It looks like some of the newest text messengers aren't very new at all.

A new study commissioned by Sprint that while in 2006 only 13% of Americans ages 50-65 used the SMS function in the past two years that figure has jumped to 20% among the 55-65 set. Why? They want to talk to their kids.

Well it looks like someone got the message.

In a new poll by Pali Research in terms of customer service ratings among the major carriers, Sprint which has perennial come in last has suddenly leap-frogged into first place, with 91% of calls to their customer service number answered in 30 seconds or less.  

Of the rest, Verizon answered 85% of their calls within 30 seconds, T-Mobile 43% of their customer service calls, and AT&T is the poll's new whipping boy with 33%. 

J.D. Power and Associates, which rates the major wireless companies every six months, just came out with their lastest list and it looks like Verizon Wireless and Alltell are the big winners. 

The way it works is J.D. Power questions 22,000 wireless customers on seven issues: dropped calls, static/interference, failed connections on the first try, voice distortion, echoes, no immediate voice mail notification, and no immediate text message notification.

First of all, let's just set the record straight, for months I've been saying there's no such thing as a "Google Phone"; it would be a ridiculous conflict of interest for Google's larger business interests.

For a couple days a week or so ago, the internet was abuzz about some major announcement Sprint was going to make during the July 4th holiday. There was a flashy pre-announcement website entitled "Wireless Evolution" and much speculation ensued; was it a new cell phone? A wireless network?

What in the wireless happens July 4th?

If you have a fever… and the only prescription is frothy melodrama; this is the announcement for you.

ABC and Sprint just announced an expanded data packaging deal that would make the four most-recent episodes of ABC’s most popular series available over your cell phone for a flat rate of $20 dollars a month. Other shows in the offer include Desperate Housewives, Ugly Betty, and Lost; who will still remain lost, regardless how good your cell phone GPS.

Sprint pitchman Payton Manning, who I understand also has a promising career as the NFL's best quarterback has just agreed to host the March 24edition of Saturday Night Live, which is coincidently also his 31 birthday.

Photo thanks to Manifest Technology

It looks like after a short off season, Mobile ESPN is back in the game.