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Trying to Keep the Microsoft, News Corp, AOL, Yahoo Gossip Straight

April 9th, 2008 Ryan Spoon Posted in News, Web 2.0 No Comments »

Nearly a week into the three-week Microsoft ultimatum, there are a sudden flurry of developments and rumors… enough activity that (I imagine) something significant will happen shortly:

- Microsoft gave Yahoo a three-week notice
- Yahoo announces today that they will test ads with Google
- Microsoft responds to the announcement with force and threat
- Meanwhile, Yahoo is negotiating with AOL to mergediscussions are apparently quite far along
- … Enough so that Microsoft and News Corp might be joining forces to improve their Yahoo bid

AOL + Yahoo sounds like a mess.

I already like Microsoft + Yahoo - and adding MySpace (and News Corp’s content properties / relationships) makes it even more attractive and powerful.

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My Verizon Envy is Gone - AT&T Unveils $99.99 Unlimited Voice Plan!

February 19th, 2008 Ryan Spoon Posted in Mobile, News 1 Comment »

When Verizon released their plans for a $99 all-you-can-talk plan, I instantly wrote that it was tempting enough to lure me away from AT&T. I concluded that I’d wait a little to see AT&T’s reaction… and here it is: unlimited voice for $99.99.

I assume that it will be a lengthy, confusing call to AT&T customer service to get them to switch my account over - but the threat of leaving for Verizon should we powerful enough… right?

$99.99 unlimited voice + $20/$30/$40 data package
$20 = unlimited data and 200 texts
$30 = unlimited data and 1500 texts
$40 = unlimited data and unlimited texts

SAN ANTONIO, Feb. 19, 2008 — AT&T Inc. (NYSE:T) announced today new unlimited voice plans targeted to wireless users who want the predictability of flat rate pricing for unlimited minutes. The plans will be available to new and existing wireless subscribers for $99.99 a month for unlimited U.S. calling on all devices with no domestic roaming or long distance charges. The plans can be combined with any current wireless data plan to give customers the ultimate in wireless freedom.

The new plans, available Feb. 22, can be ordered at one of AT&T’s 2,200 company-owned retail stores and kiosks, at www.att.com, or at one of the thousands of authorized AT&T retail locations. Existing customers can choose unlimited calling without extending their contract. New customers have the option of a month-to-month, 12 or 24 month contract.

As with other voice calling plans, AT&T customers can choose from a variety of MEdia Net and messaging plans to meet their needs. For example, customers with standard wireless phones* can choose a data plan such as $5 for 200 text, picture, video and instant messages or $35 for unlimited messaging and MEdia Net access.

“We are pleased to offer our customers these great new plans that deliver value and simplified pricing,” said Ralph de la Vega, president & CEO, AT&T Mobility. “This is a highly competitive market and we’re committed to moving fast to meet customer needs.”

AT&T customers benefit from the nation’s largest digital voice and data network, with 3G broadband available in more than 260 major metropolitan markets. The company recently announced plans to expand its 3G network to 350 markets, including all of the top 100.

For the complete array of AT&T offerings, visit www.att.com

More reading: USAToday, Valleywag, BoyGenius

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