GeekSugar

RIP: Verizon Wireless One-Year Contract Option

Kristy Korcz — Fri, 08 Apr 2011 12:53:49 PDT

Heads up if you're a fan of Verizon Wireless's shorter, one-year contract: the company confirmed today that it would be eliminating the one-year contract agreement beginning April 17.

Verizon is one of the last remaining wireless carriers to offer the single-year contract, but it says that due to device subsidies, more customers sign up for a two-year contract to get a lower, up-front cost on their phones of choice. Verizon will still offer month-to-month and prepaid options, and if you're toward the end of your one-year contract now then you can renew before the deadline to ensure you won't be attached to Verizon until 2013.

Sprint Offers Free Google Voice Integration, Including Your Number

Kristy Korcz — Mon, 21 Mar 2011 10:20:57 PDT

Sprint announced this morning that it would be the first wireless company to fully integrate Google Voice into its lineup of CDMA phones. Earlier this year, Google announced the ability to port your mobile number to Google Voice, and now Sprint is offering this service free of charge. Sprint customers can now use their mobile number on Google's service and reap all the benefits of Google Voice sans the $20 porting fee, and any service complications that come with porting a number outside of a wireless company.

Sprint says that you should be able to transfer your mobile number to Google Voice in just minutes, and it is available starting today.

AT&T Buys T-Mobile and Becomes Country's Largest Mobile Provider

Kristen Hawley — Mon, 21 Mar 2011 01:57:36 PDT

AT&T was previously the number two wireless carrier in the US, but yesterday's acquisition of T-Mobile has made it the country's largest, overtaking Verizon. The $39 billion deal will make T-Mobile customers part of the AT&T infrastructure, making AT&T the sole provider of GSM cellphones.

At first look, the deal will do little to change the plans currently offered to both T-Mobile and AT&T customers, though it may have technological implications. Find out more after the break.

AT&T Loves You: 6 Ways It's Keeping Customers From Switching Carriers

Kristy Korcz — Fri, 11 Feb 2011 13:15:26 PST

The great wireless battle is far from over - while AT&T and Verizon's skirmish has heated up the airwaves once again thanks to the new Verizon iPhone, AT&T seems to be shifting its focus to its customers. Recently, the company has tried to entice users to stay on board by offering them some new deals, discounts, and bonuses. Granted, AT&T hasn't always had the best reputation when it comes to service, but check out these six ways it's trying to hold on to its customer base by showing its appreciation.

Do You Password-Protect Your WiFi?

GeekSugar — Fri, 04 Feb 2011 13:00:05 PST

Despite my attempts at educating you on the dangers of leaving your home's WiFi network unattended, it seems that there are a lot of you out there without wireless passwords. According to a new study, 32 percent of people piggyback on their neighbor's WiFi signals in order to hop on Facebook, surf the Internet, or check emails, instead of paying for their own Internet access. Let's face it, it's stealing, and not only could an open WiFi signal give your neighbors access to your personal information, but if they're illegally downloading content, you could be slapped with the blame.

Don't know how to set a password for your home wireless network? The Cisco Valet Plus router is insanely easy to set up, walks you through password protection, and also allows you to create guest WiFi accounts so your visitors can surf without gaining access to your personal records. Better safe than sorry!

Cisco Valet Plus: Easiest Router Setup Ever

Kristy Korcz — Fri, 21 Jan 2011 04:00:47 PST

I never really had a problem with my Apple Airport router at home. It worked just fine, and since I live in a Mac household, I thought it would be the best option for seamless integration with the rest of my gadgets. But after getting the Valet Plus wireless router from Cisco, I don't think I'll ever go back. Not just because I've seen increased rage and fast wireless speeds, or that it was easy to connect all of my computers, gaming consoles, and printers, but the biggest plus: setup was incredibly simple.

Find out more, and why you'll love it after the break.

Will You Soon Be Able to Port Your Mobile Number to Google Voice?

Kristy Korcz — Thu, 20 Jan 2011 02:00:04 PST

For a short period of time last night, Google released the ability to port your mobile number to Google Voice for a mere $20. While the option has been removed, and Google released a statement saying that it may not be available to everyone due to testing, the idea that it may be widely released in the future is very exciting.

If you've ever dealt with porting your number from one provider to another, you'll know what this process is all about. But with Google Voice? What's up with that? Find out what porting your number to Google Voice will mean for you (along with a potential downside) after the break.

Which Wireless Carrier Was Ranked Lowest in Customer Satisfaction?

GeekSugar — Wed, 08 Dec 2010 01:47:16 PST

Consumer Reports recently released a study that ranked the nation's wireless carriers in terms of customer satisfaction. Can you guess which carrier was named "the worst"?

Take the Quiz

Weekend Deals: Amazon Selling Phones For a Penny

Kristy Korcz — Sat, 13 Nov 2010 07:00:15 PST

Looking for a great deal on a new phone? You're in luck - Amazon Wireless has put a ton of new (and some not-so-new) AT&T phones on sale for - wait for it - a penny.

That's right, if you're looking for a Windows Phone 7 device, a BlackBerry, or even a sweet little square phone that was all the rage this Summer, then head on over to Amazon's wireless page to pick one up. The sale ends Monday, Nov. 15, so you'd better hurry. As you may have expected, to get that amazing price you'll need to sign a two-year contract with AT&T.

Want some tips on which ones to grab? Then keep reading.

Innovative Libratone Speakers Let You Ditch Your Wires

Kristy Korcz — Tue, 05 Oct 2010 08:30:51 PDT

Wires and cables can create clutter, which can cause a lot of stress for those folks (like myself) that crave organization and clean surfaces. If I had my way, everything would be wireless 'cause it's just more convenient! I've been recently on the hunt for some cord-free speakers to place around my apartment, and it seems I've hit the jackpot with these.

Called the Libratone Beat, these speakers connect to your iDevices and computers via an Apple 30 pin connector or USB transmitter, and can fill your room with sound thanks to its multi-directional innards and open-backed design - no wires required. Use your Mac or PC, Apple TV, Airport, or iPhone, iPod Touch, or iPad with the transmitters, or wire it up the old fashioned way (if you must) to your mobile phone or TV with the mini jack connector.

View 5 Photos ›

Find out more about the Libratone Beat (including where and when you can get your hands on one) after the jump.