Editor’s Note: Wireless operators are a busy bunch, and as such RCR Wireless News will attempt to gather some of the important announcements that may slip through the cracks from the world’s largest carriers in a weekly wrap-up. Enjoy!
–Regional telecom provider Shenandoah Telecommunications announced a reorganization of its management structure in an attempt to “better focus on its three lines of business and meet the needs of its customers.”
“Shentel has historically been organized functionally, but the new organization will primarily be organized around our wireless, cable and wireline business,” explained Christopher French, president and CEO of Shenandoah. “We will retain certain functional areas such as information technology, accounting and finance, and human resources, which will continue to support all three lines of business.”
The changes will see William Pirtle named VP of wireless, where he will be responsible for wireless marketing, sales, network operations, site acquisition and tower leasing. Pirtle previously served as VP of sales and marketing.
Edward McKay has been named VP of wireline and engineering, where he will oversee wireline sales, marketing and operations and maintain his current position as VP of engineering and planning. Thomas Whitaker take over as VP for Shenandoah’s cable operations, where he will be responsible for cable marketing, sales and operations. Whitaker had previously held the position of VP of operations.
Shentel early last year signed an addendum to its affiliate agreement with Sprint that will see the operator install LTE technology across its service areas compatible with Sprint’s LTE plans. As part of the agreement, Shenandoah will receive access to additional 1.9 GHz and 800 MHz spectrum holdings, extend the terms of its current contract from 2019 to 2024 and increase the cap on the “net service fee” it receives from 12% to 14% beginning July 1, 2013. The carrier will also rely on Alcatel-Lucent to provide network equipment that will “mirror” Sprint’s Network Vision program.
–Russia-based wireless provider MTS said it has selected Nokia Solutions and Networks to upgrade and expand its operations in Ukraine and Turkmenistan. The deal includes the deployment of new 3G base stations using equipment from NSN.
NSN noted that the equipment would include core network elements consisting of its Mobile Softswitching systems, Multimedia Gateway products and NetAct network management systems. The equipment will rely on NSN’s Single RAN platform and Flexi Multiradio Base Station equipment.
Financial terms of the deal were not announced.
–Satellite communications provider Globalstar announced that its “second-generation” satellites were now in “full commercial service.” The $1 billion program was initiated in 2006, and has resulted in improved voice quality, connectivity, usability and “length of time to maintain a call,” thanks to the implementation of duplex service.
Globalstar noted that the new network is designed to support its current lineup of voice, duplex and simplex data products, with the new satellites designed for a 15-year life, which it said was double the life span of its earlier satellites.
Additional carrier news can be found on the RCR Wireless News “Carriers” page.
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