So, a competition or battle for the customers is just beginning. Now let’s see the first action AT&T takes in this battle: making its text messaging plans more attractive to users.

There are two new text messaging betterment plans from AT&T.

• 1000: 1,000 texts per month for USD 10, ($ 0.1/additional message)
• Unlimited: USD 20 per month or USD 30 per month for families

According to AT&T, the key selling point for this new text messaging plans is “Send messages for as low as a penny a message”; it will become effective beginning Jan 23.

So, if you are an existing customer, you can either keep your current plans or change to the new plans. If you are a potential customer, you can stay and watch then choose between Verizon and AT&T.]]>

When I first heard the news that Apple send out mandatory employee vacation blackout notices in view of its upcoming Verizon iPhone 4 lauch, I am rather surprised! It seems that a big storm is just around the corner; and Apple seems to be well prepared!

The Apple’s mandatory vacation blackout notices prohibiting its employees from taking vacation is like this:

1) Managers have vacation blackout dates from Feb 5th through Feb 18th.

2) During Feb 5th to Feb18th, employees can not go on vacation or have days off .

3) Extended hours will be required duiring that timeframe to accomodate the anticipated foot traffic increase in Apple Stores.

It is said that Verizon has been waiting for almost 4 years for the iPhone to come to its wireless network, which will come true in only a few weeks. But before that, the only carrier that a consumer in the USA can use is AT&T, who has been known for its shoddy service in some areas. So, very soon, maybe we can expect a competion between AT& T and Verizon. And who will benefit? Apple, AT&T, Verizon, or the consumer?]]>