Editor’s Note: RCR Wireless News goes all in for “Throwback Thursdays,” tapping into our archives to resuscitate the top headlines from the past. Fire up the time machine, put on the sepia-tinted shades, set the date for #TBT and enjoy the memories!
Merger closes, integration begins for Sprint Nextel
The most unlikely of technology mergers has begun as Sprint Corp. announced Friday that it closed its $35 billion acquisition of Nextel Communications Inc. The new Sprint Nextel Corp. will begin trading under the “S” ticker symbol this week. The closing date, which Sprint referred to as “Day 0″ of the new company’s operations, is just the beginning of what is likely to be an arduous and lengthy network-integration process. Cingular Wireless L.L.C., which acquired AT&T Wireless Services Inc. late last year, has said its network-integration process that includes similar network technologies could take up to two years. Analysts have noted that the biggest potential challenge for Sprint Nextel will be attempting to integrate its diverse network operations without alienating customers. Nextel has a history of industry-leading customer churn results, while Sprint has posted improving churn during the past several quarters. … Read More
Analyst predicts Cingular Wireless will offer iTunes phone
Motorola Inc. plans to unveil its long-awaited iTunes-capable mobile phone Sept. 7, said an analyst familiar with the company’s plans. The device will sell through Cingular Wireless L.L.C. Roger Entner, vice president of wireless telecom with research and consulting firm Ovum, said the phone will allow users to listen to digital music from Apple Computer Corp.’s iTunes music download service. He did not provide specifics of the phone or the service. Cingular and Motorola officials were not immediately available for comment. Apple recently announced a media event scheduled for Sept. 7. … Read More
Wireless operators scramble to recover from Katrina
Wireless carriers continue to struggle with service outages in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, which devastated the Gulf Coast region when it came ashore Monday morning. News reports indicate that wireless services are severed completely in many communities due to power outages caused by wind and flood damage. Updating its progress, Sprint Nextel Corp. said it was sending hundreds of engineers and technicians, as well as nearly two dozen vehicles into the area, but it cannot reach many sites until it’s deemed safe. … Read More
Motorola, Nokia announce advanced technology partnerships
Two infrastructure giants formed separate partnerships with advanced technology developers. Aiming to speed Internet Protocol Multimedia Subsystem (IMS) rollouts, Motorola Inc. and Intel Corp. joined forces to create an IMS server proof of concept that will be shown in Intel Modular Communications Platforms Solution Centers around the world. The companies announced the partnership at the Intel Developer Forum in San Francisco. The companies said the proof of concept will showcase a pre-integrated open application-enabling platform from Motorola, including AdvancedTCA blades with dual low-voltage Intel Xeon processors and Intel IXP2850 network processors, carrier-grade Linux and Motorola’s NetPlane high-service availability software. … Read More
San Fran looks at Wi-Fi as Intel pilots city initiative
A day after San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom announced a citywide initiative to close the gap between San Francisco’s wireless broadband haves and have-nots by providing free or low-cost Wi-Fi access to all San Francisco residents, Intel Corp. announced a worldwide multi-corporation initiative to help communities maximize their wireless capabilities. Cities like San Francisco and Philadelphia are battling telecom companies for control of Wi-Fi services. The San Francisco mayor invited the public, nonprofit organizations and the private sector to make suggestions during a 45-day period as the city chooses how to proceed with its Wi-Fi mission. … Read More
Nortel forms infrastructure JV with Korea’s LG
Nortel Networks Ltd. renewed its Asian presence Wednesday as it signed a joint-venture deal with LG Electronics Co. Ltd., forming LG Nortel Co. Ltd., a company that combines the telecom infrastructure business of LG with the distribution and service business of Nortel in South Korea. In the deal, Nortel will pay $145 million along with other nonmonetary considerations to own 50 percent plus one share of the joint venture. LG may be entitled to payments over two years based on achievements made by the joint venture in certain areas. … Read More
Sprint Nextel to use media to differentiate
Bolstered by a relatively speedy and uneventful approval process and a new ticker symbol that began trading on the New York Stock Exchange last week, Sprint Nextel Corp. said it is in position to become a differentiated wireless provider focused on providing advanced services that customers will begin to expect from wireless companies. “We are not going to be considered a telecom carrier. We are going to be considered a company that knows what media services are about, that knows how to take care of customers, and deliver applications that customers ought to expect into the future,” said Sprint Nextel Chief Executive Officer Gary Forsee last week after opening the NYSE. … Read More
Mobile-content space hits choppy waters
The rising tide that is the mobile-content industry is hitting choppy waters for some publicly held content providers. Dwango Wireless is the latest company to get pummeled by the waves. The Seattle-based aggregator saw its shares plummet last week on news that it posted a second-quarter loss of $5.56 million, or 64 cents a share. The company blamed declining sales of its Rolling Stone-branded ringtones for a 17-percent drop in revenues in the second quarter compared with the previous quarter. Dwango reported revenues of $885,000 during the period, down from $1.06 million in sales in the earlier quarter. … Read More
Google buys wireless software developer
Internet search giant Google Inc. is continuing its stealth move into wireless with the acquisition of software developer Android Inc., the company confirmed this week. The acquisition raised industry eyebrows due to Android’s wealth of talent and veil of secrecy. The startup was launched two years ago by Andy Rubin, who is credited with bringing the popular Hiptop device to market as Danger Inc.’s founder and chief executive officer. As head of Android, Rubin has said only that the company is developing software for mobile phones. The developer’s Web site offers no information other than maps of its three offices in Boston, Seattle and Palo Alto, Calif. … Read More
Qualcomm paves way to 4G with Flarion buy
Qualcomm Inc. augmented its wireless reach with the $600 million acquisition of OFDM technology startup Flarion Technologies Inc., a move that pushes the company beyond its CDMA roots and gives it a solid position in the race to fourth generation. Indeed, Qualcomm recently changed its corporate tagline to suggest its expanded range of influence. The company has long described itself as the “pioneer and world leader of CDMA digital wireless technology,” but in the past few weeks has modified it to the “leading developer and innovator of CDMA and other advanced wireless technologies.” “CDMA is a great thing, but it has its lifespan,” said Dave Mock, author of “The Qualcomm Equation.” “OFDM could be their next CDMA. I think you’ll see a new face on Qualcomm.” … Read More
Check out RCR Wireless News’ Archives for more stories from the past.
