In areas with Verizon Wireless LTE service, the Sleek 4G-V is aimed to give you a strong LTE signal, as well as conventional 3G or 2G signals. Benefits include fewer dropped connections and no-service “dead zones,” faster data transfer rates and improved battery life for wireless devices.

The Sleek 4G-V is on display at the Wilson Electronics booth #35219 in the Las Vegas Convention Center, South Hall, level 2, through Jan. 13.

The $149.95 4G booster will be available in the second quarter of 2012. It links up with Verizon Wireless’ 700 MHz LTE, as well as all carriers’ 3G and 2G cellular signals on 800 MHz and 1900 MHz frequency bands.  It provides up to 20 times amplification of an ordinary cell phone signal, device is also designed for use in a vehicle, and can be used indoors with the purchase of an optional accessory kit. That makes it perfect for boosting signal to 4G wireless hotspots like the Verizon JetPack 4G LTE Mobile Hotspot MiFi 4510L.

I’m not on Verizon, I didn’t experience any of its outages. But as long as it boosts 2G/3G signals, too, it might be a good gadget for me, too.

The post Sleek 4G-V Signal Booster appeared first on Mobile Magazine.

Earlier today Mobile Magazine had an article about how accessory company, Anymode, let the cat out of the bag early about the upcoming US-market version Samsung Galaxy Note would debut at CES.

Now Samsung has officially announced the LTE-equipped Galaxy Note. AT&T will be hooking up the device with its brand new 4G LTE service.

This oversized phone or mini-tablet sports a 5.3-inch 1280×800 ultra high resolution Super AMOLED Plus display, an S-pen that works as active Wacom-style stylus, and it runs Android 2.3.6 Gingerbread. Battery is a powerful 2,500 mAh to support this big, dense and hungry screen.

We knew this day would come eventually, and it looks like today’s the day. However, this toy is quite expensive fetching around $700 for a non-LTE unlocked version in Europe. Additionally, it seems like a lot to pay for a smartphone that is still running Android 2.3 versus 4.0 ICS.

No word on when shipping begins.

[ source ]

The post Samsung Galaxy Note Comes To US With 4G LTE appeared first on Mobile Magazine.

After an uproar caused by the Verizon nationwide 4G/LTE network outages and more protests against Verizon’s intention to effect a so called “convenience” fee, the embattled carrier takes a defensive position in explaining their mishaps. Under unprecedented pressure and a threat of action from the FCC, the “convenience” fee was dropped to great relief of Verizon customers. However, according to many comments of disgruntled users of the Verizon network, sporadic service drops still occur.

To justify the network’s downtime, Verizon issued a press release with an explanation about what has been going on, and did it as early as December 29, 2011. That is, a day or two after nationwide outages of Verizon data networks (both 4G/LTE and 3G) were reported. According to the carrier, these problems are happening because Verizon is a pioneer when it comes to LTE, and so there are a lot of problems that are unforeseen:

Why have these issues occurred with our 4GLTE Network? Each incident has been different from a technical standpoint. Our engineers have successfully diagnosed those past triggering events, and they have not re-occurred. We also work diligently to rectify technical problems in the Network before they affect any customers.

Our 3G and 1X Networks continue to reliably process calls, texts and data for customers with 3G devices and, when necessary, 4GLTE devices. It continues to perform at the high level that established it as the nation’s largest and most reliable 3G Network.

Another important statement in this Verizon press release is this:

Among the numerous measures we have taken or will take are: geographic segmentation, which enables us to isolate, contain and rectify network performance issues, and maintain service to the majority of customers when an issue does develop; and software fixes that we have developed, tested and applied regularly – and will continue to do so. Both will improve performance and reliability.

It’s good to know, but it also should be noted that so called “triggering events” being different in nature for many locations may not be eradicated on anytime soon. Additionally, a proposed “geographic segmentation” may equate to a total overhaul of the entire Verizon 4G/LTE network. Which also can’t be made overnight.

The post Verizon Explains Recent Outages: 4G/LTE Network Needs Overhaul? appeared first on Mobile Magazine.