Qwest Exiting Wireless Business

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Rather than try to compete with the main wireless carriers with a low margin service that they purchase wholesale from Sprint. Qwest Communications announced that as of October 1st they plan to exit the wireless business and receive a commission from Verizon Wireless for every wireless subscriber that makes the switch to Verizon Wireless.

T Mobile Going Green with Billing

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In an industry first, T Mobile is changing it's billing policy to avoid paper billing. Pointing to eviromental concerns as one of many reasons for the new change. The policy change now will charge a $1.50 to customers that still receive paper bills.

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Sprint Nextel has agreed to pay $17.5 million to settle a class-action lawsuit regarding its early-termination fees. The company will be putting aside $14 million in a common fund that will be distributed to class-action participants, and it will also pay $3.5 million in non-cash benefits like additional minutes or discounts.

Those eligible for the settlement include Sprint CDMA or iDEN customers who entered into a contract between July 1, 1999 and Dec. 31, 2008, and if their claim relates to the ETF. The settlement does not apply to government or corporate accounts.

The lawyers got plenty, but far less then their starting demands of $1.2 Billion.

Companies like Sprint have changed their approach, to lower the ETF fees ever month of the service contract that is full filled by the subscriber.

Verizon Wireless LEED Store

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In Avondale, Verizon Wireless is building a new LEED store and is seeking accrediation from the U.S. Green Building Council’s Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design program.

“Our new, green store in the West Valley provides plenty of space for both shopping and customer service, in keeping with our commitment to deliver innovative voice and data plans, exciting new devices and services, and the best possible wireless experience,” said Tony Heyman, regional president of Verizon Wireless.

T-Mobile's Android myTouch

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T-Mobile's Android myTouch is available today. It's a long slim, sleek looking phone and available for $199.

AT&T reports earnings and subscriber numbers.

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AT&T reports earnings and subscriber numbers.

• Verizon thumps chest after AT&T's subscriber gains (news.cnet.com)
• AT&T adds customers, but drops profits 15% in Q2 (venturebeat.com)
• iPhone, Shift to the Wireless Web Boosts AT&T (gigaom.com)
• AT&T's Q2 Earnings: Millions of iPhones sold, Billions of dollars made (mobilecrunch.com)
• iPhone buoys AT&T subscriptions--but hurts profit (news.cnet.com)

Verizon Wireless Drops Price on Blackberry Storm

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Verizon Wireless Drops Price on Blackberry Storm

Verizon Wireless is cutting the price for the Blackberry Storm by $100. Now only $99.99 with a contract. Leading to wide spread speculation, with no proof, that a new version, maybe Storm 2 is not to far away. The speculation is based upon the idea that Verizon Wireless maybe clearing out stock for the Storm 2 with the reduced pricing.

While this maybe correct, it also may simply be a response to the recent lower iPhone pricing and the service provider waiting a few weeks to announce the deal to get a bit more buzz.

Clear Las Vegas

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Clear also known as Clearwire, which is owned by Sprint, is launching wi-max service in Las Vegas for as little as $20/mo with unlimited access. With speeds up to 6mb and the highest priced residential fix spot plan being $40/mo, Clear has the potential to grow rapidly in the area.

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Smaller wireless service providers like TracPhone keep offering lower and lower pricing. The latest price point being $45/mo unlimited ... 10% lower than the previous national low price ever of $50/mo by Sprint's Boost Mobile service.

The problem for these smaller carriers is the fact that they can't do TV, exclusive phones, and other cool features easily. As a result they have nothing but marketing and pricing to rely on. Since everyone that wants a cell phone pretty much already has one, marketing results get lower and lower with everyone already locked into a contract. So smaller wireless service providers keep testing lower and lower pricing.

This 4th, Let Freedom Ring

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Verizon Wireless wants to help you celebrate this 4th of July with a list of ring tones and ring back tones all with a patriotic theme, including:

-- "American Pie," by Don McLean
-- "R.O.C.K. In The U.S.A.," by John Mellencamp
-- "Born In The U.S.A.," by Bruce Springsteen
-- "American Girl," by Taylor Swift
-- "Summertime," by Herbie Hancock
-- "You're a Grand Old Flag," by U.S. Military Academy Band
-- "American Soldier," by Toby Keith
-- "Only In America," by Brooks & Dunn
-- "Good Vibrations," by The Beach Boys
-- "God Bless The U.S.A.," by Neal E. Boyd
-- "Star Spangled Banner," by Jimi Hendrix
-- "1812 Overture," by U.S. Air Force Band

Ringtones are available for $2.99 per ringtone, while individual ringback tones are available for an annual fee of $1.99. Regardless of the number of ringback tones purchased, a 99-cent monthly subscription applies to customers using ringback tones.

Verizon Wireless 3G Expansion

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Verizon Wireless has expanded its network with a new cell site in Brooks, Maine. These new 3g towers will help expand the national network even further.