Sonim XP1 Blog

XP1 Underwater

Love this video of the XP1 having a bath. But please don't try this at home, kids -- unless your phone is an XP1.

Open Skies, Wireless Freedom

The battle for open skies is really starting to heat up, as we creep every closer to the start of the Federal Communications Commission anticipated auction of the 700MHz band spectrum which is slated to happen in January.

Frontline Wireless has petitioned the FCC to lower the minimum prices set for the spectrum licenses, in order to allow smaller wireless companies to effectively compete in the auction.

Here's why this is more than a money issue: The FCC has set minimum prices for each of the five spectrum blocks up for bid. If those prices aren't met during the bidding the block will be re-auctioned -- but without the service conditions attached to it in the original auction. The key issue here is that the highly coveted C Block has a reserve price of $4.6 billion with open skies service conditions that require the spectrum winner to allow customers to use devices and software of their choice.

"The incumbent bidders who have both the most money with which to bid and the most to lose from open access platforms, namely Verizon and AT&T, will rationally act to defeat the conditions by refusing to bid or low-balling their bids," Frontline stated in its petition. "Because the incumbents have deep pockets and can afford to bid high for the spectrum in re-auction, they will have effectively been given the opportunity to buy their way out of the open access conditions."

Sounds pretty plausible to me.

 

Mobi Magazine

Sonim Technologies' XP1 ruggedized phone is featured on the cover of the September issue of "Mobi," Russia's mobile device magazine. The issue also includes a glowing review of the XP1. Thanks, Mobi! (Click on the cover if you want to see the XP1 in all of its glory.)

Free The Phones!

Contrary to what its name would lead you to believe, a new website called Free The iPhone isn't just about "liberating our favorite new gadget from the shackles of AT&T" -- it’s also about promoting open competition in the entire U.S. wireless communications industry.

"The big phone companies like AT&T and Verizon Wireless make a ton of money by locking you into exclusive deals for the newest phones and levying big fees for early termination. Once you are signed up, they can force you to use their slower-than-dial-up networks; cripple new features like Wi-Fi, video, music and games; and make you buy “preferred” content from their services."

Check out their website, if you agree with their ideas you might want to sign the petition and join their campaign for Wireless Freedom – the freedom to use any communications device on any network. the freedom to choose among providers in a competitive wholesale marketplace, and the freedom to access any content or services we want through the devices we own.

"We’re at a unique moment. The FCC is about to make available huge portions of the public airwaves for mobile Internet uses. The FCC and Congress need to hear from concerned citizens like us. If we open up these airwaves to new competitors, protect Net Neutrality, and unchain the devices — not just the iPhone but whatever comes next — we can create a new kind of mobile Internet in America, one that is truly open and accessible to all."

I couldn't agree more. Free the phones!

 

 

 

The End of Early Termination Fees?

The proof keeps piling up: US consumers aren't happy with being locked into calling plans with one carrier. According to a report released today on the Reuters newswire two major consumer advocate organizations are strongly supporting legislation that would limit the fees that wireless companies can charge dissatisfied customers who want to end service before their contract expires.

Reuters reported that on Monday the Consumer Federation of America and Consumers Union have endorsed a bill introduced recently that would bar wireless carriers from charging fees to customers who drop service within 30 days, and require them to pro-rate early termination fees for those who exit their contract after 30 days.

"Contract extensions and early termination fees are the #1 consumer annoyance with the wireless industry," Chris Murray, a lawyer for Consumers Union, said in a statement. "Consumers are powerless to negotiate better terms with their cell phone carrier, but this bill would help to level the playing field."

The legislation in question was introduced on Sept. 7 by Democrats John Rockefeller of West Virginia and Amy Klobuchar of Minnesota. Last week, the chairman of the U.S. Federal Communications Commission said the agency should look into possible restrictions on early termination fees charged by wireless carriers and other service providers.

The proposed legislation has, of course, been criticized by the wireless industry's main trade group, CTIA, "as an unnecessary interference in a competitive industry. Consumers can avoid the fees by signing up for prepaid wireless phone plans, the industry argues," Reuters reported.

In addition to restricting termination fees, the legislation also would require wireless carriers to more clearly disclose details about charges on customers' bills.