The Week in Review

Welcome to our new Friday feature, Week in Review. Every Friday, RCR Wireless News will run through the major events of the past week, outlining what happened and speculating on what to look for in the coming weeks. Check below for news about carriers, handset makers, content companies, infrastructure vendors and more.
Carriers
–Sprint Nextel dumped around 1,000 customers who were clogging up the carrier’s customer service lines, news that comes as the carrier continues to trail rivals in subscriber additions. Now all eyes will be on Sprint Nextel’s performance in the second quarter.
–AT&T selected the ad agency of the former Cingular Wireless to take the lead in the carrier’s overall advertising strategy. The news comes as Sprint Nextel reworks its ad message. The moves could signal a renewed advertising push by all of the nation’s carriers.
Handsets
–Motorola’s financial troubles push Samsung into the No. 2 spot for global handset market share. The results raise questions on a possible ouster of Moto’s chief Ed Zander. Meantime, Sony Ericsson posts gangbuster financial results.
Content
–Jamba released a variety of mobile content based on the hit animated show “The Simpsons.” Simpsons fans everywhere rejoice.
–Visto and Seven reached a truce on their battle over patents for mobile e-mail. The issue will continue, though, as Visto continues litigation against Microsoft, Research In Motion and others.
Infrastructure
–Indian software firm Megasoft announced plans to buy billing company Boston Communications Group Inc.
–TerreStar Networks is trialing its wireless broadband network in Vermont. The trial could determine the future success of hybrid cellular-satellite networks like that of TerreStar.
Other
–FCC Chairman Kevin Martin released a draft plan for the upcoming 700 MHz auction that includes an open-access component, as well as a mechanism for network sharing between public safety and private interests. The news has sent Washington watchers into a frenzy. The official plan for the 700 MHz auction is due within weeks.
COMING IN MONDAY’S ISSUE OF RCR WIRELESS NEWS
–An in-depth look at FCC Chairman Kevin Martin’s 700 MHz draft proposal. What does it mean to industry, what are its flaws and what’s up next? Washington Bureau Chief Jeff Silva and Reporter Colin Gibbs report.
–Adult content is still nowhere to be seen on U.S. carrier decks, but operators are experimenting with PG-13 content. Reporter Colin Gibbs looks at the touchy issue.
–Device reporter Phil Carson takes a look at the crucial fourth quarter for handsets sales, and how manufacturers and carriers may react to the iPhone.