Carrier IQ is software that has been installed on about 150 million smartphones, which tracks personal information about users. Security researcher Trevor Eckhart discover the software and posted a video about it on YouTube. People were outraged by what they saw on the video and Carrier IQ was thoroughly investigated after that.

This past May Google Inc. (NASDAQ:GOOG) announced a partnership at the I/O conference that they have made a deal so that any new Android phone would receive OS updates for at least 18 months following the launch. The partnership is called the Google Update Alliance. Motorola, Samsung, Sprint, T-Mobile, Verizon, and Sony Ericsson are a part of the Update Alliance. Sony Ericsson is the only company that has kept up with the partnership. In fact Sony Ericsson released new versions of Android to all phones that are less than 18 months.

Although there has been some reports that the iPhone 4S would be shipped with an unlocked SIM from Sprint Nextel Corporation (NYSE:S). Above is a screenshot of an internal memo as received by Sprintfeed that states starting on November 11, 2011 “all iPhone 4S devices will have the SIM locked.” The memo also states that “the locking occurs during the activation process and is invisible to the customer.” The SIM lock update will not impact any iPhone 4S devices activated prior to 11/11/11. New customers will have to contact Sprint Worldwide for international services. [SprintFeed]

AT&T Inc. (NYSE:T) has talked to several smaller rivals including MetroPCS Communications, Inc. (NYSE:PCS) and Leap Wireless International, Inc. (NASDAQ:LEAP) to sell spectrum and subscribers. This is in order to save AT&T’s acquisition of T-Mobile USA for $39 billion.

Sprint Nextel Corporation (NYSE:S) is ready to launch the Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) iPad on their network. Sprint would be joining Verizon and AT&T in the iPad data club. The iPad for Sprint is expected to be available starting this holiday season. Sprint is also believed to start offering the iPhone this holiday season too. According to sources with 9to5Mac, the new iPhone is expected to be launched on October 7th at a price of $199.

Sprint Nextel Corporation (NYSE:S) is expected to start offering the iPhone next month with an unlimited data service plan. Sprint plans to start selling the iPhone in mid-October through a deal with Apple. Sprint would become the only carrier that would offer the iPhone with unlimited data services going forward.

Sprint Nextel Corporation (NYSE:S) is rumored to be increasing early termination fees for canceling a contract to $350 from $200 starting September 9th. These changes will be applied towards tablets, netbooks, and notebooks. This change does not surprise me considering that Sprint is rumored to be getting the iPhone 4 and the next generation iPhone in October. [SprintFeed]

Good news for the loyal Sprint customers. Sprint Nextel Corporation (NYSE:S) will start selling the new version of the iPhone in mid-October according to sources with The Wall Street Journal. The new iPhone is expected to be called the iPhone 5. This could help Sprint retain their customer base and may help AT&T win regulatory approval for the acquisition of T-Mobile.