The Week in Review

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 below for news about carriers, handset makers, content companies, infrastructure vendors and more.
Carriers
–Sprint Nextel posted serious declines in its third-quarter results, an announcement that comes as the carrier casts about for a new CEO. The carrier’s troubles have given rise to speculation on the ultimate viability of Sprint Nextel’s various business efforts, including its WiMAX buildout. Meanwhile, both AT&T Mobility and Verizon Wireless announced major customer additions in the third quarter.
–Sprint Nextel and Verizon Wireless inked settlements that may allow CDMA phone users to move between the carriers using the same phone. Indeed, the situation could ultimately give rise to an entire cottage industry around unlocked CDMA phones.
Handsets
–HTC continues to expand its U.S. market presence with the release of the “Shadow” through T-Mobile USA. The phone is the latest high-end device from HTC, which is working to become a major player on the cellphone scene.
Content
–According to the Wall Street Journal, Google plans to announce a major mobile initiative as early as Monday. If the company does indeed release software for handset makers and carriers, the wireless market may well have to adapt to another new heavyweight entering the space.
Infrastructure
–Alcatel-Lucent announced additional job cuts aimed at bolstering its flagging revenues. The company’s difficulties are mirrored by many of the rest of the market’s equipment suppliers, which calls into question whether additional consolidation in the space is warranted.
COMING IN MONDAY’S ISSUE OF RCR WIRELESS NEWS
–How did first responders and the cellular industry interact during the California fires? Kelly Hilll reports.
–The prospect of mobile advertising is whetting both carrier and marketers appetites. Reporter Colin Gibbs examines the business model.
–Wireless carriers are under pressure to unlock their devices. Phil Carson examines the technical aspects of unlocking, while Jeff Silva looks at the political and regulatory ramifications.