The super sexy HTC Hero is at the FCC’s labs. We’re talking about the version of the device that can sing along AT&T (NYSE: T)’s and Canada’s Rogers (NYSE: RCI) Wireless 3G networks. The question is will AT&T pick it up? They have a good relationship with Apple (NSDQ: AAPL), which might be pissed to see such a contender being offered by their carrier partner. On the other hand, AT&T shouldn’t want to miss the Android wave, hence we may see them start offering the Hero alongside the iPhone.

Anyway, that’s something we’re still speculating on. The good thing is that the paperwork needed for launching the Heroic launch in the States is getting close to an end, and you’ll always be able to grab the device unlocked, sans any strings attached.

[Via: Engadget Mobile]

So long as we’re cruising by the FCC, Samsung has filed papers for a little something called the Gravity 2 (T469). The original Gravity just hit Rogers in March and T-Mobile in November, and already the sequel’s coming down the line. Little is known spec-wise, other than 3G support, but it’s probably safe to say the Samsung T469 will be a nice mid-to-low-range handset for heavy texters. You can expect the Gravity 2 to land on T-Mobile (NYSE: DT) in mid-July.

[via PhoneArena]

While most eyes are on the BlackBerry (NSDQ: RIMM) Tour 9630 prepping for a launch next month, it seems like the 8520 Curve (code-named Gemini) is getting ready to blast out of the gates as well. T-Mobile (NYSE: DT) is rumoured to pick up the EDGE-only 8520 around August 5th., but given we’re seeing FCC filings now, it wouldn’t be surprising to see the new Curve dropping this month. While the ho-hum specs might deter some (320 x 240 screen, Wi-Fi, 2 megapixel camera with no flash), the 8520’s style will likely be the key selling point: new media keys on the top, rubberized buttons, and, of course, a new touchpad to replace the trackball. Hopefully those specs will keep the price point down, but we haven’t heard any specifics as of yet. You can take a look at the full FCC filing here, if you’re into that kind of thing.

[Cellphone Signal via CB]

An FCC report for the mysteriously-named M13 have gone public, bearing signs of LTE support. Of course, this isn’t the first time we’ve seen LG waving around 4G-capable handsets, but it is a step towards commercial availability. Verizon (NYSE: VZ)’s burning the midnight oil trying to get LTE ready for a 2010 launch, and no doubt manufacturers like LG are getting equally prepared. The M13 in particular will also support EVDO, so you won’t necessarily have to worry about needing to be in a remote pilot area to actually get use out of the handset, but it won’t be until around 2011 that we see a full U.S.-wide rollout of LTE.

[via Engadget]

We don’t usually cover accessories that get FCC’s seal of approval. However, this time around we’re talking about a Bluetooth headset that has the famous “V” branding of Nokia (NYSE: NOK)’s luxury arm. The first Vertu headset (at least the first I’m aware of) has passed through FCC’s testing labs and we think it will soon hit luxury retails stores as well as Nokia’s own Flagship Stores around the world. We don’t have an image of this baby, but it’s safe to bet an array of luxury/high-end materials is used in making of this luxury device. Hence it’s not just “yet another Bluetooth headset” but a piece of jewelry, as well. Price is unknown, but as soon as we hear something new, we’ll let you know. Stay tuned in the meantime…

[Via: Engadget Mobile]

The long-held tradition of tying cellphones to a certain wireless carrier has been under fire for years now. Last year, the Congressional Subcommittee on Telecommunications was discussing the “fairness” of mobile phone exclusivity agreements sought by wireless carriers and handset manufacturers. Today, our elected officials are taking the fight against exclusivity agreements to the next level. Politicians apparently do serve a purpose in the US government.

A group of US Senators (including former Presidential hopeful Sen. John Kerry) have requested that regulators at the FCC review the practice of locking mobile phones to particular wireless carriers. The chief concern is that these exclusive agreements hurt consumer choice. The letter to the FCC reads:

“We ask that you examine this issue carefully and act expeditiously should you find that exclusivity agreements unfairly restrict consumer choice or adversely impact competition in the commercial wireless marketplace.”

We most recently saw the Rural Cellular Association coming out against exclusivity agreements between wireless operators and handset vendors with their petition to the FCC to request a review of AT&T (NYSE: T)’s iPhone exclusivity contract with Apple (NSDQ: AAPL).

With a little luck, the unlocked handset market will become a viable reality in the US. And we’re only a decade or so behind the rest of the world. Not bad, eh?

[Via: Yahoo]

Following Apple (NSDQ: AAPL)’s announcement of the new iPhone 3GS flagship at WWDC 2009, the FCC has just given the iPhone 3GS the requisite thumbs-up to play on AT&T (NYSE: T)’s US network. Both the iPhone 3GS 16GB and iPhone 3GS 32GB variants have been approved by the FCC, so there’s no doubt Apple will be able to make good on their promise to deliver the iPhone 3GS on June 19th.

If you’re into reading up on GSM frequency interference and radiation levels, may we suggest heading on over to the FCC’s website?

FCC approves 16GB iPhone 3GS and 32GB iPhone 3GS

[Via: EngadgetMobile]

T-Mobile (NYSE: DT) USA will be adding a new Sony Ericsson (NYSE: SNE) device in its portfolio in the near future. Or at least it seems that the Swedish-Japanese handset maker hopes so, as I don’t see any other reason to go through the FCC approval hassle for the device that sings along T-Mobile’s AWS 3G — not that they could sell that on many other places in the world.

Anyway, from what we’re hearing, the TM717 is pretty similar (same?) to the Maria Sharapova-approved T707 model sporting the same 3.2 megapixel camera and clamshell form factor. Release date is unknown at this stage and the same goes for pricing…

[Via: Engadget Mobile]

So, while you’re all oohing and aahing and Will’s live WWDC coverage, maybe you can show some love for this Samsung B5100 that just passed the FCC running S60. It’s a simple candybar with a 3 megapixel camera with LED flash, GPS, Wi-Fi, HSDPA, and a QVGA screen. No other info other than that, but we’re going to guess that it’ll be cheap, even for something packing a pretty solid spec line. We’ll be keeping our eyes peeled for this one in the public shortly, in any case.

[mobil.cz via GSMArena]

Ok, we get it. Every major carrier in the U.S. wants the HTC Touch Pro2. We’ve seen version of the device for Sprint and Verizon in the wild, and now’s AT&T (NYSE: T)’s turn. This is not to say we haven’t heard about it before (remember the HTC Fortress?), it’s just that with the FCC approval of the device, one more obstacle is out of the way and I guess it’s all about timing now. Waiting for September doesn’t make much sense in my book, though you never know. And now it’s T-Mobile (NYSE: DT)’s turn, right?

[Via: Engadget Mobile]