2007

Qualcomm Inc.’s new Gobi chip marks the arrival of a technology long-discussed by the San Diego company, according to one analyst.The chip will offer high-speed access to the Internet via both CDMA2000 1x EV-DO and UMTS-based HSPA networks worldwide, plus …

HOLLYWOOD, Calif.-The music industry is redefining itself amid significant changes, particularly with regards to the record labels’ role in a world where recording artists are able to connect with fans with little technological or marketing know-how.“The labels are clearly at …

Like former Yankee Alex Rodriguez, Tele Atlas N.V. plans to cash in on the free-agent market.The Netherlands-based digital mapping company in July accepted a bid of $2.8 billion from TomTom NV, agreeing to recommend the offer to shareholders. But Tele …

Shifting business models make for strange bedfellows-and nowhere is that so clear as Google’s potential linkup with Verizon Wireless, which is said to be negotiating with the search giant to carry phones equipped with Google’s mobile operating system.Consider just the …

When Microsoft Corp.’s CEO Steve Ballmer publicly mentions someone’s name as a respected veteran who will run a new company in partnership with his juggernaut, people listen. At CTIA I.T. & Entertainment 2007 in late October, Ballmer told a standing-room-only …

As always, something has me a little confused.What is it this time? Well, it’s the phone locking issue that has everyone from tech geeks to politicians in a tizzy. (Actually, it seems that only tech geeks and politicians are in …

Two wireless deals cleared major hurdles last week, but not before strings were attached by government antitrust and regulatory officials.The Justice Department said AT&T Inc. agreed to sell assets in seven rural markets and forgo rights to the Cellular One …

Just how do you position yourself before Congress, seeing that the influential Democratic senator who is co-sponsoring a wireless consumer protection bill is the same fellow trying to get you out from under privacy lawsuits in connection with the Bush …

Crown Castle International Corp. reported growth in site rental revenues, although its losses widened year-over-year.The company’s results included those of Global Signal Inc., which Crown Castle acquired earlier this year.On a pro forma basis, site rental revenues jumped 7.3% year-over-year. …

A new survey finds that U.S.-based users of Research In Motion Ltd.’s BlackBerry devices are the most satisfied with their handsets among smartphone users. That may not sound like a surprise to anyone who knows that RIM is by far …

AS WILDFIRES RAGED throughout southern California in recent weeks and hundreds of thousands were evacuated from their homes, wireless networks in the area saw dramatic increases in usage as well as some damage from the blazes. The increased usage included …

No wonder people can’t agree on a cure for the mobile gaming industry. Some insiders don’t even think it’s sick.There’s no question that the space-which just a couple of years ago was envisioned as the pace-setting genre of mobile content-has …

Ticket to ride Siemens IT Solutions and Services said it will soon offer technology that allows bus and train tickets to be purchased via mobile phones. The company conducted a countrywide pilot of the technology in 12 German cities and …

AT&T MOBILITY WILL TELL YOU that writers expounding on the issue of unlocked phones far outnumber consumers actually interested in buying them.Preliminary data shows that, while not literally true, that statement does reflect that a relatively small number of American …

THE MOBILE-PHONE INDUSTRY’S BUSINESS MODEL continues to come under attack, with challenges to carrier control increasingly playing out in the courts, Congress and at the Federal Communications Commission.National wireless carriers find themselves ensnarled in more than a dozen handset-locking and …

With the wireless sector the most competitive in the telecom industry, it is hard to imagine that company executives can simultaneously beat each other’s brains out in the marketplace and work in harmony on issues of common interest. But they …

Nokia Corp. is once again finding that the direct-to-consumer path is a treacherous one.The world’s No. 1 handset maker postponed the launch of its long-awaited gaming platform, according to Reuters, citing software problems. N-Gage, which was unveiled in August and …

Rebtel, a Voice over Internet Protocol firm that offers low-cost international calling on mobile phones, said Verizon Wireless, Alltel Corp. and T-Mobile USA Inc. rejected requests for short codes for creating local numbers by text message.“We believe Verizon’s rejection of …

The mobile gaming playground remains a tumultuous space, according to new earnings reports from three of the industry’s biggest players. Shares of Glu Mobile Inc. plunged after the publisher issued fourth-quarter guidance that fell short of analysts’ expectations. Glu narrowed …

AT&T Mobility announced a new international service plan for the Apple Inc. iPhone, an announcement that comes on the heels of efforts by software hackers to unlock the device.Unlocking software allows iPhone users to install Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) cards …

Verizon Wireless is offering Research In Motion Ltd.’s BlackBerry Pearl online accompanied by a new pricing scheme for BlackBerry e-mail and Web access. Verizon Wireless retail stores and their stores in Circuit City will offer the device beginning Nov. 8.The …

Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) said he has serious concerns with Verizon Wireless’ $2.67 billion purchase of Rural Cellular Corp., telling Federal Communications Commission Chairman Kevin Martin the transaction should not go forward unless the No. 2 mobile-phone carrier agrees to …

Welcome to our Friday feature, Week in Review. Every Friday, RCR Wireless News runs through the major events of the past week, outlining what happened and speculating on what to look for in the coming weeks, months and years. Check …

Alltel Corp. announced a management shuffle that will kick in after private-equity firms TPG Capital and GS Capital Partners complete their acquisition of the carrier, a deal which is expected to close Nov. 16.Scott Ford will remain president and CEO, …