How about we start today with a moment of silence…………….Ok, we’re back.  That brief pause was for our dear friend, the Analog Cell Network.  Think of this post as an obituary of sorts, as the service is officially off as of today.

That’s right, the FCC, according to articles, “will allow wireless network operators to shut down their old analog networks. These networks, built in the 1980s and called Advanced Mobile Phone Systems (AMPS) were some of the first used in the U.S. Network operators can also turn off their first-generation TDMA digital networks.”  Sad?  No. Not really.  Looks like Verizon Wireless and AT&T are both scheduled do hit the big “Abort” switch today, and others will most likely follow suit in and around today.  Will your service be compromised, you might be asking?  Truthfully, not likely.

The number of services still using these as broad methods of providing connections is low enough that most wireless customers won’t even notice at all.  So, as we move further and further into this digital world, tip your cap, and say farewell to our analog forefathers.  Adieu kind sir.

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Hold onto your hats my friends and fellow In-Networkers. Verizon Wireless is officially going to open up their network to any and all CDMA-based phones. Any.

According to the article over at CrunchGear, “you can bring any CDMA-based phone to Verizon, provided it passes the “very reasonable” certification tests involving “basic network interactivity and a simple security screen.” Wow. The ability to shop ‘outside the box’ as it were, can really provide some extremely exciting opportunities for an already dominating vendor.

What mobile warrior phones will you be bringing over to Verizon when the Network is unlocked? I am curious when/if phones like the iPhone will make their way over after some hackery and debauchery. I’m curious to see what kind of sweet phones I can update to; although, right now for my mobile warrior needs, the LG Voyager just so happens to be rocking my socks off.

Sound off, what are you pumped for? Hit me…

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Being mobile just got, um, mobiler?  Mobiler is not a word, but I am making it one right now.  At any rate, it is true, being a Mobile Warrior just got a lot easier if you happen to be a Verizon Wireless customer.  No longer do you have to take your phone in to a store, or sit around your home computer to update your phone’s firmware.  Starting soon, you’ll be able to simply update your phone’s firmware over the air.  A few pushes of the button and you are good to go!

According to the article I just read,

“Customers will receive a message on their wireless phone indicating that a new handset update is available. They will be periodically notified to download the updated software package by following simple on-screen prompts that will guide them through the process in a matter of minutes. The technology will be introduced in some new phones starting later this year, and throughout 2008.  “

Snazzy to say the least.  I can’t tell you how much it has annoyed me in the past having to go into a Verizon store, wait 2 hours to be helped on a project that takes 15 or 20 seconds.  Being Mobile is GOOD!

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Here you go friends, a happy little Thursday Press Release, that should make every single Verizon Wireless customer very, very happy.  I know it made me happy, and that’s saying something when it comes to ol’ VZW.

Without further ado, here is the official press release from Verizon:

10/01/2007

BASKING RIDGE, NJ — In yet another step aimed at offering American consumers the “most customer friendly” experience in the wireless industry, Verizon Wireless today announced that it will provide all of its customers the ability to change calling plans without requiring contract extensions.

Starting October 7, new and existing customers will have the option to change their voice and data calling plans – selecting current plans with different minute allowances or text messaging and data use options – without changing the end date of their contract. The policy will become part of the company’s industry leading customer promise, the Verizon Wireless Worry Free Guarantee®. Read the rest of this entry »

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Words can not truly express how deeply I love the show The Office on NBC.  They really can’t, I’ve tried before, and everything I utter falls well short of how much I really love it.  That said, my day perked up, a lot up, today with the news that now, I can stream that show, as well as some other NBC gems on my cell phone.

You heard me right folks, NBC has officially gone mobile on Verizon Wireless.  According to reports:

“Customers will be able to view short videos from NBCU’s entire suite of video channels, including NBC News, entertainment news from “Access Hollywood,” NBC Sports, NBC Comedy with “The Office,” “30 Rock,” “The Tonight Show with Jay Leno” and “Late Night with Conan O’Brien,” BravoToGo, NBC Entertainment, Telemundo, mun2, and iVillage.”

Very, very cool.  Pair this with, oh, a MoGo Headset that’s coming soon, and friends call it bliss.  The ability to wirelessly watch Steve Carell and the gang moping around Dunder Mifflin without any cords, cables or wires hooked into me, or out of my phone is just plain brilliant.  Dwight K. Schrute has never been so accessible, a fact I am sure he is not altogether pleased with.

Check out the article on the news, then head back over to MoGo to find out how you can make your NBC Wireless viewing even more pleasurable.

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Sports fans rejoice. Well, rejoice if you are a sports fan that is also a Verizon Wireless user. Looks like the kind folks over at VZW decided to offer up their ESPN Mobile service for the low low price of FREE to all VCast VPak members. FREE!

Nothing is free, and that is true here, as you have to be a VCast member, but nevertheless, anyone who loves sports will love this service. According to the deal that was just brokered…“Verizon Wireless will offer ESPN MVP, an on-demand link to ESPN sports information such as SportsCenter video highlights; alerts for scoring updates and breaking news; ESPN Gamecast, with comprehensive scoreboards and play-by-play detail; and news on players, teams and leagues. ESPN MVP also offers other exclusive features including fantasy team management, select ESPN Insider content and ESPN Bottomline.”

Sweet for you. Now, imagine pairing it with the soon-to-be-released MoGo Headset. You can watch all your favorite ESPN stuff without having everyone else within a 15-foot radius hearing what you’re watching. Not too shabby right? Just think of the implications for all you college kids…wear a hooded sweatshirt, the MoGo Headset in one ear, leave the cell phone open on your desk…no more listening to lectures, watch sports instead. Not that I’m condoning that behavior.

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