AT&T leapfrogs the competition

[krissel]

This is big.

Wonder if Apple was privy to this or at least a promise of something when they chose ATT?

 

QUOTE

AT&T could use the new licenses, many of them intended for third-generation network services, either to expand wireless phone and data services or to add video content for mobile phones.

http://www.nytimes.com/aponline/technology...p;partner=MYWAY

[Gregg]

also in the story:

QUOTE

broadcasters must switch completely to digital television in 2009

My recollection about what I've read on this is fuzzy. I think there will be lots of unhappy people when this happens. Replacing TVs is one thing, but the entertainment centers the old TVs fit in are much more expensive!

[krissel]

In February of '09 the switch will take place.

I recently got a DVR which has a digital tuner in it so I will be able to get all the channels over the air. Got one for my folks, too.

The government is supposed to subsidize two 'coupons' for about $40 each per family to go towards purchasing converter sets which some companies are making for the change.

Any TV made after March of '07 is supposed to have the digital tuners in them. So if you buy a new TV, make sure it isn't one that has been sitting in a warehouse for months.

[Gregg]

Since getting our first set in 1978 (a black and white that we still use) we've only purchased one other. It was broken by a service technician (he dropped it) and replaced by his company with a brand new one. This was maybe 8 years ago. My point: they can last a long long time...

[Highmac]

QUOTE(Gregg @ Oct 11 2007, 01:29 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Since getting our first set in 1978 (a black and white that we still use) we've only purchased one other. It was broken by a service technician (he dropped it) and replaced by his company with a brand new one. This was maybe 8 years ago. My point: they can last a long long time...

We just had an ITT colour portable, bought in 1984, decide that it didn't like the kitchen any more... switched it on and there was a loud bang and a puff of smoke from it. Quoth Mrs Highmac as she opened the window to clear the air - "They just don't make things to last any more..."

On the phone topic, iPhone will be marketed through the UK's O2 network - which I think was the first UK network to offer G3 technology - and tied to it. When announced last month, it was priced at 279GBP, with an 18-month contract of 35 to 55GBP per month (double those numbers for US dollars, more or less...).
Report from September 19's The Independent on the UK launch.

QUOTE

... Mr Jobs said a 3G version is likely to be available late next year ...