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- AT&T to Unauthorized Tethering Users – Pay Up or Stop!
- BlackBerry App World 2.1.1.2 Rolling Out – No Change Log
- T-Mobile Posts Q&A For Current T-Mobile Customers
- AT&T Announce They Will Acquire T-Mobile USA from Deutsche Telekom Pending Regulatory Approval
AT&T to Unauthorized Tethering Users – Pay Up or Stop! Posted: 21 Mar 2011 01:28 AM PDT It was only a matter of time before carriers started getting wise about users tethering their phones without paying the piper (carrier). That time has come for many tetherers (for lack of a better term) on AT&T. They have been sending out emails to these users more or less saying we know you are tethering but are not paying for tethering. They offer users three options.
I am not sure if these users were only using jailbroken iPhone or Android devices or if it also includes BlackBerry users using apps like Tether or simply using desktop manager for tethering. This also does not bode well for the BlackBerry PlayBook which I can see carriers trying to tack on another $20-$30 a month for "PlayBook Tethering." Here is a copy of the email AT&T sent our courtesy of OSXDaily:
Thanks to everyone who sent this in! If you liked this article, you might find these interesting:
Posted by Ronen Halevy for ©BerryReview, March 21, 2011, 4:28 am. | AT&T to Unauthorized Tethering Users – Pay Up or Stop! | Leave a comment | |
BlackBerry App World 2.1.1.2 Rolling Out – No Change Log Posted: 20 Mar 2011 08:48 PM PDT It was not long ago that RIM upgraded App World to v2.1.0.39 to add in app payments. Now we have an updated v2.1.1.2 spotted by Bla1ze @CrackBerry. We have no idea what is new in this version since RIM has not bothered to update the release notes. My guess is that it is all about the bug fixes. See if you can get the update at www.blackberry.com/appworld or simply wait up to 7 days for RIM to finally deem you necessary of the upgrade. If you liked this article, you might find these interesting:
Posted by the BerryReview Team for ©BerryReview, March 20, 2011, 11:48 pm. | BlackBerry App World 2.1.1.2 Rolling Out – No Change Log | 4 comments | |
T-Mobile Posts Q&A For Current T-Mobile Customers Posted: 20 Mar 2011 02:07 PM PDT Now that both companies, T-Mobile and AT&T, have announced the acquisition on their page, here are some interesting key points that current T-Mobile customers might like to know. There are many question’s current T-Mobile users are asking regarding the news that broke out this morning. There are also some funny names making their ways around twitter such as the new AT&T&T, AT&T-Mo, and I ask if we will see the T-Mobile adds change from making fun of the iPhone to Carly and the guy that represents the iPhone in current T-mobile commercial kiss and make up holding hands together? Jokes aside here is what T-Mobile had to say: "We will honor all contracted plans that are entered into before the change of ownership."
Q & A Direct link An agreement was announced under which AT&T will acquire T-Mobile USA. The agreement is the first step in a process that, including regulatory approvals, is expected to be completed in approximately 12 months. Until then, we remain a separate company and continue to operate independently. We know our customers, business partners and others may have many questions.
Will my service change? There is no change in your service and we remain committed to ensuring you have the best experience possible experience using your T-Mobile USA products and services. Will I now be billed by AT&T? No, your billing remains exactly the same. T-Mobile USA continues to operate as an independent company. As always, you would receive advance notice to any changes to your services. Why is T-Mobile USA doing this? Bringing together these two world-class businesses will create significant benefits for customers. The merger will ensure the deployment of a robust 4G LTE network to 95% of the U.S. population, something neither company would achieve on its own. Also, because of our compatible networks and spectrum, the customers of T-Mobile USA and AT&T will experience improved voice and data service almost immediately after the networks are integrated. Will T-Mobile USA's quality be reduced? No. In fact, the combination of AT&T and T-Mobile USA will offer an even stronger service to customers. Until the acquisition is closed, we will work hard to maintain our position as the value leader with America's largest 4G network.
If the acquisition closes, will I still be able to use my T-Mobile USA phone? Yes. Your T-Mobile USA device will operate the same in the future as it does today. Should I wait to sign-up with T-Mobile USA or upgrade my phone? No, T-Mobile USA offers the latest wireless devices that are affordable on America's Largest 4G Network and the combination of AT&T and T-Mobile USA will mean even stronger service for our customers. Now is a great time to be a T-Mobile customer. Is T-Mobile USA getting the iPhone? T-Mobile USA remains an independent company. The acquisition is expected to be completed in approximately 12 months. We do not offer the iPhone. We offer cutting edge devices like the Samsung Galaxy S 4G and coming soon our new Sidekick 4G. Will my rate plan change because of the acquisition? We will honor all contracted plans that are entered into before the change of ownership.
Dallas, Texas and Bonn, Germany — Mar. 20, 2011 PDT
Deutsche Telekom will take an approximately 8 percent stake in US telecommunication company AT&T. At the same time Deutsche Telekom will hand over 100 percent ownership of T-Mobile USA to AT&T. This has been agreed by the boards of the two companies today. AT&T will pay 25 billion USD in cash for T-Mobile USA, in addition to 14 billion USD in AT&T shares. AT&T has the right to increase the portion of the purchase price paid in cash by up to 4.2 billion USD with a corresponding reduction in the stock component. The value of the transaction will be 39 billion USD. This will amount to an attractive multiple of approximately 7 times 2010 adjusted EBITDA. The merger still needs US regulatory approval. The closing of the transaction is expected to be completed in first half of 2012. René Obermann, CEO Deutsche Telekom: "We have achieved the best solution for our company, our customers and shareholders. This will strengthen our position in Europe, whilst we are still participating in the rapidly growing business of mobile data. We will be able to focus more on the opportunities of a modern infrastructure in Germany and Europe, as well as in Internet products that accompanies to our strategy "fix, transform and innovate". Following our initiatives of finding a solution for our activities both in the United Kingdom and Poland, we have with this transaction nearly accomplished the "fix" part of our strategy. We will now focus our resources more on the "transform" and "innovate" blocks of our strategy in order to accelerate the transformation of Deutsche Telekom." Timotheus Höttges, CFO Deutsche Telekom: "As the biggest single share holder of AT&T we will also significantly benefit from their strong dividend. With the excellent result of this transaction we will be able to continue to develop our company. At the same time we will be able to reduce our debts and initiate one of the biggest share buy back programs in both Germany as well as in the European telecommunication industry." Deutsche Telekom is planning to reduce its debt by approximately 13 billion EUR. Approximately 5 billion EUR are planned to be used for share buybacks after closing and required resolutions in accordance with the legal requirements. Randall Stephenson, CEO and Chairman AT&T: "This transaction delivers significant customer, shareowner and public benefits that are available at this level only from the combination of these two companies with complementary network technologies, spectrum positions and operations. We are confident in our ability to execute a seamless integration, and with additional spectrum and network capabilities, we can better meet our customers' current demands, build for the future and help achieve the President's goals for a high-speed wirelessly connected America." For Deutsche Telekom the transaction after closure will provide amongst others a consolidation of the balance sheet. Pro forma the ratio for net debt to adjusted EBITDA in 2010 will be reduced to 1.9x from 2.2x, a reduction of 31 percent. There will be no change regarding the shareholder remuneration policy which has been set for three years. As has been provided within the legal guidelines, Deutsche Telekom will continue with its plans to pay out 3.4 billion EUR on an annual basis consisting of a minimum dividend of 70 cents plus share-buybacks. The share buybacks amounting to approximately 5 billion EUR, which are planned after the closure of the transaction, will come on top of this. The Guidance for 2011 remains unchanged. For the financial year 2011 Deutsche Telekom expects an adjusted EBITDA of around 19.1 billion EUR. The free cash flow is expected to be stable to slightly growing from the 2010 level of 6.5 billion EUR. Deutsche Telekom is to receive one seat on AT&T's Board of Directors. Morgan Stanley acted as lead financial advisor and issued a fairness opinion to the supervisory board of Deutsche Telekom. Deutsche Bank and Credit Suisse acted as financial advisors for Deutsche Telekom. Deutsche Telekom was advised by Wachtell, Lipton, Rosen & Katz (M & A, N.Y.C) as well as Cleary Gottlieb and Wiley Rein (antitrust and regulatory law, Washington D.C.). If you liked this article, you might find these interesting:
Posted by Luis Merlos for ©BerryReview, March 20, 2011, 5:07 pm. | T-Mobile Posts Q&A For Current T-Mobile Customers | 3 comments | |
AT&T Announce They Will Acquire T-Mobile USA from Deutsche Telekom Pending Regulatory Approval Posted: 20 Mar 2011 12:12 PM PDT This really came out of nowhere, rumors had been floating for quite sometime that the parent company Deutsche Telekom had been tinkering with the idea of selling their T-Mobile USA side of business. We heard rumors that Sprint was in talks to acquire the company but that did not seem logical since both company use different technologies. No reports had been heard about AT&T being interested in buying the company but today both AT&T and Deutsche Telecom have announced that AT&T will acquire T-Mobile USA for an approximate $39 Billion deal. The deal makes more sense because both companies use similar wireless technologies and both have hinted at moving to an LTE network down the road. As a current T-Mobile customer I can't help but feel a bit disappointed as T-Mobile offers the best customer service, while AT&T has the worst customer service I have ever experienced. There is no telling what will happened but I would think the T-Mobile customer experience will likely disappear slowly into a black hole. That is just my opinion but hopping for the best. Key points:
Full press release:
AT&T TO ACQUIRE T-MOBILE USA FROM DEUTSCHE TELEKOM Provides fast, efficient and certain solution to impending spectrum exhaust challenges facing AT&T and T-Mobile USA in key markets due to explosive demand for mobile broadband Enhances network capacity, output and quality in near term for both companies' customers AT&T commits to expand 4G LTE deployment to an additional 46.5 million Americans, including in rural, smaller communities, for a total of 294 million or 95% of the U.S. population Provides 4G LTE service for T-Mobile USA's 34 million subscribers More than $8 billion in incremental infrastructure spend by a U.S. company over seven years, enabling nation's high-tech industry, innovation and economic growth Creates substantial value for AT&T shareholders through large, straightforward synergies DALLAS, TEXAS AND BONN, GERMANY — March 20, 2011— AT&T Inc. (NYSE: T) and Deutsche Telekom AG (FWB: DTE) today announced that they have entered into a definitive agreement under which AT&T will acquire T-Mobile USA from Deutsche Telekom in a cash-and-stock transaction currently valued at approximately $39 billion. The agreement has been approved by the Boards of Directors of both companies. AT&T's acquisition of T-Mobile USA provides an optimal combination of network assets to add capacity sooner than any alternative, and it provides an opportunity to improve network quality in the near term for both companies' customers. In addition, it provides a fast, efficient and certain solution to the impending exhaustion of wireless spectrum in some markets, which limits both companies' ability to meet the ongoing explosive demand for mobile broadband. With this transaction, AT&T commits to a significant expansion of robust 4G LTE (Long Term Evolution) deployment to 95 percent of the U.S. population to reach an additional 46.5 million Americans beyond current plans – including rural communities and small towns. This helps achieve the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and President Obama's goals to connect "every part of America to the digital age." T-Mobile USA does not have a clear path to delivering LTE. "This transaction represents a major commitment to strengthen and expand critical infrastructure for our nation's future," said Randall Stephenson, AT&T Chairman and CEO. "It will improve network quality, and it will bring advanced LTE capabilities to more than 294 million people. Mobile broadband networks drive economic opportunity everywhere, and they enable the expanding high-tech ecosystem that includes device makers, cloud and content providers, app developers, customers, and more. During the past few years, America's high-tech industry has delivered innovation at unprecedented speed, and this combination will accelerate its continued growth." Stephenson continued, "This transaction delivers significant customer, shareowner and public benefits that are available at this level only from the combination of these two companies with complementary network technologies, spectrum positions and operations. We are confident in our ability to execute a seamless integration, and with additional spectrum and network capabilities, we can better meet our customers' current demands, build for the future and help achieve the President's goals for a high-speed, wirelessly connected America." Deutsche Telekom Chairman and CEO René Obermann said, "After evaluating strategic options for T-Mobile USA, I am confident that AT&T is the best partner for our customers, shareholders and the mobile broadband ecosystem. Our common network technology makes this a logical combination and provides an efficient path to gaining the spectrum and network assets needed to provide T-Mobile customers with 4G LTE and the best devices. Also, the transaction returns significant value to Deutsche Telekom shareholders and allows us to retain exposure to the U.S. market." As part of the transaction, Deutsche Telekom will receive an equity stake in AT&T that, based on the terms of the agreement, would give Deutsche Telekom an ownership interest in AT&T of approximately 8 percent. A Deutsche Telekom representative will join the AT&T Board of Directors. Competition and Pricing The competitiveness of the market has directly benefited consumers. A 2010 report from the U.S. General Accounting Office (GAO) states the overall average price (adjusted for inflation) for wireless services declined 50 percent from 1999 to 2009, during a period which saw five major wireless mergers. Addresses wireless spectrum challenges facing AT&T, T-Mobile USA, their customers, and U.S. policymakers Improves service quality for U.S. wireless customers Expands 4G LTE deployment to 95 percent of U.S. population – urban and rural areas Increases AT&T's investment in the U.S. An impressive, combined workforce Consistent with AT&T's track record of value-enhancing acquisitions The transaction will enhance margin potential and improve the company's long-term revenue growth potential as it benefits from a more robust mobile broadband platform for new services. Additional financial information The number of AT&T shares issued will be based on the AT&T share price during the 30-day period prior to closing, subject to a 7.5 percent collar; there is a one-year lock-up period during which Deutsche Telekom cannot sell shares. The cash portion of the purchase price will be financed with new debt and cash on AT&T's balance sheet. AT&T has an 18-month commitment for a one-year unsecured bridge term facility underwritten by J.P. Morgan for $20 billion. AT&T assumes no debt from T-Mobile USA or Deutsche Telekom and continues to have a strong balance sheet. The transaction is expected to be earnings (excluding non-cash amortization and integration costs) accretive in the third year after closing. Pro-forma for 2010, this transaction increases AT&T's total wireless revenues from $58.5 billion to nearly $80 billion, and increases the percentage of AT&T's total revenues from wireless, wireline data and managed services to approximately 80 percent. This transaction will allow for sufficient cash flow to support AT&T's dividend. AT&T has increased its dividend for 27 consecutive years, a matter decided by AT&T's Board of Directors. Conditions Advisors Conference Call/Webcast For dial-in access, please dial +1 (888) 517-2464 within the U.S. or +1 (630) 827-6816 outside the U.S. after 7:30 a.m. ET. Enter passcode 8442095# to join or ask the conference call operator for the AT&T Investor Relations event. The webcast will be available for replay on AT&T's Investor Relations website on March 21, 2011, starting at 12:30 p.m. ET through April 21, 2011. An archive of the conference call will also be available during this time period. To access the recording, please dial +1 (877) 870-5176 within the U.S. or +1 (858) 384-5517 outside the U.S. and enter reservation code 29362481#. Transaction Website About AT&T Additional information about AT&T Inc. and the products and services provided by AT&T subsidiaries and affiliates is available at http://www.att.com. This AT&T news release and other announcements are available athttp://www.att.com/newsroom and as part of an RSS feed at www.att.com/RSS. Or follow our news at @ATT. About Deutsche Telekom About T-Mobile USA Cautionary Language Concerning Forward-Looking Statements © 2011 AT&T Intellectual Property. All rights reserved. Mobile broadband not available in all areas. AT&T, the AT&T logo and all other marks contained herein are trademarks of AT&T Intellectual Property and/or AT&T affiliated companies. If you liked this article, you might find these interesting:
Posted by Luis Merlos for ©BerryReview, March 20, 2011, 3:12 pm. | AT&T Announce They Will Acquire T-Mobile USA from Deutsche Telekom Pending Regulatory Approval | 15 comments | |
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