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Prepaid Wireless Tracker, November 2010: Samsung & Huawei Prepaid Android Smartphones Launch!
November 02, 2010

Prepaid Wireless Tracker - November 2010 Issue

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Prepaid wireless is a growing and truly exciting industry.  At Prepaid Wireless Guide I try to provide you with in-depth information that isn't readily available anywhere else.  Its content is original, and created from firsthand experience working in the prepaid wireless industry.

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T-Mobile Announces Prepaid Data Plans
CNET (blog)
T-Mobile revamps their prepaid plans once again in an attempt to get back into the game.  They still remain marginally interesting in my opinion.

Demand for Prepaid Smartphones Can Boost Sprint's Stock
By Tuff
There’s no doubt that prepaid smartphones are the sweethearts of the prepaid industry this year, however, until Sprint opens the flood gates (as has Verizon), they’re going to see only modest growth in this segment.

Leap to Sell Prepaid Android Tablet Next Year
FierceWireless
Not much else to say other than I’m excited to see the rumored Samsung Galaxy Tab come to fruition at a reasonable price point.

Android 2.1-Powered Huawei Ascend Coming to Cricket for $150
IntoMobile
For those who have had hands-on access to this device, the rumor is that despite a cheaper build quality, it’s an excellent device for its price point, and should prove to be a great option.

Samsung Intercept Goes Prepaid on Virgin Mobile
infoSync World
A good solid Android smartphone with a slideout QWERTY keyboard and modest 3” touchscreen.  Though at $250, I don’t think it can compete with Cricket’s Huawei Ascend despite its Samsung brand name.

AT&T Lowering Some GoPhone Plan Pricing
By Laura
Another seemingly desperate attempt by AT&T to stay in the prepaid game, though clearly demonstrating their reservations over cannibalizing their self-described precious postpaid business.  Maybe someday the Tier 1 carriers will come to believe that postpaid is a thing of the past, and that prepaid can be just as profitable, and is clearly what customer want. 

MetroPCS Unveils Second LTE in U.S.
Zacks.com
Way to go Metro for making such a bold move.  Now if we could just have some better handset options and a broadband offering!

Leap Wireless and Pocket Communications Complete Formation of Joint Venture
MarketWatch (press release)
Cricket basically bought the Pocket operations, which will simplify business in the long run, and offer customers better handsets and pricing. 

Cricket Communications Debuts Crosswave Portable WiFi Device
Trading Markets (press release)
I’m a big fan of MiFi devices, and it’s great to see Cricket launch the Crosswave.  Very versatile technology, which is great for households or individuals with multiple WiFi enabled data devices.  I hope the Samsung Galaxy Tab to come next year won’t require a separate data plan.

Cricket Lights Up Nationwide 3G Roaming
Wireless Week
You can now access 3G data roaming on Sprint’s native network (i.e. Sprint’s data roaming partners are NOT included).  This makes Cricket devices that much more compelling/competitive!

Virgin Mobile USA Adds High End to PayLo
RCR Wireless
Another month, another Sprint prepaid plan option.  So much for simplification!

MetroPCS Joins Walmart Rrenzy
RCR Wireless
Walmart is really heating things up in the prepaid space this year, and continue to prove that there’s still demand for classic pay as you go plans.

Boost Mobile Brings Consumers Another Wireless First With Shrinkage
By Ramy Caspi   
Make six on-time monthly payments (they need not be consecutive) and get $5 off your monthly plan.  Rinse and repeat to get up to $15 off after a minimum of 18 months.  It will be interesting to see if this helps keep customers around longer.  At this point it seems to be a potentially borderline concept, though a great marketing campaign regardless.

 

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PrepaidWirelessGuy

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