As reported here on Cell Phones Etc. and across the Web, here’s your daily brief on what happened in the world of mobile phones this Friday, June 3rd, 2011.

The 20 Cell Phones Least Likely To Fry Your Brain Dead
The highest SAR score the FCC allows is 1.6 watts per kilogram. (Other countries have different standards.) Yesterday we showed you the 20 cell phones with the highest SAR score. Now we’ll show you the 20 phones with the lowest.
Business Insider

Panasonic Shrinks WiGig For Cellphones, Sets Our Hearts A Flutter
Tri-band WiGig in a laptop? Yawnsville. Now, put that 60GHz connection in a high-end smartphone and we’re all ears (and sweaty palms). Panasonic is the first out the gate with a 802.11ad compatible chip for mobile devices and, despite its head-spinning multi-gigabit speeds, the company’s creation draws less that 1W of power. It’ll be sometime before WiGig makes its way into your Droid or iPhone, but when it does you can look forward to wirelessly syncing entire seasons of Good Eats (in 1080p, of course) to your phone in mere minutes.
Engadget

Report: iPhone 4 Given More Shelf Space In Q1 2011 Than Any Other Smartphone
Strategy Analytics’ latest SpecTRAX report shows the iPhone 4 16GB occupied more shelf space in Q1 2011 than any other device. The stats are based on 140 mobile operators worldwide of which 68 have the iPhone 4 in their portfolio. This number does not include sales, simply what carriers were putting on the floor. Strategy Analytics stated that “carriers are giving preference to style over substance” and that the iPhone 4 knocked RIM’s BlackBerry Bold 9700 out of the top spot.
MobileSyrup

BlackBerry Bold 9900 Won’t Launch Until September
We have confirmed with multiple sources that the BlackBerry Bold 9900 won’t be launching until September globally. While an announcement at BlackBerry World was inevitable, it still hurts to see RIM struggle to get devices out the door swiftly. RIM announced that the BlackBerry Bold 9900 would be available in the “summer” from carrier’s globally when the product was unveiled at BlackBerry World.
BGR

Rogers Intros New Promo Plans For Small Businesses With 6GB Of Data
Rogers has created a new promo that’s directly for small business customers. Depending on which plans you look at (either $85 or $95 per month) it includes 6GB data/month, a whack load of minutes, Unlimited evenings and weekends starting at 6PM, Unlimited incoming texts, Unlimited North American long distance… you’ll need to sign up on a 3-year and the we’re told it’s on until June 30th.
MobileSyrup

This is a post from Cell Phones Etc. entitled:
Today’s Mobile News in Brief (June 3, 2011)

As reported here on Cell Phones Etc. and across the Web, here’s your daily brief on what happened in the world of mobile phones this Thursday, June 2nd, 2011.

TI Announces 1.8GHz Dual-core OMAP4470 Mobile Processor
Texas Instruments on Thursday unveiled its latest mobile processor, the 1.8GHz dual-core OMAP4470, from the annual Computex trade show in Taipei, Taiwan. The new CPU is destined for smartphones and tablets, and it features a power-sipping design that offers a variety of performance enhancements compared to older processors. ”The OMAP4470 processor delivers the maximum experience possible with an unmatched, power-efficient architecture.”
BGR

Sony Ericsson To Showcase Over 20 New Games Optimized For Xperia Play
A bevy of new titles is on the horizon for the Xperia Play — some old, some new, but all optimized for this specific brand of button-mashing. Headline acts include Minecraft (a port we’ve already seen in action) as well as Rainbow Six: Shadow Vanguard and Battlefield Bad Company 2, both of which have both been accruing headshots on iOS devices for a while now.
Engadget

An Origami Phone You Could Actually Use
A phone made of paper that you can fold and actually use. That’s the concept Chengyuan Wei designed when he spent some time thinking creatively about the classic telephone. Wei took apart a corded telephone and noticed it doesn’t use many parts. He did away with the plastic and the over-sized circuitry and fashioned a new handset from paper and a few spare electronics. A few minutes of folding and, voila, a phone. Too bad it’s just a concept as the idea is ingenious.
Gizmodo

Google: 74.4% Of All Android Devices Run OS 2.2 Or Higher
A new chart has been released that yet again shows an increase to OS 2.2 and higher – which makes sense as the Android platform has gained greater adoption worldwide and more devices are being shipped with Froyo or above. OS 2.2 and above now makes up for 74.4% of all Android devices.
MobileSyrup

The 20 Most Dangerous Cell Phones
Earlier this week the World Health Organization announced cell phones pose a risk of causing brain cancer. It turns out that the FCC has been tracking radio frequency (RF) levels in cell phones all along using what’s called a Specific Absorption Rate (SAR) score. SAR scores measure how much a phone’s RF is absorbed by the human body when held to the ear. The higher the score, the higher the absorption rate. (And that’s bad.)
Business Insider

This is a post from Cell Phones Etc. entitled:
Today’s Mobile News in Brief (June 2, 2011)

As reported here on Cell Phones Etc. and across the Web, here’s your daily brief on what happened in the world of mobile phones this Tuesday, May 17th, 2011.

Bell Motorola ATRIX drops to free on 3-year
Yes, that’s right. The Motorola Atrix is now free on a 3-yr contract. But don’t look for this enticing offer on Bell. This one’s from Best Buy. Sure, signing up on a contract, much more one that ties you up for 3 whole years, is a bit of a hassle, but with the Atrix as a reward for doing so, we’re pretty sure there’ll be a number of subscribers out there who wouldn’t mind taking the contract route just to snag this smartphone for $0.
Mobilesyrup

Apple Proposes New SIM Card Standard
Can a SIM card be any smaller than a micro SIM? This is what Apple is hoping for and proposing so that they can roll out thinner devices in the future. Personally, I’m all for thinner devices, but having different SIM card sizes is quite troublesome, to say the least, since I won’t be able to use the same SIM card on different devices. Yes, I know, the end justifies the means, but I’m just hoping they can find another means to achieve their goal.
Phone Scoop

Ready Or Not, America’s First 3D Phone Is Up For Pre-Order
Want to be one of the first to own the 3D-capable HTC EVO 3D? Then head on over to Radioshack where they’re taking pre-orders for the said smartphone. Problem is, though, they don’t have details yet on when it’ll actually arrive. And get this, they’re requiring those who wish to pre-order this 3D smartphone to buy a $50.00 Radioshack gif card. Yeah, you could say they’re asking too much for something they still don’t have. That said, if you really want to be assured an HTC EVO 3D smartphone when it rolls out, whenever that will be, then Radioshack’s offer is definitely meant for you.
Business Insider: SAI

Intel Medfield powered smartphones coming next year, CEO says
Intel will soon be joining the smartphone bandwagon. Details are still pretty scarce as to what devices will have Intel inside. What we do know, though, is that they’ll be taking advantage of the company’s Medfield mobile processor, and they’ll be hitting the market sometime in 2012. Yes, for now, it’s a waiting game, but we’re optimistic we’ll be hearing more about these devices as we draw closer to the potential launch date.
BGR

Nokia N9 Teaser Ad Appears (Video)
Hot off the heels of its FCC filing, the still unofficial Nokia N9 now has a teaser ad, and it’s available online for everyone’s viewing pleasure. If you pay close enough attention to the video, you’ll notice this QWERTY-packing touchscreen smartphone runs on the new Symbian Anna platform, instead of MeeGo, and it sports a 12-megapixel camera ’round the back. Still no launch date yet though. However, taking into consideration these recent events, we’re feeling good that it might not be long now before Nokia finally makes this baby official.
Pocketnow

This is a post from Cell Phones Etc. entitled:
Today’s Mobile News in Brief (May 17, 2011)

As reported here on Cell Phones Etc. and across the Web, here’s your daily brief on what happened in the world of mobile phones this Friday, May 13th, 2011.

Bell increasing pay-per-use text messaging rates August 1st
Heads up, Bell subscribers, more specifically you guys who aren’t on a monthly text plan or bundle. Bell will be increasing their pay-per-use text messaging rates beginning August. Local messages, including ones sent to the US, will be charged $0.20/message (up from $0.15/message) while international messages will cost $0.35/message (up from $0.25/message). Messages sent to your phone from an app, meanwhile, will cost $0.20/message. This will also be the new rate for messages sent to an app from your phone (up from $0.15/message).
Mobilesyrup

Apple: Analyst Says No LTE in iPhone 5; To Add Sprint, T-Mobile
The next iPhone won’t be called the iPhone 5. It’ll be launched as the iPhone 4S. This is according to Jeffries analyst Peter Misek. Yeah, this is a bit trivial, but more importantly, he adds that it’ll be available on new carriers: Sprint, T-Mobile, and China Mobile. He also reports that it should look pretty much like the iPhone 4 with “minor cosmetic changes” with HSPA+ support, and like the iPad 2, will run on an A5 dual-core processor. Nothing surprising about the specs part, but the new carriers did manage to catch us a bit off guard.
Forbes

Motorola DROID X2 could launch May 26th
The Droid X2 should have launched on Verizon this week, but it didn’t. But don’t be too disappointed as Droid Life reports it’s actually still on-track for a May launch, on the 26th to be exact. This new roll out date was spotted in a new leaked document for the new Droid X smartphone. Only time will tell if this May 26 Droid X launch is true, but you can bet your horses we’ll be keeping a close eye on this dual-core powered super Android smartphone.
BGR

LG Optimus 2X coming to WIND & Videotron?
This isn’t confirmed yet, but for those eager to get their hands on the world’s first dual-core handset, Wind and Videotron are the carriers you might want to keep tabs on. A couple of Optimus 2X demo units were spotted to be sporting wallpapers for each of the mentioned carriers, a good indication that this Guinness recognized smartphone is headed for these carriers. Again, nothing’s confirmed yet, but this is a good tip. We’re just hoping the one that’ll be released in Canada isn’t as troublesome as the Optimus 2X that users have been complaining about over in Europe.
Mobilesryup

Droid Charge to finally light up on Verizon Wireless tomorrow (update: official!)
The Samsung Droid Charge will finally be available on Verizon. It’ll be available online beginning tonight, and in-stores tomorrow. It’ll retail for $299.99 on a 2-year contract. Why so pricey, you ask? Well, for starters, this is one of the few new LTE-friendly smartphone out now. It’s also got a 1GHz processor under the hood, an 8-megapixel shooter ’round the back, a 1.3-megapixel camera along with a 4.3-inch Super AMOLED display on the front. The only setback is it runs Froyo, but hey, if it’s a true 4G phone you want, you should be willing to settle for Android 2.2 since there aren’t any Gingerbread LTE Android phones out in the market right now.
Engadget

This is a post from Cell Phones Etc. entitled:
Today’s Mobile News in Brief (May 13, 2011)

As reported here on Cell Phones Etc. and across the Web, here’s your daily brief on what happened in the world of mobile phones this Friday, May 6th, 2011.

LG Optimus 2X scoops up Guinness World Record for being first dual-core smartphone
LG can now proudly boast they’re officially the first handset maker to release a dual-core smartphone. Guinness World Records affirms this, giving the Korean phone manufacturer the proper recognition they so richly deserve. Of course, realistically, this is nothing more than just bragging rights and is actually very trivial, but hey, at least LG now has a place in the record books. And in 5 years time, when someone pops the question who first outed a dual-core smartphone, LG and the Optimus 2X will once again be the hot topic of discussions.
Engadget

Official OS 6.0.0.534 for the Pearl 3G from SaskTel
SaskTel subscriber? BlackBerry Pearl 3G user? If your answer to both questions is a yes, you’ll be happy to know the BlackBerry 6 upgrade for you RIM handset is finally out. So, if you’ve got nothing better to do, just head on over here to download it now so you too can enjoy the various treats BlackBerry 6 has to offer.
CrackBerry

HTC Desire Z will get Gingerbread by the end of June
Here’s good news for you HTC Desire Z owners out there. HTC has finally given a timeframe for the release of the much antiquated Gingerbread updated for the Desire Z, and it’ll be happening next month. With the Desire Z now getting an ETA for the Android 2.3 update, all that’s left now is the HTC Desire.
GSMArena

IDC: smartphone market grows 80 percent year-on-year, Samsung shipments rise 350 percent
The smartphone market is definitely growing, and Samsung is slowly but surely staking their claim in this segment of the market. Based on IDC’s Q1 2011 figures, Samsung is currently in 4th place with 10.8% share. But they’ve made great strides since last year, improving by an astounding 350%. Nokia still tops the chart with 24.3% share, Apple next with 18.7%, and RIM in 3rd spot with 14%. HTC, meanwhile, rounds up the top five with 8.9% share.
Engadget

iOS 4.3.3 jailbreak now available with redsn0w
iOS 4.3.3 was released this week, and in true jailbreak fashion, it’s now properly jailbroken. redsn0w has been updated to work nicely with Apple’s latest firmware to provide an untethered jailbreak for both Windows and Mac users. Truth is, we’ve got Apple to thank for the speedy roll out of this new jailbreak as they’ve yet to patch the exploit being used by the current untethered jailbreak tools. Are we complaining? Heck, no! We’re actually rejoicing. But we can’t deny, we’re feeling a bit more anxious because of this, especially with iOS 5 looming on the horizon.
BGR

This is a post from Cell Phones Etc. entitled:
Today’s Mobile News in Brief (May 6, 2011)

As reported here on Cell Phones Etc. and across the Web, here’s your daily brief on what happened in the world of mobile phones this Monday, May 2nd, 2011.

Apple to fix location tracking bug in iOS 4.3.3; due out soon
Apple promised an update to address the tracking issue, and based on this report, it looks like it’ll come in the form of iOS 4.3.3. It’s expected to be out in the next two weeks, if not earlier, and will make modications as to how the data file in question is handled, such as reducing its file size and disabling backup to iTunes. It will also be deleted if Location Services is turned off. These improvements are certainly a welcome development, but where’s the added encryption layer they promised?
BGR

RIM announces BlackBerry 7 OS with better browser and BlackBerry Balance, but no legacy support
RIM has officially announced the newest iteration of the mobile platform as BlackBerry 7 (formerly known as BlackBerry 6.1). This new BlackBerry OS boasts of an enhanced browser with HTML5 support and Just-In-Time JavaScript, voice-activated universal search, and BlackBerry Balance, a new feature that separate personal content from work. It’s a good step up from BlackBerry 6.1, but the bad news is it won’t be available as an update for old and current in-market devices. Sorry guys. You’ll have to buy a new ‘Berry to get a hold of this new BlackBerry OS.
Engadget

BlackBerry Bold 9900 / 9930 gets official, finally touch and type
We knew it was coming, and now, it’s finally here. The BlackBerry Bold Bold 9900 (GSM)/9930 (CDMA) are the newest handsets to join RIM’s Bold smartphone series. The Touch may have been dropped from its official name, but make no mistake, both these phones are touchscreen-enabled. Consistent with prior reports, the Bold 9900/9930 feature a 2.8-inch touchscreen, 5-megapixel camera, NFC support, and runs on a 1.2GHz processor complemented by 768MB RAM and 8GB on-board memory. These are also the first in a new line of RIM smartphones that have the new BlackBerry 7 as its OS. Both Bold touch smartphones are scheduled to roll out this summer.
BGR

Sn0wbreeze brings untethered jailbreak to Verizon iPhone for Windows users
Here’s good news for you Verizon iPhone users out there. You can now jailbreak your iOS 4.3.7 iPhone using the newest version of sn0wbreeze. This is completely untethered, but unfortunately, is only available for Windows platform. Mac users can use the redsn0w jailbreak, but unlike this updated version of sn0wbreeze, that one’s tethered.
Engadget

BlackBerry Bold 9900 coming to Virgin Mobile
The BlackBerry Bold 990 is confirmed coming to Canada. Virgin Mobile Canada is the first out the door to announce they’ll be adding the BlackBerry Bold 9900 to their line-up. No exact release date was mentioned, but news that it is coming should be good enough for now. We’re expecting a host of other carriers to be making their respective announcements soon, and we’re pretty sure Bell will be one of them since they now own Virgin Mobile Canada. Pricing, understandable, is still yet to be known. More on this soon.
Mobilesryup

This is a post from Cell Phones Etc. entitled:
Today’s Mobile News in Brief (May 2, 2011)

As reported here on Cell Phones Etc. and across the Web, here’s your daily brief on what happened in the world of mobile phones this Wednesday, April 13th, 2011.

Motorola bringing Froyo to Bravo, seeks guinea pigs to test it
Here’s good news for you Motorola Bravo owners out there. Motorola will be providing a Froyo update for the Bravo. No word on the specific date yet when it’ll be rolled out, but if you’re interested to try out a pre-release version, they are looking for some Bravo users to test it out first before given the green light to go public.
Engadget

Mobilicity comes out with $35/month All-in Nexus S promo plan
The Nexus S is now also available on Mobilicity. Nothing new as far as its pricing is concerned, but what sets them apart from the rest of the pack is their $35/month unlimited talk, text and data plan which you can bundle with the newest Google phone. Too bad though that their Nexus S is currently sold out. But hey, inventory should be replenished soon so it’s no biggie, unless, of course, you’ve got your eyes set on another carrier already.
Mobilesryup

Samsung unveils Galaxy S Plus, ticks at 1.4GHz
The Samsung Galaxy S Plus is now official. Well, not locally but in Russia. And it now goes by a different name, the Galaxy S 2011, but everything else, however, remains the same. The 1.4GHz processor, 5-megapixel AF camera, 4-inch Super AMOLED display, and Gingerbread OS are all still there. Retail price is 21,990 rubles or roughly $781. Its set to hit store in May, with no clear info yet if and when this this baby will find its way into the North American market.
GSMArena

Microsoft Offers Mea Culpa for Slow Windows Phone Updates, Promises “Mango” Update This Fall
Multitasking, Internet Explorer 9, and integrated Twitter; these are just

This is a post from Cell Phones Etc. entitled:
Today’s Mobile News in Brief (April 13, 2011)

As reported here on Cell Phones Etc. and across the Web, here’s your daily brief on what happened in the world of mobile phones this Wednesday, April 6th, 2011.

Samsung Galaxy S II gets upgraded to 1.2GHz, delayed until May or June?
Yes, the Samsung Galaxy S II will now run on a 1.2GHz dual-core processor. Ol’ Sammy decided to upgrade its CPU prior to its release. That’s the good part. The bad news is that we might not get to see it hit the market until after June. Well, if the delay is due to the upgraded processor, I personally think it’s worth the wait. However, if its delay is due to something else, well, all I can say is that Samsung’s got to get their act together if they wish to remain as the top dog as they’ve got stiff competition in the Android scene just waiting for them to make a mistake.
Engadget

Here are the upcoming Rogers Nexus S price plans
Thanks to a tip, we now know how much the Nexus S will cost on Rogers. Off-contract price is pegged at $499.99 while 3-year contract price (with voice and dat) is just $99.99. In related news, Fido’s pricing has also been revealed, and as expected, it’s pretty much the same as that of Rogers – $500 outright purchase and $100 on a 3-year deal. ETA is April 12th.
Mobilesyrup

A keyboard-less webOS phone – the Stingray? [Exclusive]
Here’s a first look at what could be the next webOS device in the pipeline – the Stingray. Specs are pretty scarce at the moment. However, the tipster who sent in this photos describe it as “an EVO with webOS.” It still not clear though if this is a device in development scheduled for release or a prototype that’s already been canned. I guess only time will tell. So, for now, just treat this as a heads up that their might be a keyboard-less webOS device in the offing.
PreCentral

HTC Sensation: Pyramid renamed for UK release
The hotly rumored HTC Pyramid will apparently be renamed as the Sensation. It will be launched next week at an HTC media event in the UK, and will subsequently be released in the country in the coming months. Unconfirmed specs of the HTC Sensation include a 4.3-inch touchscreen, dual-core processor, and Android 2.3 Gingerbread as its OS.
Pocket-lint

TELUS releasing Nexus S for $549.99 on April 7th
Telus will offer up the Nexus S for $179.99 on a 3-year contract with a minimum $50 voice and data plan. Outright purchase price, meanwhile, is set at $549.99. Their pricing isn’t quite as enticing as that of Rogers, but hey, if you want to be among the first Canadians to get their hands on the newest Google phone, Telus is definitely the way to go.
Mobilesyrup

This is a post from Cell Phones Etc. entitled:
Today’s Mobile News in Brief (April 6th, 2011)

As reported here on Cell Phones Etc. and across the Web, here’s your daily brief on what happened in the world of mobile phones this Tuesday, April 5th, 2011.

Nokia invites us to see what’s new with Symbian smartphones on April 12. Nokia E6?
Hot off the heels of yesterday’s news that Nokia will be launching 40 phones this year, invites to an event hosted by the Finnish phone maker scheduled for next week have started rolling out. It’s still a mystery as to what specifically they’ll exactly be showcasing come April 12th, but it’ll definitely have something to do with Symbian. It could be a new phone, such as the leaked Nokia E6, but it could also just be about software. Anyway, we’ll soon find out by next week.
Unwired View

Pre-Paid Android: Boost Mobile To Launch Samsung Galaxy Prevail for $180 (Sans Contract!)
The Samsung Galaxy Prevail sports a 3.2-inch touchscreen,and comes packed with a 2-megapixel camera, Bluetooth connectivity, GPS with Android 2.2 as its OS. It’s not exactly the cream of the crop right now, but given its off-contract price of just $179.99, it’s actually not that bad.
CrunchGear

Facebook for iPhone Updated To Version 3.4, Here’s What’s New!
Everyone’s fav social networking app has just hit version 3.4, and comes packed with a new treats, including the option to unfriend people straight from your iPhone. It features an improved News Feed, and also adds Maps View for Places, an improved Notifications UI, and the ability to Check In to Events you’re attending.
Redmondpie

Blackberry Bold Touch 9930 video tutorials reveal the new BB OS 6.1
For those of you keeping an eagle eye out for BlackBerry 6.1, here’s a special treat for you. Onlne tutorial videos for the upcoming BlackBerry Bold Touch 9330 have surfaced giving us a pretty good preview as to what the new OS will look like and feature. It’s got new icons, an improved homescreen, but most important of all, now supports pinch zooming.
GSMArena

No iPhone 5 this June, report claims
Everyone’s pretty much accepted the fact that the iPhone 5 most likely won’t be launching in June. However, a recent report changed all that when they revealed that Apple will be pushing through with the traditional June iPhone launch. Today, though, the Loop is standing their ground and disputing that claim, stating that those rumors are “completely false.” Which of the two is true, only time will tell, but we’ll be honest, given the prevailing circumstances, we’re leaning more on the late 2011 launch rather than the June unveiling.
BGR

This is a post from Cell Phones Etc. entitled:
Today’s Mobile News in Brief (April 5, 2011)

With only a handful of wireless telecoms in the U.S., the cannibalistic notion of AT&T absorbing T-Mobile is a troubling idea on many levels, and all of them end badly for both the consumer and the industry. If there is one thing that the wireless industry needs it’s more competition, not less. Whether it’s carriers or handset manufacturers, more is better.

When you have multiple players in a  vibrant marketplace such as wireless, innovation is much more likely to occur. Companies are forced to develop new ideas in order to satisfy customers and win market share, to please stockholders and appropriate a larger portion of the proverbial pie, to fight hard for well-earned branding while fending off an army of competitors. All of this improves product and delivery.

Conversely, when you limit the number of players the result is reduced innovation, fewer risks, and less allocated to research and development. It’s academic and it has been played out many times before.

Consider what the industry would be like right now where there no Apple. How many more years would it be before touchscreen technology would have emerged as an exciting and workable idea? Palm has had touchscreen technology for 20 freaken years and the best they could come up with is a crayon drawing of a horse. Come on, folks!

I am old enough to remember the last time AT&T had a monopoly, and looking back at those dark days is like peering into a bad but accurate Sci Fi  movie where the monolithic corporation provided the single source of communication. While the masses were grateful, thankful and amazed at their modern mode of communication,  smart people were left to wonder what could have been had others been allowed to play in the sandbox.

Indeed, prior to deregulation in the U.S., telecommunications was under the full and complete control of AT&T and its seven subordinate regional companies. Customers could not own their phone. It was illegal to do so.  Instead, they had to rent it from AT&T, in whatever color they wanted as long as it was black. Young people  may find it amusing, but it was also illegal to attach anything to your phone, such as an answering machine, which was considered a foreign device. Folks were prohibited from even putting a protective cover over their phone as this, too, was illegal.

As for the phone itself, well, dialing 911 required genuine dedication and in some cases time off from work. But the trains ran on time, so to speak, and since there were no other options, no Apple, there was no protest. And again, so many were mesmerized by the grace and craft of AT&T that they rarely considered what could have been.

Do you see how the world appears when there is a vacuum of competitors? That vacuum prevents a public from indulging in alternatives which, ultimately, would reveal the only player as an unimaginative hack. Oh, I said it. Oh yes I did.

MCI Communications sued AT&T in 1974 over restraint in trade, and that was the seminal moment when everything changed. March, 1974. Following the government-enforced break-up of AT&T was a Tsunami of innovation that benefited the consumer and industry in more ways than anyone can count. For the first time consumers could purchase and own their phone. They had choices as to which manufacturer they wanted to buy from, as new entrants in the industry offered automatic redial while others offered answering machines built into the phone. New long distance options appeared, and with them new services, such as call-waiting, speed-dialing, three-way calling, etc.

When AT&T was the only game in town there was no need to create such exciting new products and services; there was no ROI on driving customer costs down or offering more bang for the buck.

Remember, when AT&T was the only game in town, the only color was black.

This is a post from Cell Phones Etc. entitled:
AT&T Bid to Buy T-Mobile Bad for Consumers and other Living Things