Editor’s Note: Following are the 10 most viewed stories on RCRNews.com for 2005. The most-viewed story is first on the list. In some cases, the story was too long to reprint the entire article in this space.
Verizon Wireless halts telemarketing calls with lawsuits
BEDMINSTER, N.J.-Verizon Wireless has forced two telemarketing firms to stop making illegal sales pitches to the wireless carrier’s customers.
As part of court-approved settlements, Verizon Wireless won permanent injunctions against Intelligent Alternatives of San Diego, Calif., and Resort Marketing Trends of Coral Springs, Fla., which used auto-dialers and recorded messages to contact Verizon Wireless customers.
Federal law bans the use of such technology in calls to cellular phones.
Oct. 18
Judge orders BCGI to stop providing prepaid services
BOSTON-Boston Communications Group Inc. suffered yet another legal setback Monday when a federal judge ordered the company to stop providing the prepaid wireless services that account for 70 percent of its revenue.
The U.S. Federal District Court for the District of Massachusetts granted the injunction at the request of Freedom Wireless, which in May was awarded $128 million when an eight-person jury found BCGI’s services infringed on Freedom’s patents. Last week, the judge added $20.1 million in interest to the damages.
Sept. 12
Cingular expelled from BBB for too many complaints
WASHINGTON-Cingular Wireless L.L.C. has been expelled from the Better Business Bureau of Upstate New York, according to a report in a Rochester, N.Y., newspaper. The nation’s largest wireless carrier acknowledged the situation.
“We take all customer complaints very seriously, and we’re working diligently to address the concerns brought to our attention by the BBB of Upstate NY. We want to set this right,” said Rochelle Cohen, Cingular spokeswoman. “We will be meeting with BBB representatives today to address any outstanding issues they may have, and we will apply for reinstatement as soon as possible. It’s very important for us to be a member in good standing.”
The Rochester Democrat and Chronicle said Cingular had 20 unanswered complaints and 200 total complaints during the past three years. The expulsion is effective immediately. Cingular can reapply for membership in a year, said the paper.
June 17
Sprint inches toward DO launch
Sprint Corp.’s planned launch of CDMA2000 1x EV-DO-based high-speed wireless data services continues to inch ahead as the portion of the carrier’s Web site aimed at business users included preliminary coverage maps and information on its high-speed data service early last week. The maps, which a Sprint spokeswoman noted were preliminary and still being adjusted, showed varying degrees of future EV-DO coverage across many of its major markets.
Jan. 14
Verizon Wireless sued over Motorola Bluetooth phone
A California lawsuit claims that Verizon Wireless displayed “willful, deceptive and oppressive conduct” in limiting the capabilities of its Bluetooth-capable Motorola Inc. V710 camera phone. Law firm Kirtland & Packard L.L.P. is seeking class-action status for the suit and is pursuing an unspecified amount of cash for damages.
The lawsuit centers on Verizon’s application of Bluetooth technology in the phone. Following Verizon’s directions, Motorola included three types-called profiles-of Bluetooth in its V710 for the carrier. The phone supports the headset, hands-free and dial-up networking profiles of Bluetooth. These technologies can connect the phone to wireless headsets, Bluetooth car kits and laptop computers for use as a modem. However, the phone does not support the file-transfer Bluetooth profile, which allows users to share files between the phone and another Bluetooth-capable device like a phone, laptop or personal digital assistant.
March 25
Cingular tests AWS devices for release, Ogo won’t make cut
Cingular Wireless L.L.C. is testing the SMT 5600 smart phone from UTStarcom Inc. for use on its network and plans to release the device by May. The device was initially introduced by AT&T Wireless Services Inc. before Cingular acquired the carrier, and due to customer demand, Cingular plans to add the device to its own line-up.
However, AT&T Wireless’ Ogo wireless messaging device may not be so lucky. Cingular has not decided whether to add the device to its network, a carrier spokesman said, but indications are that the device will not make the cut.
May 6
Microsoft to unveil new wireless device OS
Microsoft Corp. is expected to unveil its new Windows Mobile 2005 operating system, codenamed Magneto, in conjunction with its developer’s conference next week in Las Vegas.
According to several sources familiar with the company’s announcement, Microsoft’s new offering will replace its current Smartphone, Pocket PC and Pocket PC Phone Edition operating systems with a single, combined platform. The new platform will also feature a variety of enhancements including new and updated applications, support for QWERTY keyboards and more options for manufacturers and wireless carriers.
Sept. 1
T-Mobile USA offers EDGE across 90% of GPRS network
T-Mobile USA Inc. said it has launched EDGE services across 90 percent of its GPRS-enabled network and that the higher-speed wireless data service now is commercially available to customers with EDGE-enabled devices. The carrier was expected to launch EDGE earlier this year, but delayed the service due to a lack of compelling devices.
Jan. 19
New consumer research calls Cingular top wireless performer
A consumer survey conducted by independent research firm Adjoined Research singled out Cingular Wireless L.L.C. and Verizon Wireless as top-performing companies in the wireless sector, but noted that the pending merger between Sprint Corp. and Nextel Communications Inc. could capture the top spot among all types of communications providers.
Nov. 4
WiMAX World draws range of alliances, products
Product announcements streamed out of Boston during WiMAX World 2005, a show where the attendance increased from the hundreds in 2004 to the thousands in 2005.
As the industry moves closer to developing a standard, traditional and upstart wireless equipment providers detailed their plans to capitalize on the emerging technology.
Motorola Inc. demonstrated the capabilities of its Moto Wi4 Canopy solutions. The product is based on Internet Protocol Multimedia Subsystem architecture and delivers Voice over IP, end-to-end converged services and applications across broadband networks and emerging WiMAX environments. The service enables IP-based voice, video, conferencing services, unified messaging, ring-back tones and other applications working on multiple devices.
Motorola also teamed with Intel Corp. to collaborate on specification efforts within the WiMAX Forum to ensure interoperability issues are properly addressed as the industry moves toward a standard.
