Mobile News – RCR Wireless News

BELLEVUE, Wash.-Wireless carrier Western Wireless Corp. has chosen an electronic lending services system from CGI-AMS Inc. Western Wireless will use CGI-AMS’ NetCredit system to improve the efficiency of customer acquisitions. With the system, Western Wireless said it will be able …

WASHINGTON-A California-based consumer group last week filed formal complaints with state regulators against Cingular Wireless L.L.C. and Sprint PCS, accusing the No. 1 and No. 3 mobile-phone operators of charging subscribers for unwanted text messages and ringtones. The Utility Consumers’ …

Sprint Corp. today formally launched a consultation service the carrier said can help businesses develop a long-term wireless strategy and roadmap. “They get a better handle on how they should use mobility,” explained Kenny Wyatt, Sprint’s vice president of integrated …

Moviegoers with Bluetooth-enabled handsets can download movie trailers, ringtones and wallpapers at three Loews Theatres this summer. Twentieth Century Fox is providing kiosks at theaters in Los Angeles, New York and San Francisco that will automatically send messages to devices …

PISCATAWAY, N.J.-Telcordia said Virgin Mobile USA deployed its newly added real-time charging and rating functionality for carriers. The system allows carriers to set up billing for mobile games, offer customer rewards such as two-for-one ringtone downloads, support promotions and give …

WASHINGTON-The Federal Communications Commission next week is expected to approve a band plan for third-generation wireless services, a ruling with major implications for incumbent mobile-phone operators of all sizes, potential new entrants and the U.S. Treasury. Deciding how to configure …

WARREN, N.J.-Virgin Mobile USA L.L.C. unveiled a third payment option for its mobile virtual network operator service that is similar to host network operator Sprint Corp.’s successful Fair & Flexible postpaid offering. Virgin Mobile USA said its new Month2Month plan …

LONDON-The Global Mobile Suppliers Association reported that W-CDMA services are now being offered by 74 operators in 34 countries with an additional six networks currently in pre-commercial stages. The GSA added that the 74 currently live networks are an increase …

XM Satellite Radio will spend nearly $200 million on wireless spectrum licenses in 15 of the top 20 U.S. markets, the company announced last week. The nation’s No. 1 satellite radio service agreed to acquire WCS Wireless L.L.C., which controls …

WASHINGTON-The Federal Aviation Administration said its rules against the use of wireless devices while airborne will remain in place notwithstanding a proposal from the Federal Communications Commission to lift its ban on devices while in-flight. “Let me be clear. Regardless …

ORLAND PARK, Ill.-Andrew Corp. said it settled a patent dispute with EMS Technologies Inc. concerning its remote electrical tilt antenna technology. The company has licensed the technology to EMS under a nonexclusive agreement as part of the settlement. Andrew also …

Early termination fees could be a thing of the past as a small startup out of New Jersey has set up a Web site designed to bring together wireless customers looking to get out of their current contractual obligations without …

DALLAS-MetroPCS Communications Inc. said it awarded Lucent Technologies Inc. a three-year contract for third-generation CDMA2000 equipment, valued at up to $500 million. MetroPCS said it plans to deploy Lucent equipment to build out new markets in Dallas, Detroit and Tampa/Sarasota, …

Citing increasing demand for its overage-protecting Fair & Flexible rate plans, Sprint Corp. said it will no longer offer its traditional Free & Clear rate plans to new customers. Sprint said the move also should reduce pricing confusion. “We are …

Crown Castle International Corp. announced it plans to acquire 467 towers from TrinTel Communications Inc., based in Irving, Texas, for about $145 million in cash. The acquisition of the towers is expected to close on or about Aug. 1. TrinTel’s …

CONSHOHOCKEN, Pa.-Sprint Corp. wireless affiliate UbiquiTel Inc. said it has launched CDMA2000 1x EV-DO services in its Boise, Idaho, and Reno, Nev., markets as part of Sprint’s rollout of high-speed wireless data services. “We’re thrilled to be the first wireless …

CHICAGO-Navteq, which provides digital map data for vehicle navigation and location-based services, said it has acquired PMI, a South Korean digital map company. The transaction is valued at $28.5 million. Navteq said the purchase gives it a local presence in …

WASHINGTON- Alltel Corp. set a July 21 deadline for Western Wireless Corp. shareholders to vote in favor of Alltel’s pending acquisition of Western Wireless if they want to receive consideration in cash or shares of Alltel common stock. Alltel noted …

WASHINGTON-While sparks fly on Capitol Hill over wrestling free 700 MHz spectrum from TV broadcasters, a lower profile feud with high stakes for mobile-phone carriers is escalating at the Federal Communications Commission. The debate is over whether the remaining two …

GOLDEN, Colo.-RCR Wireless News is pleased to announce it has hired Joni Morse as a reporter covering the wireless infrastructure beat, including the tower industry. Morse comes to the publication with more than 10 years experience in communications and telecom …

As third-generation technology and wireless broadband hit the U.S. marketplace, PC card vendors finally may hit their stride. Verizon Wireless is in the process of expanding its CDMA EV-DO network throughout its coverage area, while Sprint Corp. launched its own …

WiMAX technology plugged along toward its goal of a standard protocol, announcing demonstrations in Canada and the start of the certification process in Spain. Application demos for Xbox wireless console gaming over WiMAX-to-WiMAX-based streaming media took place at the WiMAX …

Cingular Wireless L.L.C. appears to be prepping a new phone from LG Electronics Co. Ltd. that features an MP3 player, according to documents filed with the Federal Communications Commission. The move is notable as music phones and music services have …

WASHINGTON-Decisions by two traffic agencies to shut down mobile-phone service in four heavily traveled New York City tunnels shortly after the London bombings earlier this month have led to questions about who exactly gave the orders to cut off power …

LONDON-Mobile content will explode into a $9 billion industry in the next 12 months, according to a recent study by LogicaCMG. The survey of 6,000 users in four global markets indicated the percentage of wireless phone owners who download content …