Verizon Wireless has implemented a mobile giving program, enabling customers to contribute to relief and recovery efforts supporting communities affected by Hurricane Isaac. Customers can use their mobile phones to make $10 donations to aid the American Red Cross in responding to the needs of citizens in the aftermath of the hurricane.

“The residents in the Gulf Coast have experienced significant damage to their communities as a result of Hurricane Isaac,” said Torod Neptune, vice president of corporate communications for Verizon Wireless. “Verizon is committed in helping the communities affected by leveraging our technology and making it easy for our customers to donate funds by implementing a text-to-donate campaign with the American Red Cross.”

Customers can make a $10 donation by simply texting REDCROSS to 90999. Those interested in giving more can donate up to five times their original donation. For example, customers making a $10 donation can give up to $50.

Verizon Wireless waives text messaging fees for disaster relief and 100 percent of each donation goes to American Red Cross relief efforts.

Verizon Wireless customers who pay monthly bills will see their donations on the next regular monthly bill. For customers using the company’s prepaid services, donations will be taken from customers’ prepaid balances.

Verizon Wireless and Samsung Mobile today announced the latest addition to the Samsung Galaxy Tab portfolio, the Samsung Galaxy Tab 2 (7.0), available in Verizon Wireless Communications Stores and online at www.verizonwireless.com. Galaxy Tab 2 customers will have access to the Verizon Wireless 4G LTE network which covers more than 75 percent of the U.S. population and will soon be available in more than 400 markets nationwide.

The Samsung Galaxy Tab 2 (7.0) features 4G LTE connectivity and a 7-inch display for mobile entertainment. The Galaxy Tab 2 runs Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich, and comes with apps like Netflix and Samsung’s Media Hub for watching movies and TV shows while on the go or on the couch. Customers can also take advantage of the compact design and use the Amazon Kindle app to keep their favorite books with them at all times. The Peel Smart Remote app turns the Galaxy Tab 2 into a universal remote, helping customers easily find their favorite shows, while eliminating the need for multiple remote controls.

Additional features
— 4G LTE – Customers can expect download speeds of 5 to 12 megabits per second (Mbps) and upload speeds of 2 to 5 Mbps in 4G Mobile Broadband coverage areas
— Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich – Support for Google Mobile Services including Gmail, YouTube, Google Talk, Google Search, Google Maps and access to more than 600,000 apps available to download from Google Play Store
— 3.2-megapixel rear-facing camera and VGA front-facing camera for video chat
— 1.2 GHz dual-core application processor
— Bluetooth 4.0 technology
— Multiple video file formats supported, including DivX and XviD support
— Wi-Fi Connectivity (802.11 b/g/n)
— 8 GB internal memory with support for up to 64 GB microSD card

Business features
Samsung’s SAFE mobility solutions provide flexibility and connectivity for mobile workforces, ensuring that customers are able to operate more efficiently on the move.
— Microsoft Exchange ActiveSync (EAS) – Customers communicate directly with Microsoft Exchange Server enabling push email, calendar and contacts
— VPN and MDM support from Industry-Leading Solutions Providers – Supports industry-standard VPN protocols to help customers efficiently tap into VPN networks, and MDM capabilities that allow IT departments to effectively safeguard employees’ mobile devices and corporate data
— On Device Encryption – SAFE helps prevent unauthorized access to mobile data by leveraging the AES 256-bit encryptionstandard, encrypting all data, including app-specific internal data and internal/external memory
Price and availability

Price
— The Samsung Galaxy Tab 2 (7.0) is available in Verizon Wireless Communications Stores and at www.verizonwireless.com for $349.99.
— Customers purchasing the Galaxy Tab 2 will need to subscribe to a Verizon Wireless data plan. Share Everything Plans allow customers to add the Galaxy Tab 2 to their account for $10 monthly access. For additional information, customers should go to: www.verizonwireless.com/shareeverything.
— For additional information on Verizon Wireless products and services, visit a Verizon Wireless Communications Store, call 1-800-2 JOIN IN or go to www.verizonwireless.com.

T-Mobile USA has announced the availability of the T-Mobile Concord, its most affordable no annual contract Android option for those stepping up to their first smartphone. The Concord will be available to T-Mobile customers through a variety of no annual contract plans, including via T-Mobile Monthly4G and Walmart Family Mobile.
Manufactured by ZTE, the T-Mobile Concord is equipped with the necessary features to keep customers connected with friends and family. The 3G smartphone is powered by Android 2.3 Gingerbread and is ideal for basic Web surfing, searching for a location via Google Maps or accessing favorite social networking sites. Coming in a sleek, midnight blue color finish, the new smartphone features a 3.5-inch capacitive touchscreen display and is equipped with a 2-megapixel camera, making it easy to capture and share memories.
Paired with one of T-Mobile’s single-line, Monthly4G no annual contract plans, customers have access to unlimited talk, text and worry-free data that doesn’t have a hard cap or result in overage fees. The T-Mobile Concord can also be paired with Walmart’s Family Mobile service, a monthly, no-annual-contract wireless plan option for individuals or families, also powered by T-Mobile’s nationwide network.
The T-Mobile Concord is expected to be available at Target for $99.99 with a qualifying Monthly4G plan. The T-Mobile Concord is also currently available at Walmart for $99.98 paired with a Walmart Family Mobile no annual contract plan.

T-Mobile Unleashes Unlimited Nationwide 4G Data

T-Mobile USA, Inc., has announced an industry first — a truly Unlimited Nationwide 4G Data plan. It features no data caps or speed limits.
“We’re big believers in customer-driven innovation, and our Unlimited Nationwide 4G Data plan is the answer to customers who are frustrated by the cost, complexity and congested networks of our competitors,” said Kevin McLaughlin, vice president, marketing, T-Mobile USA. “Consumers want the freedom of unlimited 4G data. Our bold move to be the only wireless carrier to offer an Unlimited Nationwide 4G Data plan reinforces our value leadership and capitalizes on the strength of our nationwide 4G network.”
For customers seeking an unlimited experience on their smartphones, T-Mobile offers several ways for new and existing customers to take advantage of its Unlimited Nationwide 4G Data plan. New customers can purchase any smartphone in T-Mobile’s lineup of innovative devices or bring their own compatible smartphone and have access to a worry-free unlimited data experience on T-Mobile’s fast nationwide 4G network. Current T-Mobile customers on Classic or Value plans can simply upgrade their existing service by adding an Unlimited Nationwide 4G Data plan.
The Unlimited Nationwide 4G Data plan will cost $20 per month when added to a Value voice and text plan or $30 per month when added to a Classic voice and text plan. For example, a single line Value plan with unlimited talk and text combined with unlimited nationwide 4G data will cost $69.99 or a single line Classic plan with unlimited talk, unlimited text and unlimited nationwide 4G data will cost $89.99.
Available starting Sept. 5, T-Mobile’s Unlimited Nationwide 4G Data plan will provide smartphone customers with uncompromised, dependable access to data on the blazing-fast speeds of T-Mobile’s nationwide 4G network. The Unlimited Nationwide 4G Data plan will be available at T-Mobile retail stores, on http://www.T-Mobile.com/unlimited-data-plan and through select dealers and national retail stores.

SOUTHFIELD — Since first introducing 4G Long Term Evolution (LTE) in parts of metro Detroit inDecember of 2010, Verizon Wireless has expanded the nation’s fastest wireless network to 12 markets and now reaches more than half a million college students on more than 60 campuses statewide.
With Verizon’s 4G LTE wireless technology, on-the-go students at major universities as well as local community and small, private colleges can maximize their academic experience as they head back to campus by:
— Streaming lectures or course content;
— Connecting instantly with professors via social media;
— Registering for classes and searching campus libraries;
— Sharing content via shared tools such as Drop Box;
— Allowing large homework files to be emailed;
— Providing quick access to notes and information to study for tests and complete projects, and;
— Communicating easier and faster with friends and family through video chat.
“College students have a tremendous need to be connected wherever they go on and off campus—both academically and socially,” said John Granby, president–Michigan/Indiana/Kentucky Region, Verizon Wireless. “Our 4G LTE technology makes it that much easier for students to take advantage of necessary tools that will help them succeed in school.”
Within Verizon Wireless’ 4G LTE service area, Verizon customers with 4G LTE-enabled devices can stream video, share music and photos, surf the Web and download files at speeds up to 10 times faster than customers on 3G networks. For businesses utilizing the network, the increasing spread of broadband connectivity provides the most sophisticated wireless capabilities for economic advancement.

“Chimney” cell tower pleases Mackinac Island community

MACKINAC ISLAND — Santa Claus won’t be shimmying down the chimney of one house on Mackinac Island this holiday season, and it’s not because the residents have been naughty. Verizon Wireless worked with the community to erect a cell site that looks like a chimney. The upgraded site, which is housed on the roof of a local residence, boosts coverage and capacity for Island inhabitants and visitors.
“We are all aware of the growing technology needs and demands of the public visiting the Island, and being able to disguise that technology so as not to lose the historic nature and ambiance of Mackinac Island is the ultimate goal,” said Mackinac Island Mayor Margaret Doud. “Mackinac Island is such a unique place, and the City of Mackinac Island greatly appreciates all that Verizon Wireless has done to work with the community while keeping the historic nature of the Island in mind when completing their project.”
The new cell site enables more Verizon Wireless customers to rely on their wireless devices for social networking, Internet browsing, downloading apps and music, exchanging email and text, picture and video messages, watching videos and making calls.
This new cell site is part of Verizon Wireless’ continual effort to expand coverage, increase capacity and enhance the quality of its wireless voice and data network in Michigan. Nationally, Verizon Wireless has invested more than $65 billion since it was formed—$6 billion on average every year—to increase the coverage and capacity of its premier nationwide network and to add new services. In Michigan, $265 million was invested in the network in 2011.

TROY — Magic Moments (MagicMoments.com) has launched its new free mobile application and online social marketplace that allows users to take pictures from their iPhone, turn them into products, buy, share, and sell them all in just a few simple clicks. The free iPhone app can be downloaded exclusively from the Apple AppStore.
Much advancement has been made since the days of the instant camera in the 1970s and 1980s, and MagicMoments is an innovative result of this development. By combining the concept of instant photos with personalized keepsakes and e-commerce, Magic Moments is a mobile app that stands alone in the digital landscape.
“Magic Moments is the modern day instant still-image photograph,” said founder Trevor George. “What was common in every instant photo growing up? Whether they captured family, friends, personalities, themost important part was they captured something valuable. Something worth remembering. With the press of a button, that ‘magic moment’ was instantly translated into something tangible – a physical photo. But what about moments that are also valuable to others? Magic Moments takes the instant photo concept one step further, allowing users to not only capture special moments, but design and share those moments to be consumed by any person, on any type ofproduct, anywhere in the world.”
Currently, Magic Moments offers a variety of personalized products, from apparel items like t-shirts and hats, to home items like mugs and shot glasses, to personal accessories like cases for iPhone. There are currently 18 product options available from Magic Moments, with hundreds more slated for the future.

For more information, see http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=51R77odBoPQ

HopeLine from Verizon has launched a new mobile tool, the HopeLine app, to further aid in its ongoing mission to support victims of domestic violence. Through this new app, individuals suffering from domestic violence will have quick access to resources and assistance in a time of need. Users can connect directly to the National Domestic Violence Hotline (The Hotline) for crisis intervention, information or referrals using #HOPE.

In addition, the HopeLine app will serve as an online community for those looking to share their inspirational stories of survival and volunteers looking to discuss their own outreach efforts. Photos and videos can be directly shared through the app, giving users the ability to engage withothers who are involved in domestic violence awareness.

For users who want to offer their support, the HopeLine app makes it easy for wireless users to donate no-longer-used wireless phones and accessories to HopeLine, Verizon Wireless’ national cell phone recycling program. Using location-based technology, the app guides users to the nearest Verizon Wireless Communications Store, where they can easily drop off devices and accessories for donation. Cash donations to the cause are also possible through the text-to-donate option; customers can now make a donation of $10 to the National Network to End Domestic Violence (NNEDV) directly from their mobile devices.
“With the HopeLine app, we are giving necessary resources to victims seeking help, aswell as individuals looking to get involved,” said Elva Lima, executive director of community relations and multicultural communications at Verizon Wireless. “Wireless phones and technology can serve as a vital lifeline for those who need support, and we are putting the power of our network and devices in the hands of those who need it.”

For more than a decade, HopeLine from Verizon has raised awareness of domestic violence, providing hope to victims and survivors who have experienced its detrimental effects and has engaged the public in a nationwide conversation on the issue. HopeLine collects no-longer-used wireless phones and accessories and puts them to work in communities by helping victims and survivors of domestic violence. Donated devices and accessories are turned into support to help victims of domestic violence through the use of cash grants and refurbished phones. Since 2001, HopeLine has donated nearly 123,000 phones to domestic violence organizations across the country. No-longer-used phones collected through HopeLine have also been recycled to fund more than $14.2 million in cash grants for organizations working to end domestic violence.
The Hopeline app can be downloaded on a wide range of Android smartphones and tablets from Verizon Apps, from the Verizon Wireless online Media Store and Google Play. There is no charge to download the app, but a Verizon Wireless data plan is required and usage may count toward a customer’s data allowance.

For more information about HopeLine from Verizon, please visit www.verizonwireless.com/hopeline.

Verizon Wireless is bringing its 4G Long Term Evolution (LTE) network to Battle Creek and Muskegon on Thursday, Aug. 16. With the 4G LTE network, customers can use 4G LTE wireless devices to access the Internet faster, listen to music or watch video, take advantage of thousands of applications, and stay in touch with family and friends, all with speeds up to 10 times faster than before.

“People across Michigan are increasingly relying on tablets, smartphones and apps to stay organized, connected and entertained,” said John Granby, president–Michigan/Indiana/Kentucky Region, Verizon Wireless. “Our investment in Michigan has kept us ahead of these consumer trends and underscores our belief that 4G LTE delivers the best value to customers by maximizing the performance of their wireless devices.”

Muskegon area coverage includes Fruitport, Norton Shores, Roosevelt Park and Muskegon as well as portions of North Muskegon, Egelston Township, Moorland, Ravenna, Harrisburg and Casnovia. Additionally, Verizon’s 4G LTE coverage will be available along U.S. Route 31 from Grand Haven to North Muskegon at Holton Road and along Interstate 96 from Lowell to Muskegon.

Battle Creek area coverage includes Battle Creek, Bedford, Springfield, Brownlee Park, Stanley Corners, Sonoma, Marshall Township and Clarence Center as well as portions of Albion, Parma Township, Sheridan Township, Marengo, Marshall, Walnut Point, Pennfield, Assyria Township, Johnstown Township, Level Park, Fort Custer, West Leroy, East Leroy and Newton Township. Also, the following major roads are covered: Interstate 94 from Parma Township to Mattawan; Michigan Road 66 from Leroy Township to Battle Creek; and Michigan Road 37 from Battle Creek to Johnstown Township.

Residents in the newly expanded 4G LTE coverage areas will also have access to HomeFusion Broadband, a new in-home, high-speed Internet service for consumers who want residential broadband with reliable data connectivity.

The Verizon Wireless 4G LTE network is now available to more than two-thirds of the U.S. population in 337 markets across the country and offers more than six times the geographic coverage of its nearest competitor’s 4G LTE network. Verizon Wireless customers looking to experience the nation’s fastest 4G network can choose from a variety of 4G LTE devices, including tablets, smartphones, and more.

In real-world, fully loaded network environments, Verizon Wireless 4G LTE customers should experience average data rates of 5 to 12 megabits per second (Mbps) on the downlink and 2 to 5 Mbps on the uplink.

Visit www.verizonwireless.com/lte for more information about the Verizon Wireless 4G LTE network and a list of current markets.