.

Verizon Now Counts Over 500,000 4G LTE Subscribers

Posted: 21 Apr 2011 02:26 PM PDT

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Since its initial rollout in Q4 of 2010, Verizon’s 4G LTE service has grown to now accommodate more than 500,000 subscribers. The number is split fairly evenly between those using one of Verizon’s LTE modems and owners of Big Red’s first 4G handset, the HTC Thunderbolt Since its launch in March, the Thunderbolt has led to 260,000 subscribers.

For such a new service, the numbers are quite impressive. We already hear that the Thunderbolt has been outselling the iPhone 4, and expect the lure of 4G LTE to tempt even more smartphone buyers to go Android. The Samsung DROID Charge is prepped for launch next week and let’s not forget the Motorola XOOM will eventually receive an upgrade to house a 4G radio.

[via BGR]

Sprint Launching Google Voice Integration on April 26

Posted: 21 Apr 2011 02:05 PM PDT

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The direct Google Voice integration Sprint first announced back in March will make its way to all handsets beginning April 26th, according to a new flyer making the rounds around the webz. If you need a refresher, the direct carrier integration will allow current Sprint subscribers the option to make their mobile number their Google Voice number, or vice versa. While the visual voicemail and transcription elements are great in their own right, the free number porting should introduce many to the call switchboard features that make up a whole different element of Google’s service. If you are on Sprint, you really have no reason not to reassign your main number to your Google Voice account.

[via AndroidCentral]

Report: Apple Will Beat Google in Race to Launch Cloud Music Serivce

Posted: 21 Apr 2011 01:53 PM PDT

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According to a report from Reuters, Google’s inability to ink deals with record labels and launch their Google Music service has left the door open for Apple to beat them to the punch with their own cloud storage for iTunes. Similar to service Google first teased last May, the new iTunes feature will allow users to store their music files on a remote server for access from any internet connected computer and mobile devices. The mobile component would likely be exclusive to Apple’s iProducts, meaning Google can still capitalize on the huge share Android has taken in the smartphone market. However, any hope that Google might get a leg up by launching their Google Music first seems lost.

The latest insider reports say Google has taken a step back in discussion after altering certain terms of their record label deals mid-negotiation. Apple is also yet to ink deals, though past relationships established via the iTunes music store most likely give them a certain advantage.

[via Reuters]

Google and Oracle to Settle Patent Dispute in Court by November

Posted: 21 Apr 2011 12:49 PM PDT

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If Google and Oracle are going to settle their dispute over alleged source code lifted directly from Java for use in Android, they will need to do so before November. The order comes from US District Judge William Alsup, who said the latest he would allow the case to go to trial would be October. The reason for the short time period is due to the departure of the sole law clerk Alsup has assigned to the case.

There is no formal date set, and until a final verdict has been read Google and Oracle could reach a settlement out of court.

[via Reuters]

DroidLanding Twitter Reactivates, Droid Charge Scavenger Hunt Set to Begin

Posted: 21 Apr 2011 11:17 AM PDT

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If you are keen on the upcoming Samsung DROID Charge you will want to keep your eye on the @DroidLanding Twitter in the coming days. The account responsible for several scavenger hunts already is once again the host for clues that will help uncover the locations of several Charge handsets dispersed around the country.

The Droid Charge just got its official announcement today for an April 28th release, and now a teaser video is live. A landing page has been set up for the device to further aid in the successful recovery of the Charge handsets being given away as part of the contest. If you want in on the hunt, you’ll want to stay tuned to the site and Twitter.

[via DroidLife]

Sprint Joins the Rural Carriers Association to Help Fight AT&T’s T-Mobile Acquisition

Posted: 21 Apr 2011 09:53 AM PDT

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Sprint and Dan Hesse are continuing to show that they won’t lie down in AT&T’s bid to buy T-Mobile. The latest move sees the nation’s #3 carrier joining the Rural Carriers Association, a union consisting of the nation’s less-influential carriers who fight to make sure they can run business as usual. (Dozens of the members make up the smaller regional carriers you often don’t hear about.)

"The competitive carriers who make up the RCA are engines of innovation in the wireless industry,” says Sprint’s Vice President of Government Affairs Vonya McCann. “At Sprint, we have many issues of mutual concern with RCA members and we look forward to advocating for policies that promote competition and a level playing field across the wireless industry."

It’s one of just a handful of moves Sprint can make to help sway the FCC to not grant approval of the acquisition. One must ask, though: is it enough? Should Sprint have been working toward this before AT&T and T-Mobile announced their intentions or will they be S.O.L. for sleeping at the wheel waiting for Deutsche Telekom to “come around” and let Sprint buy T-Mobile instead?

Sprint had to know that T-Mobile was in trouble – just as they are now – and they had to know that Deutsche Telekom would be looking at options other than Sprint after seemingly being denied interest in any deal. (It was long rumored that Sprint and DT were in talks, but nothing was ever confirmed.) One thing’s for sure – Sprint has their work cut out for them and a new marketing campaign alone won’t help them. (Just as it didn’t help T-Mobile much.) [via IntoMobile]

Samsung DROID Charge – VZW’s Second LTE Phone – Officially Coming April 28th for $300

Posted: 21 Apr 2011 09:17 AM PDT

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If all of the rumors mounting over the past couple of weeks didn’t make you a believer, perhaps this official press release will – the Samsung DROID Charge will be available via Verizon Wireless on April 28th. It’s been such a long ride since we first saw it at CES but Verizon’s finally ready to let loose their second 4G LTE smartphone.

Although Verizon and Samsung aren’t calling it a Galaxy S device, it sure does remind us of one: it’ll have Android 2.2 with TouchWiz 3.0, a 4.3-inch Super AMOLED Plus display, an 8 megapixel camera with LED flash, a front-facing VGA camera, Samsung’s 1GHz Hummingbird processor,  and all of the other usual bits and pieces.

Cost? $300 on a two-year contract. ($30 data plan applies.) Yes, we too were hoping that it was a typo but you’ll have to shell out a lot of money for this one. If you’d rather not, you’re always free to try your hand at Verizon’s latest DROID scavenger hunt that features the DROID Charge. Check their Twitter page out for more details. Read on for full press details.

DROID CHARGE Joins Verizon Wireless’ DROID family

As Samsung’s First 4G LTE Smartphone

BASKING RIDGE, N.J. -Verizon Wireless and Samsung Telecommunications America (Samsung Mobile) today announced that the Droid Charge by Samsung will be available April 28 in Verizon Wireless Communications Stores and online atwww.verizonwireless.com.

The Droid Charge is designed with Samsung’s 4.3-inch Super AMOLED™ Plus display, setting a new touch screen standard for brightness, clarity and outdoor visibility. The Droid Charge is equipped with both a rear-facing 8 megapixel camera with LED flash and front-facing 1.3 megapixel camera for both stills and video chatting. The smartphone’s 1GHz application processor and HTML 5 Web browser maximizes high-speed 4G LTE connectivity for faster downloads and graphics processing.

 

Additional Features:

- 4G LTE- customers can expect download speeds of  5 to 12 Mbps and upload speeds of 2 to 5 Mbps in 4G Mobile Broadband coverage area

- Android 2.2 platform - With support for Google Mobile Services including Gmail, YouTube™, Google Talk, Google Search, Google Maps and access to more than 150,000 apps available to download from Android Market™

- Adobe® Flash® Player compatible

- Mobile Hotspot capability - share 4G connection with up to 10 WiFi-enabled devices or a 3G connection with up to 5 devices

- Samsung Media Hub - Samsung’s own content service, offering a vast lineup of critically acclaimed films and TV programs for rent or purchase

- Virtual QWERTY Keyboard featuring Swype Technology

Pricing and data plans:

- The Droid Charge by Samsung will be available for $299.99 with a new two-year customer agreement.

- Droid Charge customers will need to subscribe to a Verizon Wireless Nationwide Talk plan and a 4G LTE data package.  Nationwide Talk plans begin at $39.99 monthly access. Unlimited 4G LTE data packages start at $29.99 monthly access. Mobile hotspot feature will be included for a limited time at no additional charge.

 

Find the DROID Charge

Beginning April 21, anyone over the age of 18 can participate in an exclusive Droid Charge Scavenger Hunt.   Follow the online clues to find hidden locations in 16 different cities to win a Droid Charge by Samsung.  For additional information about the DROID Charge scavenger hunt, visit: http://twitter.com/droidlanding.

About Verizon Wireless

Verizon Wireless operates the nation’s fastest and most advanced 4G network and largest and most reliable 3G network, and serves more than 93 million customers. Headquartered in Basking Ridge, N.J., with 80,000 employees nationwide, Verizon Wireless is a joint venture of Verizon Communications (NYSE, NASDAQ: VZ) and Vodafone (LSE, NASDAQ: VOD).  For more information, visit www.verizonwireless.com. To preview and request broadcast-quality video footage and high-resolution stills of Verizon Wireless operations, log on to the Verizon Wireless Multimedia Library atwww.verizonwireless.com/multimedia.

About Samsung Telecommunications America

Samsung Telecommunications America, LLC, a Dallas-based subsidiary of Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd., researches, develops and markets wireless handsets and telecommunications products throughout North America. For more information, please visit www.samsungwireless.com.

 

G2x Hackery: Root and Clockwork Recovery Unsurprisingly Available

Posted: 21 Apr 2011 09:07 AM PDT

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The LG Optimus 2X was as easy to hack as any phone was so we expected no different from T-Mobile’s stock Android-running rendition, the G2x. There’s root, of course, and it’s provided by none other than the SuperOneClick method that is compatible with an unimaginable number of phones. After that, ChrisSoyars has an early version of Clockwork Mod Recovery for you in case you want to flash ROMs and do other such things in the (hopefully near) future. (You’ll need either Linux or Windows to get going.) [via AP]

Skyfire Launches Version 4.0 Of Their Android Browser

Posted: 21 Apr 2011 09:00 AM PDT

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The folks at Skyfire have just announced and launched version 4.0 of their Android browser. The new version adds more options and customization to the SkyBar introduced in previous versions.  Those new options and their descriptions are listed below:

  • Twitter - Login to the ‘Twitter’ Button to have one-touch access to Twitter streams.  Tweet, search, and check in with the Twittersphere without leaving the Skyfire browser.  (And yes, watch videos shared on Twitter with just one click.)
  • Groupon - With the ‘Groupon’ Button, the SkyBar is now delivering nearby deals so you can do a quick check on the deal of the day at all times.
  • Share - Easily share websites, articles, pictures & videos with the touch of the ‘Share’ button, a feature previously accessible through the Skyfire menu.
  • Google Reader - Use the ‘Google Reader’ Button to keep up with feeds from your favorite sites.  Google Reader keeps you in the know by constantly checking your favorite news sites and blogs for new content.
  • Sports, News & Finance - Three new buttons, ‘Sports’, ‘News’ & ‘Finance’, have been added to the SkyBar to bring one-touch access to the latest events.
  • Settings - The ‘Settings’ button could easily be labeled the ‘Customize’ button.  Use this to enable, disable or position SkyBar features to your personal preferences.

Above all that, the SkyBar is now obviously scrollable in case users have more than their device’s screen can handle. They’re going the freemium route with today’s launch as they’ll only be offering the “video” tab to paid customers for $2.99. Fret not, though – this functionality remains free of charge if you’re upgrading from a previous version of SkyFire.

Skyfire_Logo_204x136 skyfire_sports skyfire_finance skyfire_toolbar_settings Skyfire_local_deals

And if you’re on Verizon, SkyFire will offer this functionality free for a limited time through their V Cast apps store. If you can’t get in on all of this, though, you’ll at least be able to try the feature for free for three days. (After which you’ll be prompted to purchase the feature via in-app purchasing.) Find Skyfire 4.0 in the Android market today and read on for the full press details if you desire more.

Skyfire Launches 4.0 Version of its Popular Android Mobile Browser with Eight New Killer Features

Skyfire Unveils Customizable SkyBar With Twitter, Groupon and Google Reader Integration; Converts Video Feature to Premium In-App Option for New Users

 

MOUNTAIN VIEW, Calif. (April 21st, 2011) - Today Skyfire, maker of the award-winning and popular mobile browser, announces the release of Skyfire 4.0 for Android — its highly anticipated next-generation Android browser. Skyfire 4.0 for Android allows users to personalize their SkyBarTM toolbar, while adding eight new SkyBar features. While the basic browser and toolbar will remain free to Android users, Skyfire is also introducing a premium in-app purchase to enable its Video feature, which draws on Skyfire’s cloud-based servers to optimize videos from across the web.  As a thank you to over 3 million early beta users of the app, all existing users will be "grandfathered" in for free access for the lifetime of their device.

 

Skyfire’s SkyBar toolbar is now scrollable and customizable, allowing for a larger and more personalized number of features to be positioned on the toolbar. Beyond the ‘Video’, ‘Facebook’, ‘Fireplace’, ‘Popular’, ‘Ideas’ & ‘Like’ buttons, Skyfire has added full Twitter, Groupon and Google Reader integration, a ‘Share’ button, Sports, News and Finance feeds, and a ‘Settings’ button.

 

Skyfire for Android is one of the most popular applications in the Android Market and has seen over 3 million downloads since launching in April 2010. The mobile browser was upgraded to critical acclaim in November 2010 with integrated social media and Facebook capabilities, and the app currently has a user rating of 4.5 stars out of a possible five stars, based on tens of thousands of reviews in the Android Market. This latest update will continue to build on Skyfire’s strong track record of innovation.

 

With v4.0, Skyfire for Android will begin offering its video optimization as an optional $2.99 premium feature, unlocked via an in-app purchase after a three day free trial.  The feature pays for itself for most users around the world by allowing users to watch more video with less data usage (where users have capped or metered data plans), as well as increasing battery life.

 

As part of a special, limited time offer, Skyfire is offering the video optimization feature free to all Verizon customers downloading Skyfire 4.0 for Android.  Skyfire will be available in the VCastTM Apps section of the Android Market for Verizon users during this promotion.

 

Skyfire 4.0 for Android, including the video optimization feature, will remain free for all of the over 3 million beta testers around the globe who have used the app to date, in gratitude for their support in helping Skyfire grow and improve.

 

"With Skyfire 4.0 for Android, we’re enabling users to customize their browser toolbar to fit their interests, from sports, to social networks, to finance, news, and local deals," said Jeff Glueck, CEO of Skyfire. "While the basic browser will remain free, with the launch of Google’s Android In-App purchase platform, the time has come to make our video cloud acceleration service a premium feature that reflects the investment we make to support each user in our cloud.  We deliver state-of-the art web video tuned to your current mobile connection bandwidth, saving 75% on average data loads. For users who enjoy web video, or who are on metered data, the service can pay for itself in the first month of use."

 

 

New Features in Skyfire 4.0 for Android include:

·       Customizable SkyBar - Skyfire’s toolbar is now configurable and expandable, enabling users to create their own flavor of Skyfire experience.  With the new scrollable SkyBar, users now have access to fourteen Skyfire features and have the ability to enable, disable and position each button as they see fit.

 

·       New SkyBar Features -Skyfire has added eight new features:

 

o   Twitter - Login to the ‘Twitter’ Button to have one-touch access to Twitter streams.  Tweet, search, and check in with the Twittersphere without leaving the Skyfire browser.  (And yes, watch videos shared on Twitter with just one click.)

o   Groupon - With the ‘Groupon’ Button, the SkyBar is now delivering nearby deals so you can do a quick check on the deal of the day at all times.

o   Share - Easily share websites, articles, pictures & videos with the touch of the ‘Share’ button, a feature previously accessible through the Skyfire menu.

o   Google Reader - Use the ‘Google Reader’ Button to keep up with feeds from your favorite sites.  Google Reader keeps you in the know by constantly checking your favorite news sites and blogs for new content.

o   Sports, News & Finance - Three new buttons, ‘Sports’, ‘News’ & ‘Finance’, have been added to the SkyBar to bring one-touch access to the latest events.

o   Settings - The ‘Settings’ button could easily be labeled the ‘Customize’ button.  Use this to enable, disable or position SkyBar features to your personal preferences.

 

·       General Tips - We’ve added a host of new in-browser tips, tricks & tutorials to help users get them most out of browsing with Skyfire.

 

Download Skyfire 4.0 for Android today here: https://market.android.com/details?id=com.skyfire.browser

About Skyfire:

Skyfire is dedicated to using cloud computing to improve multimedia experiences on mobile phones, and has created the first "Compression as a Service" (CAAS) offering for wireless carriers and device makers.  Skyfire’s technology has been visible to consumers through the Skyfire browser app, which has enabled Skyfire to refine its technology with millions of users.

 

The app was named the #2 App of All-Time for Android by TechCrunch, and was the top pick in a PC World September 2010 comparison of all Android browsers. Skyfire won the Best Mobile Application-People’s Voice at the 2009 Webby Awards and was named a Top App of 2009 by the New York Times’ Gadgetwise. Skyfire’s iPhone browser, launched in November 2010, quickly reached the top selling app rank on the Apple App StoreSM, as the first way for iOS users to access videos designed for the Adobe Flash PlayerTM. Skyfire was recently recognized by Light Reading as the #4 StartUp to watch in 2011.

 

Skyfire is based in Mountain View, California, in the heart of Silicon Valley.  For more information, visit www.skyfire.com, www.facebook.com/getskyfire.android or follow Skyfire on Twitter at twitter.com/skyfire.

 

 

Amazon Kindle App Updated For Improved Honeycomb Support, Word Look-Up

Posted: 21 Apr 2011 08:03 AM PDT

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Amazon has today issued an update to their Android application that brings some Honeycomb-specific UI tweaks for those of you using any available Android 3.0 tablets. Those primarily using the app to read books won’t get much of a different experience than what’s already available, but you magazine and newspaper subscribers should be looking forward to this.

Dozens of other UI tweaks have been made for tablets, as well. Other features include an improved checkout experience, the ability to pause and resume downloads, and a built-in dictionary with 250,000 words to look-up directly from within whatever publication or novel you’re reading. Go ahead and grab it in the Android market today.

Samsung Likens Their Galaxy S II to Religious Figure in New Ad [Video]

Posted: 21 Apr 2011 07:21 AM PDT

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Samsung’s released a new ad for the Samsung Galaxy S II. The premise? You’re ice fishing and the weather conditions ramp up to the point where you need an emergency exit. Text your buddy to bring the dogsled! But first you have to take your gloves off and make sure your fingers don’t freeze as you’re trying to type on an on-screen keyboard.

This is where Samsung introduces Voice Talk – Samsung’s Vlingo-powered voice integration. Cool stuff, but something else in this ad caught my eye more than anything – “Before Galaxy S II” and “After Galaxy S II”. The G in both of those lines are D and C before they “flip” into a G.

Is Samsung saying this phone is a god-send? The second coming of a certain religious figure? That’d be a pretty bold statement if so, and I’m not in any position to say it is or isn’t that good, but I can say that it is a damn good phone. Video’s above if you care.

Clove to Offer LG Optimus 3D June 6th in the UK

Posted: 21 Apr 2011 06:54 AM PDT

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Clove looks all set to offer the LG Optimus 3D on the HTC EVO 4G’s anniversary – June 6th. Although they mention that this date is subject to change (as they always are), it’s said to be as accurate as it’s going to get at this time. You can get this glasses-free 3D-enabled phone for 455 quid once that time comes and – just like the EVO 3D – there’s more to like than objects jumping off of a beautiful display. (Don’t get me wrong, though – that’s awesome in and of itself.) To see what we’re talking about, be sure to check out our Optimus 3D hands-on footage from Mobile World Congress.

HTC Merge Launching on US Cellular April 29th?

Posted: 21 Apr 2011 06:30 AM PDT

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HTC promised that the Merge would be headed to “multiple carriers” this Spring, and according to this leak they seem to be telling the truth. US Cellular is said to be the latest carrier to gear up for its launch and it could be happening as early as April 29th. We’ve reached out for comment regarding the date so be sure to check back as we’ll slide over any information we can dig up. [via AC]

Verizon Posts Strong Q1 Results

Posted: 21 Apr 2011 06:18 AM PDT

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If you were to tell me Verizon was going to post strong Q1 numbers I would just look at you with a blank stare because I wouldn’t be the least bit surprised. Their success came from a number of different areas (they do internet, TV, phone, and other things, if you were unaware), but we only care about wireless.

They added 906k new postpaid customers for a total of 1.8 million net additions. That brings their total to 88.4 million retail customers out of 104 million total connections. Their data revenue was up 22% going from $4.5 to $5.5 billion. This is 38% of their overall service revenue of $14.3 billion. Their total revenue for the quarter was $16.9 billion.

Once upon a time I’d chalk it up to Android’s success on the major American carrier, but that is no longer an option – “it” launched last quarter. (Still, I’d like to think Android users account for a majority of their smartphone connections.) Read on for the full press details.

Verizon Reports Strong Start to 2011 as Wireless, FiOS and Strategic Services Continue to Generate Profitable Growth

First-Quarter Performance Affirms 2011 Revenue and Earnings Guidance

1Q HIGHLIGHTS

Consolidated
· 51 cents in diluted earnings per share (EPS), compared with EPS of 16 cents and adjusted EPS (non-GAAP) of 48 cents in 1Q 2010.

Wireless
· 6.3 percent year-over-year increase in service revenues in 1Q 2011; data revenues up 22.3 percent; 25.8 percent operating income margin and 43.7 percent Segment EBITDA margin on service revenues (non-GAAP).
· 1.8 million net additions, excluding acquisitions and adjustments, includes 906,000 retail postpaid net customer additions; continued low retail postpaid churn of 1.01 percent.
· 104.0 million total connections, includes 88.4 million retail customers.

Wireline
· 207,000 net FiOS Internet and 192,000 net FiOS TV additions; 4.3 million total FiOS Internet connections and 3.7 million total FiOS TV connections.
· 10.5 percent year-over-year increase in consumer ARPU; FiOS consumer retail revenues now represent approximately 54 percent of total consumer revenues.
· 12.8 percent increase in strategic enterprise revenues, which now represent approximately 46 percent of total global enterprise revenues.

NEW YORK -- Verizon Communications Inc. (NYSE, NASDAQ: VZ) today reported strong first-quarter 2011 earnings, as industry leader Verizon Wireless continued to effectively balance customer growth and profitability, while growth in FiOS and strategic enterprise services contributed to another quarter of improvement in wireline margins.

Verizon reported 51 cents in EPS in first-quarter 2011, compared with first-quarter 2010 earnings of 16 cents per share. There are no adjustments to first-quarter 2011 earnings results. Adjusted first-quarter 2010 earnings, excluding the impact of divestitures and non-operational charges (non-GAAP), were 48 cents per share.

On Track to Meet Revenue and Earnings Objectives

"In the first quarter, Verizon Wireless solidified its industry leadership with results that once again showed sustainable, profitable growth," said Verizon Chairman and CEO Ivan Seidenberg. "We are executing on our business plans and building momentum, and we are on track to meet both our revenue and earnings objectives for the year."

Seidenberg added, "Wireline EBITDA margins expanded for the fourth consecutive quarter, driven by continued strength in FiOS revenues and disciplined cost management. Our strategic acquisition of Terremark, which closed earlier this month, improves our ability to provide integrated, enterprise-class cloud solutions and accelerate growth."

Consolidated Revenue Growth Accelerates

On a consolidated basis, Verizon’s total operating revenues were $27.0 billion in first-quarter 2011, an increase of 0.3 percent compared with first-quarter 2010. Last year’s results included revenues from operations that have since been divested.

On a comparable basis (non-GAAP), first-quarter 2011 total operating revenues increased 5.3 percent compared with first-quarter 2010 -- up from growth of 2.3 percent on the same basis comparing fourth-quarter 2010 with fourth-quarter 2009. Approximately 77 percent of first-quarter 2011 revenues were generated by higher-growth wireless, FiOS and strategic enterprise services, compared with approximately 72 percent of comparable first-quarter 2010 revenues.

As previously stated, Verizon is targeting comparable top-line revenue growth rates in the range of 4 percent to 8 percent for full-year 2011. The company is also targeting EPS growth of 5 percent to 8 percent in 2011, over a comparable adjusted base of $2.08 per share in 2010.

Verizon continues to expect 2011 capital spending to be essentially flat, compared with the 2010 investment of $16.5 billion. In first-quarter 2011, Verizon’s capital expenditures totaled $4.4 billion, compared with $3.4 billion in first-quarter 2010, as the company aggressively invested in growth opportunities, including the deployment of Verizon’s nationwide 4G LTE (fourth-generation, Long-Term Evolution) wireless broadband network. With 4G LTE deployment well under way, Verizon’s capitalized interest will be lower in 2011, resulting in higher interest expense of about $150 million for each quarter this year.

Cash flow from operations totaled $5.0 billion in first-quarter 2011, down from $7.1 billion in first-quarter 2010. Operating cash flow from higher net income in first-quarter 2011 was offset by the launch of the iPhone and satisfaction of Verizon’s full-year 2011 pension funding obligation of $392 million. In addition, the first half of last year included cash flows from since-divested properties.

Verizon said its cash flow outlook for 2011 remains strong, and there is no change regarding the anticipated 2012 timing of a Verizon Wireless dividend to its parent companies.

The effective income tax rate attributable to Verizon for the first quarter was 30 percent. For full-year 2011, Verizon anticipates an effective tax rate to be in a range consistent with the past three quarters, post the Frontier and Alltel divestitures.
Verizon Wireless Delivers Strong Operational and Financial Results

Verizon Wireless delivered strong growth in revenues, retail customers and other connections; increased retail postpaid ARPU (average monthly service revenue per user) and smartphone penetration; and delivered a strong EBITDA margin. In the first quarter of 2011:

Wireless Financial Highlights
· Service revenues in the quarter totaled $14.3 billion, up 6.3 percent year over year. Data revenues were $5.5 billion, up $1.0 billion or 22.3 percent year over year, and represent 38.1 percent of all service revenues. Total revenues were $16.9 billion, up 10.2 percent year over year.
· Retail postpaid ARPU grew 2.2 percent over first-quarter 2010, to $53.52. Retail postpaid data ARPU increased to $20.51, up 17.3 percent year over year. Retail service ARPU also grew 2.2 percent, to $51.88.
· Wireless operating income margin was 25.8 percent. Segment EBITDA margin on service revenues (non-GAAP) was 43.7 percent.

Wireless Operational Highlights
· Verizon Wireless added 1.8 million total connections, including 906,000 retail postpaid customers, and 897,000 wholesale and other connections. These additions exclude acquisitions and adjustments.
· At the end of the first quarter, the company had 104.0 million total connections, an increase of 6.1 percent year over year, including 88.4 million retail customers and 15.6 million wholesale and other connections.
· At the end of the first quarter, 32 percent of Verizon Wireless’ retail postpaid customer phone base were smartphones, up from 28 percent at the end of fourth-quarter 2010.
· Retail postpaid churn remained low at 1.01 percent, and total retail churn was 1.33 percent. Both improved year over year.
· Following the launch of its 4G LTE mobile broadband network in 38 markets in December 2010, the company so far has named more than 100 additional markets where 4G LTE is being rolled out. By year-end, Verizon Wireless’ 4G LTE network, the fastest and most advanced 4G LTE network in the U.S., is expected to be available in more than 175 markets, covering a population of more than 185 million people throughout the country.
· The company introduced three 4G LTE devices: the ThunderBolt by HTC, the first 4G LTE smartphone; the Verizon USB551L, a modem made by Novatel Wireless; and a Samsung 4G LTE Mobile Hotspot.
· Demand was strong for new LTE devices -- as well as for Apple’s iPhone 4, which produced the most successful first-day sales in Verizon Wireless history when it was introduced in February to existing customers.
· Verizon Wireless continued to invest in its 3G network, the nation’s largest and most reliable 3G network.
· The company announced plans to open the Verizon Wireless Application Innovation Center in San Francisco later this year, where developers, engineers and others can work together on innovative applications that will run on the company’s 3G and 4G networks.

Continued Wireline Margin Expansion and FiOS Growth

Verizon’s Wireline segment delivered continued margin expansion and growth in FiOS customers and revenues, as well as accelerated growth in revenues for strategic enterprise services. In the first quarter of 2011:

Wireline Financial Highlights
· Segment EBITDA margin (non-GAAP) was 23.6 percent, compared with 21.1 percent in first-quarter 2010. This was Wireline’s fourth consecutive quarter of sequential margin expansion.
· First-quarter 2011 operating revenues were $10.1 billion, a decline of 2.2 percent compared with first-quarter 2010. This is an improvement from a decline of 2.8 percent comparing fourth-quarter 2010 to fourth-quarter 2009. First-quarter 2011 total operating expenses were $9.9 billion, a decline of 3.9 percent compared with first-quarter 2010.
· Revenues for Verizon’s FiOS fiber-optic services to consumer retail customers generated approximately 54 percent of consumer wireline revenues in first-quarter 2011, compared with approximately 45 percent in first-quarter 2010.
· Consumer revenues grew 1.9 percent compared with first-quarter 2010. Consumer ARPU for wireline services was $90.55 in first-quarter 2011, up 10.5 percent compared with first-quarter 2010. ARPU for FiOS customers continues to be more than $146.
· Global enterprise revenues totaled $3.8 billion in the quarter, up 1.0 percent compared with first-quarter 2010. Sales of strategic enterprise services -- such as security and IT solutions, as well as strategic networking -- increased 12.8 percent compared with first-quarter 2010, and accelerated from a growth rate of 8.0 percent comparing fourth-quarter 2010 with fourth-quarter 2009. Strategic services now represent approximately 46 percent of global enterprise revenues.

Wireline Operational Highlights
· Verizon added 207,000 net new FiOS Internet connections and 192,000 net new FiOS TV connections in first-quarter 2011. Verizon had 4.3 million FiOS Internet and 3.7 million FiOS TV connections at the end of the quarter.
· FiOS Internet penetration (subscribers as a percentage of potential subscribers) was 33.1 percent by the end of the first quarter, with the product available for sale to 13.0 million premises. This compares with 29.0 percent and 12.0 million, respectively, at the end of first-quarter 2010. FiOS TV penetration was 29.1 percent by the end of first-quarter 2011, with the product available for sale to 12.6 million premises. This compares with 25.4 percent and 11.5 million, respectively, at the end of first-quarter 2010.
· Broadband connections totaled 8.5 million at the end of first-quarter 2011, a 3.0 percent year-over-year increase. FiOS Internet connections more than offset a decrease in DSL-based HSI connections, leading to a net increase of 98,000 broadband connections from fourth-quarter 2010. These are the most broadband net additions since second-quarter 2009. Total voice connections, which measures FiOS Digital Voice connections in addition to traditional switched access lines, declined 8.2 percent to 25.5 million -- the smallest year-over-year decline since first-quarter 2008.
· During the quarter, Verizon moved decisively to accelerate its "everything-as-a-service" enterprise cloud strategy by announcing its acquisition of cloud and managed IT infrastructure leader Terremark Worldwide, which closed in April.
· Verizon continued to deploy secure IT and communications solutions that enable better business outcomes for multinational enterprise, medium-sized and government customers. These included a new cloud-based unified communications service, an enhanced set of Enterprise Identity Management offerings, and delivery of SAP’s Customer Relationship Management service through Verizon’s flagship cloud offering, Computing as a Service. In addition, Verizon completed new agreements during the quarter with a range of multinational corporations, including Delphi Automotive.
· Verizon expanded its global network infrastructure, continuing to broaden its global scope and capabilities. The company installed 38 additional Private IP edge routers for a total of 852 edge routers in 238 sites throughout 63 countries; activated the first 100GE (gigabit Ethernet) transmission trunk between routers on Verizon’s backbone network; implemented Internet Protocol Version 6 (IPv6) on its public IP backbone in Europe and the Asia-Pacific regions; and activated 7,021 miles of the Europe India Gateway submarine cable system, which connects the United Kingdom, the Middle East, Africa and Asia.
· The Wireline workforce totaled 92,000 at the end of first-quarter 2011, a year-over-year decline of 16,000 (adjusted for divested operations), primarily as a result of incentive offers that led to voluntary separations.

 
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