OK
1) Beyond Wireless.
Currently they are a TDMA prepaid provider (no expiration dates!), but they are rumored to roll out a GSM MVNO and start to ohase out their TDMA MVNO starting in 2006 (Incentives will be given to switch I think)


2) SBC bought AT&T and SBC now calls itself AT&T. SBC owns 60% of cingular. There have been rumors of CIngular being renamed to AT&T Wireless (or AT&T Mobile) - or maybe AT&T will create an MVNO on Cingular's system. - we'll see.

I like the sound of AT&T Wireless more than AT&T Mobile :D.

Keep us informed Admiral, when you know something more detailed about the offers I'll add them on PrepaidGSM.

No more news on the AT&T/Cingular or Beyond Wireless MVNO issues but here are some more MVNO related:


RockITTalk
US GSM MVNO
No "standard" prepaid offer, but they do offer no contracts, so if you are going to be in the US for a while, they might be an option:
Their Rates:
http://rockittalk.com/new/rockit.php?comma...w=plans&accept=

The bad: No GPRS, No EDGE, no CSD, No 3G, No MMS
You need to pay a one time deposit of $125 - BUT is is refundable

The good: Unlimited local calling, unlimited SMS (Unknown if it is good for international SMS as well)

Their FAQ: http://rockittalk.com/new/rockit.php?command=howitworks


CityFone
Canadian GSM MVNO
Not "standard" prepaid (i.e. top off cards)
They seem to be contract based

Their Plans
http://www.cityfone.net/asp/page/pla...p?network=canw

This does not seem like an option for the person visiting canada for a small amount of time, but it might be an option for someone who will be living in canada for a while (exchange student for example)

Rockittalk folded on 12/9. Some discussion of this on HoFo. Some question as to whether it was a scam or ineptness.
They claim they will rise again (per cryptic notice on their web site).

...mike