AT&T

Nokia Lumia 900 $100 credit now being delivered

April 28, 2012 | By Surur

When Nokia discovered the problem with the LTE feature of Windows Phone 7 they handled the situation pretty well, delivering the fix in less than a week, and also offering buyers who purchased the handset before the 21st April a generous $100 credit towards their mobile phone bill.

In practice this means at least 1-2 months of free service on the carrier, and buyers are now reporting that the credit is being applied to their accounts.

While the bug was of course regrettable, it may very well have been the best PR a few million dollars could buy.

Thanks Abhi for the tip.

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AT&T “sick of taking orders from Apple”, Nokia Lumia 900 marketing “to go into high gear in May, June.”

April 28, 2012 | By Surur

According to AT&T employee Jeffery Brown, AT&T and Nokia are kicking Nokia Lumia 900 marketing into high gear over the next two months. AT&T will also be requiring AT&T reps to sell at least one Nokia Lumia 900 by the end of April.

The initiative may be reflecting the idea that AT&T “is sick of taking orders from Apple” and are looking for a new third player to play off against Apple and Google.

Vision2Mobile reports on a comment by Katie Lewis, Yankee Group associate analyst.

"Mobile operators are sick of taking orders from Apple but that’s not the only reason carriers like AT&T and Verizon are backing Windows Phone," she wrote.

"The success of the third mobile ecosystem would put control over the U.S. smartphone market back into the hands of mobile operators – backing Windows Phone is AT&T And Verizon’s chosen method of self-preservation," she continued.

Apple demands huge operator subsidies for their smartphones, in the order of $400 or more, double the cost of a comparable Android or Windows Phone. They also cut out the carriers from any additional revenue stream from post-market devices. The cost of adding an iPhone subscriber can also be up to 40% higher than other phones.

In a research note earlier this month analysts with BTIG Research said they anticipate that phone carriers will slow the pace of phone upgrades this year. Such upgrades have significantly pressured margins at AT&T and other carriers, financial analysts have said.

"We expect wireless operators to try even harder to promote alternatives to Apple. As Android’s initial popularity continues to fade because of its uneven and fragmented performance and BlackBerry falls further into oblivion, there is renewed hope that Microsoft and Nokia will be able to produce a viable alternative to Apple," wrote Walter Piecyk, BTIG Research analyst, in research note April 9. "These two giant companies and former industry leaders will clearly be putting significant resources behind any new product launched. We expect wireless operators to join in that investment as they increasingly fear Apple’s stranglehold on their margins."

Hopefully Windows Phone has enough of a consumer appeal to allow buyers to respond to the additional marketing efforts. Given the response to the Nokia Lumia 900 so far, this does seem quite likely however.

Via WPCentral.com

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Nokia Lumia 900 White Now Back On Stock In AT&T Website

April 26, 2012 | By Pradeep

Nokia Lumia 900 white and cyan versions are in high demand throughout US. Its running out of stock in most of the AT&T stores. Surprisingly, the white Nokia Lumia 900 is now available for order from AT&T website while the Cyan version is still in out of stock mode. So if you waiting to order the white Lumia 900, do it now.

You can order the device here.

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AT&T CEO Ralph De La Vega Uses White Nokia Lumia 900 As His Personal Device

April 24, 2012 | By Pradeep

Speaking to CNBC on AT&T’s quarterly financial results, AT&T Mobility president & CEO Ralph De La Vega revealed his personal phone he is currently using everyday. When he was asked about iPhone 5, Ralph took the new White Nokia Lumia 900 from his pocket and described it as the greatest and latest Nokia device. He even added that its a terrific looking asset that comes for $99. Its good to see the support for Nokia Lumia 900 in AT&T starting from their CEO to their store reps.

Watch the video of Ralph revealing his Lumia 900 after 7:30 minute mark in the source link below.

Source: CNBC

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Nokia PR confirms the Lumia 900 remains in high demand

April 23, 2012 | By Surur

Nokia PR has sent the Verge a statement, likely just to make sure they are aware the Nokia Lumia 900 is selling well after all.

On availability of the handset, they state:

Availability: This is the biggest question, and the short answer is that demand for the Nokia Lumia 900 has been such that, while the Lumia 900 can still be found at some locations, we have also seen reports of stock outs at locations (and online channels) across the country – despite regular shipments to restock stores. We are building and shipping devices constantly – so stores are receiving more units to fulfill demand on a regular basis.

In short the handset is selling out in some locations, despite regular restocking.

They also confirm that all new handsets are shipping without the LTE bug, despite the lower firmware number and the request to update the software when connected to Zune:

Software: A couple people have asked about the firmware version on the Nokia Lumia 900 units currently hitting stores (specifically the gloss white units).
Although the firmware version number is the same as the firmware version on the initial run of devices that experienced the memory management issue – in reality, this firmware is the same as the version that is available through the Zune updater – and both do not exhibit the data connectivity side effect.
In short, the Zune update version required a different number in order for the first run devices to identify that an update was available. And while the new versions of the device (i.e. the Gloss White) will see that this software update is available when connected to Zune, in reality – it is the same load of software being downloaded. However, we still would recommend that everyone buying a Lumia 900 go ahead and update their phone, since it is possible some of the original stock could still be in the channel.

They also confirmed that, despite early sales, the white Nokia Lumia 900 was indeed only meant to become available yesterday, on the 22 April 2012.

It is indeed good news that Nokia has been able to officially confirm the handset is still selling out, more than 2 weeks after its release. Lets hope demand is sustained and the Lumia 900 hits that 1 million Q2 target after all.

Via Theverge.com

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White Nokia Lumia 900 now in stores!

April 20, 2012 | By Surur

Nokia promised the white Nokia Lumia 900 on April 22nd if sales went well. It seems sales must have gone very well indeed, as MobilityDigest have posted this picture of a reader purchasing the clearly in-demand handset.

Given how quickly the Cyan handset sold out, if you have been waiting for the white handset before jumping I would suggest hurrying to the store now.

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AT&T carrier sales staff now right on board, pushing the Nokia Lumia 900

April 19, 2012 | By Surur

Either Nokia’s training is working, having an actual Nokia Lumia 900 in their hands has helped, or some stern emails have been sent out, but it seems AT&T’s sale staff are now quite happy to stand behind the Nokia Lumia 900 and to recommend it to walk-in customers.

Ars Technica did a small secret shopper survey of 3 stores in Albany, New York, and found results pretty encouraging in all cases.

In their first encounter they pretended to be buying an Android phone for their mother, and the rep responded:

"We have a wide variety of Androids to choose from if she wants to stick with that operating system," the rep said. "But we have a wide variety of other devices. We have some brand new Windows Phones that just came out."

He went on to explain "I went from an iPhone to using this, and I’m not really having any issues," and said all of the employees in the store now use Lumia 900s as their business phones provided by the company. He concluded his sales pitch by saying "but the best part about the Windows Phone is that it tries to give you less steps to do what you want to do." He pointed out the social network integration and the 4G LTE connectivity, and said the phone had a "really good camera."

In the next encounter the secret shopper pretended to be owning an iPhone 4 and looking to expand his search for his next handset.

In this case the rep explained "I have a few other devices right now. One of our big pushes is the Windows devices, a Windows platform that is similar to the iPhone’s ease of use. It’s a pretty powerful phone, 4G LTE phone, so it’s fast. Very popular device," and again described the people tile and its messaging capabilities, and again claimed that all of the store’s employees were now carrying the Lumia 900 as their business phone.

The rep also described Android’s "open-source app world" that allows anyone to upload an application. "Very powerful, sometimes complicated, and sometimes the apps aren’t the highest-quality, since everyone can make one." Of Windows Phone’s apps, he said "most of the big ones are available."

In the last store he pretended to be interested in the Lumia 900 from the start, and was told "Between this and the iPhone 4, the Lumia would be a better choice," with the rep pointing out the Lumia 900′s 8-megapixel camera compared to the iPhone 4′s 5-megapixel, though he said that "colors are truer" on the iPhone 4 while the Lumia 900 is more saturated.

Of note in one store the manager noted that he’d sold two to three Galaxy S II Skyrockets in the last week, two to three Nokia Lumia 900 handsets and 8-10 iPhones. So sales are not up to iPhone level (that would be pretty unexpected) but right up there with Samsung’s LTE Galaxy S II handset on AT&T, which is far from a bad start.

We have certainly made our fair share of complains about AT&T retail staff. Now that things are turning around they may in fact become our best friends.

Read the much fuller transcript at Ars Technica here.

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Cyan Nokia Lumia 900 now coming back in stock in AT&T stores

April 18, 2012 | By Surur

We have received reports that Nokia has managed to get around to restocking stores with the Cyan Nokia Lumia 900, a popular colour of the LTE handset which AT&T seems to have ordered in smaller numbers.

Reader Ali has been able to find newly arrived handsets in Austin, Texas.

At the time of writing the Cyan Nokia Lumia 900 is still out of stock at AT&T online, but the Black version has arrived back on AT&T’s virtual shelves.

Have any of our readers noticed increased availability of the Lumia 900 handsets? Let us know below.

Thanks Ali for the tip.

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Now both Black and Cyan Nokia Lumia 900 out of stock on ATT.com

April 14, 2012 | By Surur

It seems the great Nokia Lumia 900 shortage of 2012 has started, as both the Black and Cyan Nokia Lumia 900 has become unavailable both at AT&T stores and now also online.

We have had reports that stock in stores have been recalled to be flashed with the LTE fix before sale, and other readers have said the second shipment of handsets have been delayed for the same reason, but it seems sales diverted to AT&T’s website has depleted whatever stock they had in their inventory system also.

Of course the handsets are still available at Amazon.com (affiliate link) where it continues to dominate the sales chart. It seems however unless Nokia can pull of a restock as smoothly as they did the software fix it will be a dry weekend for the Nokia Lumia 900.

Have any of our readers been unable to purchase the new Nokia flagship due to shortages? Let us know below.

Thanks Tintin for the tip.

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Nokia Lumia 900 out of stock, but not for the reason you think

April 13, 2012 | By Surur

We have been receiving reports that the Nokia Lumia 900 is no longer available at stores. If this was due to the handset selling out that would of course be good news, but reader Naren has clued us into the real reason.

Apparently Nokia and AT&T are pulling the Lumia 900 of stock shelves and returning it to Nokia to be flashed with the new, LTE-bug free firmware.

This process will apparently take 3-5 days, meaning the phones will only get in stock early next week.

The phone is still available online, where of course either shipment can be delayed until fixed handsets are available, or they can make sure only handsets free of the problem are being sent out.

Hopefully Nokia can keep the turn around time as short as possible and get the handset back on the shelves before the launch buzz fades.

Thanks Naren and Abishek for the tip.

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AT&T President: Lumia sales have exceeded expectations

April 12, 2012 | By Surur

In a pretty negative article at the Wall Street Journal, there is one bright point for Nokia.

According to Paul Roth, AT&T’s president of retail sales and service, Nokia’s Lumia 900 sales have exceeded expectations.

In fact, sales have been so good some stores have sold out of the device—particularly the blue variety—by Tuesday evening, only the second day of general availability.

We have complained of AT&T retail staff, but according to a report Nokia has giving out 10,000 Lumia handsets to around 26,000 AT&T staff to ensure they are familiar with the handset.

"They gave us devices to give to our employees at a level I’ve never seen a manufacturer ever do," said . "Nokia did something pretty bold here."

We have seen secondary evidence of good sales via Amazon, but it is good to hear this is also reflected at retail stores itself. Who knows, maybe selling 1 million in 3 months, which would satisfy analysts, or only around 10,000 units per day, may be possible after all.

Thanks enohptramS for the tip.

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A good AT&T Windows Phone experience is possible

April 11, 2012 | By Surur

Store 1444, 24TH AVE NW, SPACE 105 NORMAN, OK 73069, where staff actually know how to sell Windows Phones.

We have ranted about AT&T pushing consumers who are interested in Windows Phones to iPhones and Android handsets. While we have had numerous reports that this is indeed happening, we also had a few that suggests not all AT&T staff are totally biased against Windows Phone.

PG writes:

Just wanted to let you guys know of a good experience I had at AT&T today contrary to other at&t stores being failures.

I’m on a prepaid plan so went into an at&t store to buy the Lumia 900 on contract and change to post paid to benefit from LTE in my market. I walked in the store and first thing I see is a woman that is with an associate – he’s telling her all about the Lumia 900 very enthusiastically, she ends up buying the device. My goal was to buy the Lumia all along but I wanted to play dumb (my last device is the htc hd7), so I ask another associate if they have Lumia’s in – he says yes here let me go get you one – black or cyan? I pick black.

He goes into the back and grabs one – tells me they had 10 in stock and only have two left now. So before the woman and myself they had sold six of them.

Mind you this is a small college town and we have about 3 other at&t corporate stores with a few more at&t resellers here too, and this store isn’t in the middle of town.

So I’m asking him about WP7 acting dumb about the OS. He’s telling me all about the great features and how iPhone is outdated, he then is telling me how android is laggy and crashes too much and he’s had both an iPhone and android. I am trying to act objective and keep asking which is better iPhone, android or windowsphone and he’s pushing the Lumia to me very hard – he doesn’t know at this point that I’m prepaid and figures I’m in there to renew contract or upgrade so this isn’t a ‘big’ sale for him.

He pulls his phone out and its a Lumia 900, he tells me he’s had it for 3 weeks now and loves it.

He goes on about telling me more about the features, he makes sure I get the LTE 4g data package and visual voicemail is working. Over next to me is the woman also buying her Lumia and the associate there is also well informed and telling her how the OS is really good; she came from an iPhone.

I then let him in on that my previous phone is a WinPhone HD7 and that I develop for the platform , and he’s telling me all about the features of the hd7s so he’s pretty knowledgeable about their stock of windows phones. So not all at&t stores are filled with mindless iPhone zombies. Here’s the store – they should get some credit for being trained properly.

The story suggests Microsoft’s training is working after all, and just needs to reach more AT&T staff. Maybe it is just a question of time after all.

Thanks PG for the tip.

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Survey finds AT&T stores still recommending iPhones to Lumia interested

April 11, 2012 | By Surur

CNET has been able to corroborate the anecdotal reports we have received regarding AT&T retail staff steering buyers way from buying the Nokia Lumia 900.

They performed a small secret shopper survey of 5 AT&T stores in Manhattan and did not find the Nokia Lumia 900 high on the list of recommended handsets.

The reporter notes:

But when I asked for advice on buying a new smartphone, sales associates in five different stores in Manhattan actually recommended the Apple iPhone and not the carrier’s latest "hero" device.

Even when I prompted them to tell me more about the Lumia 900, none was willing to recommend it to me for purchase.

"Windows Phone is alright," said an associate in a store on the Upper West Side. "But it’s no iPhone."

This became clear to me when I walked into the AT&T stores and told each associate I encountered that I had never owned a smartphone but was looking to buy my first one. I explained I didn’t have any preconceived ideas about which device I wanted to buy. I told them I was a PC user, who knew little about cell phones and was looking for something easy to use. My main objective for owning a smartphone was to access email, surf the Web and check Facebook.

While all these activities could be easily achieved with a Windows Phone, associate after associate first pushed me to toward an iPhone and then suggested an Android device as my second option.

"For your first smartphone, you should get an iPhone," an assistant manager at an AT&T store told me. "When you get bored with that, you should try an Android phone."

When I asked him about the Lumia 900 and the Windows Phone OS for someone such as myself who had never had a smartphone, he told me he thought it was too complicated. He admitted he hadn’t used the Lumia 900 much. He had only gotten the device a couple of days before the launch on Sunday.

A similar survey by Ramon Llamas, senior research analyst at IDC in Massachusetts found the same results.

He notes:

Llamas said he also checked out a handful of AT&T stores on Monday in Massachusetts where he lives. Like me, he found that many of the sales associates he spoke with were unable to articulate what makes Windows Phone different from its competitors. And the salespeople he talked to recommended Google Android phones, like the Galaxy Note. But he said he found one sales associate who was an enthusiastic backer of Windows Phone and was able to explain the benefits of the device. Still, he admitted that this one salesman seemed to be the exception and not the rule.

Nokia claims when they visited AT&T stores they found a lot of buzz for their new handset, but Greg Sullivan from Microsoft admitted that more needs to be done to educate the AT&T sales force.

"We are working to get as many sales representatives trained as possible and to give each of them some hands-on time with the device," he said. "There are thousands of retail stores and even more authorized dealers throughout the country. Educating all these sales associates is not something that can be accomplished overnight. And we can’t get to 100 percent on launch day. But we’re making steady progress."

Sullivan said that Microsoft will continue to offer training sessions for sales associates as it works to get AT&T retail staff more familiar with the device and the operating system.

"Winning the point of sale is critical to the success of the Lumia 900," said Ramon Llamas, senior research analyst at IDC. "That’s where the salesperson can educate potential customers about what Windows Phone can do. It’s where they explain why it’s different from the competition."

Microsoft’s Greg Sullivan however emphasized that they will continue working on gaining buyers, and that the Nokia Lumia 900 was not the be all or end all.

"Some folks want to create drama around this narrative that this one phone will make us or break us," he said. "They say that if it doesn’t top the charts, it’s over. That may make good copy, but that’s not reality. We are in this market for the long term, and we’ll do what it takes to make it a success."

It is clear to me however that the only way sales staff will be convinced to give Windows Phone a fair shake is by a concerted program of secret shoppers who challenge retail staff who appear to be apposing the expressed wishes and preferences of buyers to satisfy their own biases. With only 2,200 AT&T retail locations, do we have any volunteers?

Thanks Mark for the tip.

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