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.

The Federal Communications Commission has granted AT&T’s request to withdraw its application to buy out T-Mobile. The FCC also released a 109 page report yesterday about what they think about the merger after much review. The FCC’s report lists more cons about the deal than pros. The FCC said that the merger would cause too many inefficient network issues and job losses. The cost savings generated by the deal wouldn’t be passed on to the customer either.

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]

Sprint Nextel Corporation (NYSE:S) has confirmed that they will be offering unlimited data for the iPhone 4S. The iPhone 4S will have access to have all the same voice and data plans at the same rates that Sprint’s current smartphones are on. This includes unlimited 3G data and the 5GB mobile hotspot cap. [phonescoop]

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]