Six operators to launch LiMo handsets this year February 11, 2009
Posted by aikservices in KTF, LiMo, Linux, Mobile Network Operator, NTT DoCoMo, Orange, SFR. Softbank Mobile, SK Telecom, Swisscom, Telecom Italia, Telefonica, Verizon Wireless, Vodafone.Tags: KTF, LiMo, Linux, Mobile Network Operator, NTT DoCoMo, Orange, SFR. Softbank Mobile, SK Telecom, Swisscom, Telecom Italia, Telefonica, Verizon Wireless, Vodafone
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Six operators will launch mobile phones based on the LiMo operating system this year, announced the LiMo Foundation, an industry group promoting Linux software for mobile services. The operators planning LiMo devices include NTT Docomo, Orange, SK Telecom, Telefonica, Verizon Wireless and Vodafone. Further active operator participants in the LiMo Foundation include KTF, SFR, Softbank Mobile, Swisscom and Telecom Italia. To date 33 commercial handset models have been certified as LiMo Compliant, of which 10 will be on display at the Mobile World Congress by NEC and Panasonic. LG and Samsung will also show new prototype models at MWC in Barcelona.
The LiMo Foundation also announced that all technologies specified for the R2 release of the LiMo Platform have been contributed on time, and LiMo members are currently introducing reference implementations for devices. The LiMo Reference Implementations will include code specified within both LiMo Platform R1 and LiMo Platform R2. This code includes source code contributions from members as well as components originating from open source communities. LiMo Reference Implementation contributors include Access, Azingo, LG Electronics, Purple Labs and Samsung Electronics. The latest technologies in the LiMo Platform include support for features such as advanced multimedia, location-based services, device management and enhanced security. The LiMo Foundation also announced its endorsement of the OMTP Bondi specification, which future LiMo handsets using a web runtime will support for widgets.
Verizon CFO to Retire in Mid-2009 February 9, 2009
Posted by aikservices in North America, USA, Verizon Wireless.Tags: North America, USA, Verizon Wireless
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Verizon’s Chief Financial Officer, Doreen A. Toben has announced her intention to retire around the middle of this year. As CFO since 2002, Toben has been involved in virtually all of Verizon’s strategic initiatives and significant decisions. The company said that a successor to Toben will be named shortly.Verizon CEO Ivan G. Seidenberg said: Doreen’s contributions as CFO throughout Verizon’s history as a company will make a profound and positive difference for many years to come. She has been an outstanding executive, helping Verizon integrate multiple acquisitions, demonstrate financial discipline, improve execution and strengthen our balance sheet for the benefit of investors. We are grateful for her dedication throughout her career and are pleased that she will stay to assist during the transition period.
Since April 2002, Toben has been responsible for Verizon’s finance and financial planning efforts. Prior to being CFO, Toben was senior vice president and chief financial officer for Verizon’s Domestic Telecom group, with responsibility for finance and strategic planning.
Verizon Wireless Continues Indiana Investment January 20, 2009
Posted by aikservices in Mobile, Telecom, USA, Verizon Wireless, Wireless.Tags: Mobile, Telecom, USA, Verizon Wireless, Wireless
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Verizon Wireless announced today it invested more than $106.5 million in 2008 to enhance its digital network in Indiana. The enhancements included building new—and upgrading existing cell sites, increasing new coverage area and capacity within existing coverage area, and completing its high-speed wireless broadband network expansion across its Indiana coverage area.
“Customers can expect Verizon Wireless to continue investing in our Indiana network in 2009,” said Greg Haller, president–Indiana/Kentucky/Michigan Region, Verizon Wireless. “We’re very focused on building out new coverage areas and increasing capacity where we already have service, so that our 83 million customers across the state and nation can rely on their wireless devices to keep in touch and stay connected.”
Since the company was formed in 2000, Verizon Wireless has invested more than $976.5 million on improvements to its network in Indiana, including the following upgrades made in 2008:
Sixty-four new cell sites were activated statewide to improve network coverage and capacity, enabling more customers to use their phones concurrently to make voice calls; send and receive email and text, picture and video messages; access the Internet; view high-quality videos; and download music, games and ringtones, while enjoying clearer reception and fewer dropped calls.
Equipment on 122 existing cell sites throughout the state was upgraded, which further improved network capacity.
Permanent backup generators were installed at 23 existing Indiana cell sites to ensure network functionality during times of crisis.
The company expanded its high-speed wireless broadband network to 72 cell sites across Indiana, including those in Kokomo and many rural communities across the state. With the upgraded network, Verizon Wireless customers are enjoying two prime services:
Mobile Broadband, the enhanced high-speed wireless service that equips Verizon Wireless’ business customers with a truly untethered mobile office experience, enabling them to wirelessly access their calendars, the Internet, email and critical business information residing behind their companies’ firewalls; and V CAST, a consumer-oriented multimedia service that gives customers access to the most comprehensive selection of downloadable music, high-quality videos and the coolest 3D games found anywhere.
Microsoft Wins Mobile Search Deal with Verizon January 9, 2009
Posted by aikservices in Google, Microsoft, Mobile, Telecom, Verizon Wireless, Wireless.Tags: Microsoft, Mobile, Telecom, Verizon Wireless, Wireless
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Verizon Wireless has signed a deal with Microsoft to provide portal, local and Internet search as well as mobile advertising services to customers on its devices. The five-year agreement will go into effect in the first half of 2009 when Microsoft Live Search is targeted to be available on new Verizon Wireless feature phones and smartphones. Last August, it was widely reported that the network operator had been close to concluding a deal with Google for mobile search services.
Depending on which device they use, customers will be able to use voice commands and typed queries and even select to use location-aware searches to receive search results, including maps, directions, traffic information, information on local businesses, movie theatres and show times, gas prices and weather. In addition, customers will also get search results that include news and entertainment content such as downloadable full-track songs, videos and games. Under the five-year agreement, Microsoft will manage search and display advertising on Verizon Wireless’ Mobile Web service, creating a one-stop integrated way for advertisers and ad agencies to reach mobile consumers.
Cellcos complete asset swap (USA) December 24, 2008
Posted by aikservices in AT&T, CDMA, Dobson Cellular, GSM, Mobile, North America, telecom USA, Verizon Wireless, Wireless.Tags: AT&T, Dobson Cellular, Mobile, North America, Verizon Wireless, Wireless
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AT&T and Verizon Wireless have completed an asset swap which helps them meet the regulatory conditions of two recent buyouts of smaller operators. The Federal Communications Commission approved AT&T’s buyout of Dobson in November 2007 and Verizon’s purchase of rural Cellular in August 2008 as long as a number of overlapping operations were divested. Verizon has now acquired licences, network infrastructure and subscribers from AT&T in Kentucky and other unspecified areas, while AT&T has acquired Verizon assets in rural areas of Vermont, New York, Washington State and Kentucky. Verizon has also received an undisclosed cash payment under the deal.
Smartphones Try To Outsmart the Competition December 8, 2008
Posted by aikservices in AT&T, BlackBerry, CDMA, GSM, iPhone, Microsoft, Mobile, Research In Motion, RIM, Smartphone, Telecom, Verizon Wireless, Wireless, YouTube.Tags: BlackBerry Storm, GPS, Mobile, Research In Motion, RIM, Telecom, Verizon Wireless, Wireless, YouTube
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Cell phone carriers are touting their smartphones as the smart choice for the holiday season. Verizon Wireless and Research in Motion’s new BlackBerry Storm has all the familiar BlackBerry features but is a touch-screen device.
Audrey Lundy, public relations manager for Verizon Wireless, said Verizon incorporated the touch-screen to keep up with customer demand. The Storm employs a clickable touch-screen that is designed to respond like a keyboard.
When Apple’s iPhone came into the marketplace in 2007, users were excited about its touch-screen capability. The phone also offers more than 5,000 downloadable applications like navigation tools and access to YouTube.
The iPhone was the No. 1-selling phone for the third quarter of this year. Even with its success, some said the iPhone is for general consumers while the BlackBerry is for the business community.
The launch of the iPhone 3G added Microsoft Exchange access and GPS technology, which could in turn appeal more to the business crowd, said Brian Bollenbach, director of product development for Anyware Mobile Solutions. The BlackBerry and the iPhone still have their niche audiences, he said. But additions and phone upgrades are increasing their customer base. “I say in both cases they have opportunities to bleed over to both markets with their new versions,” said Bollenbach.
Smart phones took off about six years ago, said Bollenbach. They offered mobile versions of applications business people had on their home computers, making it easier to work away from the office.
Various industries took note of the increasing popularity for mobile devices. They started creating mobile Web sites, but many were slow to take off because it took a long time to download all the information. Bollenbach said in the past year there have been significant improvements to browsers that have sped up loading time. The success of the iPhone in the past year has the other carriers taking note of its forward-thinking applications, he said. “The systems are going to continue to become more diverse,” said Bollenbach. “I do think we’ll see certain carriers lose market shares and others will gain.”
Which company will see the most success depends on consumers’ carrier service, he said. The iPhone works for AT&T subscribers and the BlackBerry Storm is on the Verizon plan. Those services could influence future smart-phone purchases.
“I would say iPhone is off to a good start, they have a loyal fan base,” he said. “But we’ll have to see.”
Even with people conserving their money this holiday season, Bollenbach anticipates many smart phones are a likely gift purchase this year.
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