Cellular trends

Worldwide Mobile Phone Sales Declined 6 Per Cent, Smartphones Grew 27 Per Cent in Second Quarter 2009, Gartner Reports

admin — Wed, 12 Aug 2009 09:58:44 +0000

Inventory Destocking Continues with 13.9 Million Units Shed by the Channel

Egham, UK, August 12, 2009 -- Worldwide mobile phone sales totalled 286.1 million units in the second quarter of 2009, a 6.1 per cent decrease from the second quarter of 2008, according to Gartner, Inc. (NYSE: IT). Smartphone sales surpassed 40 million units, a 27 per cent increase from the same period last year, representing the fastest-growing segment of the mobile-devices market (see Table 2).

"Despite the challenging market, some devices sold well as consumers who would usually have purchased standard midrange devices either cut back to less expensive handsets or moved up the range to get more features for their money," said Carolina Milanesi, research director at Gartner. "Touchscreen and qwerty devices remained a major driver for replacement sales and benefited manufacturers with strong, touch-focused midtier devices. However, the decline in average selling price (ASP) accelerated in the first half of the year and particularly affected manufacturers that focus on midtier and low-end devices, where margins are already slim." » read more »

The NPD Group: U.S. Mobile Phone Unit-Sales Declined 22 Percent Year-over-Year in First Quarter 2008

admin — Tue, 27 May 2008 11:18:05 +0000

First quarter 2008 U.S. revenues from handset sales reached $2.7 billion -- down 7 percent from the previous year

PORT WASHINGTON, NEW YORK, May 20, 2008 – According to The NPD Group, the leader in market research for the wireless industry, mobile phone handset sales to consumers in the U.S. reached nearly 31 million units in the first quarter of 2008, which is a 22 percent decline since the same period a year ago.

NPD estimates total first quarter 2008 consumer sales of nearly $2.7 billion, down from $2.9 billion a year ago.

Motorola W220i: Photo by Muhammad Hamidi (CC)

“For the first time since NPD has tracked handset sales, we’ve noted a decline in sales during the first quarter after the holidays,” said Ross Rubin, director of industry analysis for NPD. “Cellular phone service has become a practical necessity in modern life; however, with looming economic concerns on the horizon, many consumers may be holding back on new handset purchases.” » read more »

Verizon Wireless Ranks Highest in Satisfying Business Customers in Both Large Enterprise and Small/Midsize Segments

admin — Tue, 27 May 2008 10:57:24 +0000

J.D. Power and Associates Reports

WESTLAKE VILLAGE, Calif. -- 22 May 2008 -- Verizon Wireless ranks highest in overall customer satisfaction for wireless data service, effectively meeting customer expectations and requirements of both large enterprise and small/midsize business segments, according to the J.D. Power and Associates 2008 Business Wireless Satisfaction Study released today.

Verizon Wireless logo on Apple's iPhone

Now in its fourth year, the study measures customer satisfaction of small and midsize businesses (fewer than 100 employees) and large enterprises (100 employees or more) with their wireless voice and data services across eight key factors. In order of importance, they are: call quality (23%); sales representatives/account executives (16%); company image (12%); customer service (11%); billing (10%); offerings and promotions (10%); cost of service (9%); and performance and reliability (9%). » read more »

NTIA Broadband Report Highlights Explosive Growth of Wireless Broadband

admin — Mon, 04 Feb 2008 13:25:03 +0000

January 31, 2008 -- WASHINGTON, DC – CTIA - The Wireless Association® President and CEO Steve Largent issued the following statement in response to a report released today by the National Telecommunications and Information Administration’s (NTIA) entitled, “Networked Nation: Broadband in America 2007”:

“We commend NTIA for its efforts to review the state of broadband service in the United States. This report is yet further evidence that more and more Americans are choosing mobile wireless as their high-speed on-ramp to the internet. Thanks to a light-touch regulatory approach in an intensely competitive marketplace, rapid deployment of wireless broadband services has become an affordable reality for millions of consumers across the nation.

“The statistics speak for themselves. According to the latest FCC broadband data, mobile wireless high-speed subscribership increased more than 600% from 2005 to 2006 alone. As the growth rate of mobile wireless broadband continues to skyrocket above and beyond any other broadband platform, there’s no denying the tremendous value and affordability wireless offers consumers.”

Source: CTIA

Who Wants Motorola's Device Business?

admin — Mon, 04 Feb 2008 13:23:57 +0000

Losing Share, Bleeding Profit but Still a good bet?

Boston, MA - February 1, 2008 - Motorola's announcement that it will examine the realignment of its Mobile Device Business unit is the latest in a long list of partnership announcements in the high volume, high R&D, volatile margin handset business, after Sony-Ericsson, Casio-Hitachi, Panasonic-NEC and most recently, Kyocera-Sanyo.

Although this announcement is sure to set off a frenzy of M&A speculation, an outright acquisition is highly unlikely. Any potential partnership should look at key factors, such as who would benefit most from a link with the falling star with still strong North American assets--but a weak 3G portfolio?

There are, in truth, few handset vendors that can afford the price tag and the lessons from previous mergers; and joint ventures are inconclusive at best. Lessons can be learned from successful ventures like Sony Ericsson, as well as abysmal failures such as Benq-Siemens. » read more »

Helio Names Sky Dayton Chairman Of Board Of Directors

admin — Wed, 30 Jan 2008 13:21:25 +0000

Wonhee Sull Elevated To CEO; Helio 2007 Usage Statistics Continue to Exceed Industry Averages Annualized Revenue Run Rate Already Over $240M in First Calendar Year Since Launch

LOS ANGELES, CA — January 28, 2008 — Capping off a year of strong growth, Helio today announced that founding CEO Sky Dayton has been named non-executive Chairman of Helio's Board of Directors, and Wonhee Sull, formerly Helio's President and COO, has been elevated to CEO. The promotions are the culmination of several years' work and will allow both to continue to focus on key initiatives for Helio's success. » read more »

Virgin Mobile USA Names Bob Stohrer Chief Marketing Officer

admin — Wed, 30 Jan 2008 13:18:35 +0000

WARREN, N.J., Jan. 16 -- Virgin Mobile USA, Inc. (NYSE: VM) today announced that Bob Stohrer, currently Vice President of Brand & Integrated Marketing, has been tapped as the company's new Chief Marketing Officer. Stohrer will take on this role as Howard Handler, who has served as CMO since Virgin Mobile's launch, leaves the company.

Handler and Stohrer joined the no-contract wireless service in 2003. Both have been instrumental in driving its growth from a start-up MVNO to one of the nation's top 10 wireless providers, with a customer base of nearly five million. Following several years of impressive growth as well as the recent completion of the company's initial public offering, Handler has decided to take the next step in his career.

"Howard has been one of the key architects of Virgin Mobile USA, helping to guide and shape many aspects of the company over the last five years," said Dan Schulman, CEO of Virgin Mobile USA. "I wish him the very best of luck in the next phase of his career." » read more »

Tele2 Specifies Previously Announced One-Off Items In Q4 2007

admin — Tue, 29 Jan 2008 12:22:26 +0000

2008-01-28 -- Stockholm - Tele2 AB, ("Tele2"), (Stockholm Stock Exchange: TEL2 A and TEL2 B), specifies previously announced negative one-off items in Q4 2007. The items are related to an interconnect dispute between 2000-2004 in Sweden and wage tax on a 1999 option scheme in Versatel from the Dutch tax authorities levied in June 2002. The negative one-off items will amount to approximately 325 million SEK.

The negative one off item related to the interconnect dispute between 2000-2004 in Sweden, announced the 8 February 2007, will amount to 200 million SEK. While awaiting decision on appeal from the Swedish Supreme Administrative Court, Tele2 has decided to book the charge in Q4 2007. The one-off item will affect EBIT.

The negative ruling from the Supreme Court in The Hague on Tele2 Netherlands Holding N.V.'s (former Versatel Netherlands) appeal, announced 21 December 2007, regarding a dispute with the tax authorities about the valuation of stock options for tax purposes, will result in a one off item of 124 million SEK. The one-off item will affect EBIT

Further information can be obtained from: » read more »

Kids Ages 2-To-14 Consume Digital Content On A Device Between Three And Seven Times Per Month

admin — Mon, 28 Jan 2008 15:00:15 +0000

PORT WASHINGTON, NEW YORK, January 2008 – On average, kids between the ages of 2 and 14 are consuming various types of digital content between three and seven times a month (on a single device), according to The NPD Group’s recently released report, Kids and Digital Content. The report provides an understanding of kids’ use of entertainment content on consumer electronic devices among kids age 2 to 14, as it relates to physical and digital content.

According to the study, kids are downloading online video clips onto a device the most frequently each month (7.1 times per month), followed by music videos (5.7 times per month), music (4.2 times per month), games (3.1 times per month), and ring tones/ring tunes (2.8 times per month).

Playing games is the most prevalent activity on the four key devices – 84 percent are gaming on a computer, video game system, portable digital music player (PDMP) or cell phone – while more than half are listening to music and one-third are communicating with images or interacting with various video formats. » read more »

Nokia Reaches 40 Percent Global Share as Mobile Phone Shipments Hit 1.12 Billion Units in 2007

admin — Mon, 28 Jan 2008 14:57:36 +0000

Boston, MA - January 24, 2008 - According to the latest research from Strategy Analytics, global mobile phone shipments grew a modest 12 percent year-over-year, to reach 1.12 billion units in 2007. Nokia had a strong fourth quarter and reached 40 percent share for the first time ever.

Bonny Joy, Analyst at Strategy Analytics, said, "Global cellphone shipments rose to 1.12 billion units in 2007, up 12 percent from 1.00 billion in 2006. We expect the economic environment to be tougher this year and forecast slower growth of 10 percent, for 1.24 billion units worldwide in 2008."

Neil Mawston, Director at Strategy Analytics, added, "During the fourth quarter of 2007, 332 million mobile phones were shipped globally. Nokia was the star performer, registering a record 40% share. Despite fierce competition from ambitious rivals such as Samsung and Apple, Nokia still managed to gain ground last year. A famous brand, attractive handset lineup, strong technology portfolio and the industry's best logistics have enabled Nokia to achieve this impressive milestone."

Other findings from the Strategy Analytics Q4 2007 Global Handset Market Share Update report include: » read more »

Glu Announces Tender Offer to Acquire Superscape, a Mobile Games Publisher

admin — Mon, 28 Jan 2008 14:50:46 +0000

Acquisition Will Bolster Glu’s Presence in North America; Supports Goal of Becoming the Leading Mobile Games Publisher Worldwide

SAN MATEO, Calif., January 23, 2008 – Glu Mobile Inc. (“Glu”) (NASDAQ: GLUU) today announced a tender offer to acquire Superscape Group plc (“Superscape”) (LSE: SPS), a leading developer and publisher of mobile games. The acquisition of Superscape will considerably expand Glu’s US presence and add significant development and publishing capabilities to Glu’s existing world-class resources.

The offer price of 10 pence in cash for each Superscape share values Superscape’s entire issued and to be issued share capital at approximately $36 million, or approximately $25 million when taking into account the $11 million of cash and equivalents held on Superscape’s balance sheet as of October 31, 2007. » read more »

BenQ Announces Consolidated Revenue for April

admin — Wed, 09 May 2007 13:01:59 +0000

TAOYUAN, TAIWAN, May 7, 2007 – BenQ today announced its consolidated revenue for the month of April. The company's core business recorded sales of NT$ 10 billion, down 8% month-on-month.

In the first quarter of 2007, BenQ 37 and 42-inch LCD TVs ranked top one and overall LCD TV products ranked top three in the Taiwan market. “Sales of BenQ LCD TV and notebook products grew in April; however, due to the decrease in unit terms of LCD monitors and projectors, total April sales declined month-on-month", according to David Wang, Chief Financial Officer and deputy spokesperson of BenQ Corporation.

Source: BenQ

Vodafone announces completion of the acquisition of Hutch Essar

admin — Wed, 09 May 2007 12:38:31 +0000

08 May 2007 -- Further to the announcements of 11 February and 15 March 2007, Vodafone announces that it has today completed the acquisition from Hutchison Telecommunications International Limited ("HTIL")of companies with interests in Hutchison Essar Limited ("Hutch Essar"). Following this transaction, Vodafone will control Hutch Essar.

Vodafone will pay US$10.9 billion (£5.5 billion) in cash to HTIL, reflecting retention and closing adjustments agreed between Vodafone and HTIL.

Commenting on the transaction, Arun Sarin, Chief Executive of Vodafone, said:

"I am delighted that, having secured all the necessary regulatory approvals, we are now able to complete this important transaction and move onto the process of integration. India is a tremendously exciting, fast moving market and I am confident that the Hutch Essar business will make a major contribution to the Vodafone Group over the coming years."

Source: Vodafone

Tele2 divest Tele2 Denmark to Telenor for approximately MSEK 1,025

admin — Wed, 09 May 2007 12:36:40 +0000

2007-05-09 -- Stockholm - Tele2 AB, ("Tele2"), (Stockholm Stock Exchange: TEL2 A and TEL2 B), Europe's leading alternative telecom operator, today announced that it has sold its Danish operations including fixed, broadband and mobile businesses to Telenor. Telenor will pay in cash approximately MSEK 1,025. Completion is expected end of June following approval from Danish Competition Authorities.

Tele2 has built a strong operation in Denmark. However, as the market evolves and competition increases it has become evident that there is a need for a more infrastructure based approach both when it comes to broadband and mobile services. Hence, Tele2 has decided to exit Denmark and continue with the strategy to concentrate its operations to markets with expectations of higher returns. » read more »

ATIS Unveils Lineup of TechThink Conference Speakers at NXTcomm 2007

admin — Wed, 09 May 2007 12:30:03 +0000

Industry’s future technology direction to be shared by powerful lineup of leading technology officers, industry decision makers at ATIS TechThink Technology Conference

ATIS has unveiled its full line-up of keynote presenters, panelists and speakers for its TechThink Conference which will feature the most senior business and technology decision-makers in the communications industry.

“The lineup of CTOs and senior executives speaking at the ATIS TechThink Conference will expand everyone’s understanding of the technology and business considerations that today’s leading industry companies are addressing with respect to communications and entertainment,” said Susan Miller, president and CEO of ATIS. » read more »

Liberty Media corporation subsidiary Connectid rebrands as zoombak

admin — Wed, 09 May 2007 12:26:37 +0000

New Name Reflects Growing Focus On Consumer Location-Based Products And Services

Connectid, the mobile location-based services (LBS) company and subsidiary of Liberty Media Corporation, announced today that it has changed its name to Zoombak™. The change is part of a wider rebranding initiative that underscores the company`s focus on providing superior location-based products and services. Zoombak is the first and only consumer products company dedicated to providing these types of products and services for the entire family.

"This name change represents a critical step in our plans toward a consumer products launch later this year," said Simon Buckingham, chief executive officer of Zoombak. "We want to provide products and services that allow consumers to better manage their busy lives and stay connected to their loved ones." » read more »

I-play Wins 2007 Duke's Choice Award with "24: Agent Down"

admin — Wed, 09 May 2007 12:24:48 +0000

Winners of Sun Microsystems’ prestigious Duke’s Choice Awards were announced last night by Java technology creator James Gosling at the JavaOne Conference in San Francisco. I-play’s ‘24: Agent Down’ mobile game has been selected as winner of "Best Java.com Application" by the Java.com community, which recognize extreme innovation using Java technology around the world.

The sequel to the original BAFTA award winning mobile game ‘24’ sees gamers once again challenged with saving the world with Jack Bauer and his elite team of CTU operatives using high-tech gadgets and brain power.

“We honor the best with Duke's Choice, and 24: Agent Down is a great example of Java technology providing a platform on which exciting and engaging content can be built,” said Chris Melissinos, Sun Microsystems' chief gaming officer.

"We are thrilled to have won a Duke’s Choice Award. This type of acknowledgement strengthens our reputation of developing innovative and creative mobile games that appeal to the casual gamer and further reinforces our proven track record of transforming valuable Hollywood properties into successful mobile games," said David Gosen, CEO of I-play. » read more »

Nokia empowers consumers in emerging markets to stay connected

admin — Thu, 03 May 2007 13:04:24 +0000

Seven new products tailored to emerging markets launched in New Delhi, India

Nokia reinforced its preeminent position in emerging markets recently with the launch of seven new products that provide functions and features specifically designed for consumers in these markets. The event, held in New Delhi, India underscores Nokia's commitment to consumers in emerging markets.

"India is very important to Nokia and to the global mobile communications industry as a whole," says Soren Petersen, Senior Vice President, Mobile Phones, Nokia. "One of the fastest growing markets in the world, India is also home to several Nokia facilities, including R&D and manufacturing. We're very proud to be part of their growth."

The new products announced today include:
- Nokia 1200 and Nokia 1208: Utilizing new industry-leading phone-sharing and call-tracking technology, these two new products are aimed at the first-time mobile phone consumer worldwide;
- Nokia 1650 and Nokia 2660: Contemporary phones that combine functionality with attractive design;
- Nokia 2505: The latest phone for entry CDMA markets in Asia/Pacific, Middle East, Africa, China and Latin America; » read more »

Jersey Airtel brings Vodafone to the island as Airtel-Vodafone

admin — Thu, 03 May 2007 12:55:25 +0000

Jersey Airtel, a wholly owned subsidiary of the Bharti Group, has today announced it will launch its mobile services on the Island of Jersey under the brand name “Airtel-Vodafone” after signing an agreement with Vodafone, the world’s leading mobile telecommunications group. The agreement will see Vodafone’s leading global products and services available on the island for the very first time.

Customers of Airtel-Vodafone will be able to benefit from a range of Vodafone services, tailored to the needs of Jersey customers, both at home and when traveling in the UK and across the world, including Vodafone Passport, a simple roaming price plan. Airtel-Vodafone services will also include a mobile multimedia service; Vodafone Simply, a straightforward voice and data package and the Vodafone Mobile Connect Card for laptops which makes possible wireless internet access. These Vodafone products, together with other exciting services, will be brought to customers in Jersey by Airtel on a phased basis from launch.

In addition, business customers stand to benefit from a range of competitive corporate devices and services, including BlackBerry from Vodafone. » read more »

Top Ten List: Sony Ericsson’s latest music mobile is best-selling phone in Telia’s retail stores during April

admin — Thu, 03 May 2007 12:53:48 +0000

In April, Sony Ericsson’s W880i was the unchallenged best seller, ranking No. 1 on Telia’s Top Ten List of mobile phone sales in April in Sweden. The list reflects the market battle between Sony Ericsson and Nokia – every other phone on the list comes from one of these mobile manufacturers. Nokia’s newest mobile, the N95, entered the list in April, capturing eighth place.

One out of three phones on the month’s Top Ten List was a 3G-enabled handset. Nine out of ten are camera phones and eight out of ten have an e-mail function and Mp3 music player.

April ranking March ranking Handset model Note

1 1 Sony Ericsson W880i SP+K+Mp3+3G+@+TN
2 2 Nokia 1110i
3 4 Sony Ericsson K800i SP+K+Mp3+3G+@+TN
4 3 Nokia 5140i SP + K
5 6 Sony Ericsson K750i SP + K + Mp3 + @ + TN
6 New Nokia 6085 SP + K + Mp3 + @
7 New Sony Ericsson K610i SP + K + Mp3 + @ + TN
8 New Nokia N95 SP+K+3G+Mp3+@+TN
9 8 Sony Ericsson Z710 SP + K + Mp3 + @ + TN
10 New Nokia 6300 SP + K + Mp3 + @ + TN

Explanation for abbreviations under Note: » read more »

CTIA – The Wireless Association Criticizes Universal Service Cap Proposal

admin — Thu, 03 May 2007 12:52:39 +0000

CTIA–The Wireless Association® President and CEO Steve Largent sharply criticized a proposal by the Federal-State Joint Board on Universal Service (Joint Board) that discriminates against wireless consumers living in rural areas by recommending a cap on support available to competitive eligible telecommunications carriers (CETCs).

“Almost three years after being assigned the task of developing recommendations to reform the high-cost universal service system, the Joint Board has missed the mark,” said Largent. “The Joint Board’s bias toward legacy wireline networks will undoubtedly disadvantage rural consumers, the majority of which now view wireless as their primary mode of telecommunication. In neglecting to propose a comprehensive set of technology-neutral, market-oriented reforms to the high-cost Universal Service system, the Joint Board has effectively told rural consumers that they don’t deserve high-quality wireless services,” continued Largent. » read more »

Virgin Ranks Highest in Satisfying Both Pre-Pay and Contract Mobile Telephone Customers in the UK

admin — Thu, 03 May 2007 12:50:20 +0000

Average Number of Weekly Calls Made by Pre-Pay and Contract Customers is Decreasing

LONDON: 3 May 2007 — Virgin ranks highest in customer satisfaction for its mobile telephone service in both the pre-pay and contract service sectors, according to the J.D. Power and Associates 2007 UK Mobile Telephone Customer Satisfaction Study released today.

The study, now in its 10th year, measures the customer satisfaction of pre-pay and contract customers with the UK’s leading mobile network providers. Overall satisfaction for pre-pay providers is measured based on performance in six factors: image; offerings and promotions; call quality/coverage; cost; handset; and customer service. Satisfaction in the contract segment includes the additional factor of billing.

Among pre-pay providers, Virgin moves from third place in 2006 to first place in 2007 with an overall index score of 724 points on a 1,000-point scale. Virgin performs well in all six factors. O2 (699 index points) follows Virgin in the rankings. Tesco Mobile, which is included in the study for the first time, ranks a close third with 696 index points. » read more »

Handango Releases 2007 First Quarter Yardstick Revealing Smartphone Industry Trends

admin — Thu, 03 May 2007 12:39:59 +0000

New-to-the-market devices quickly become popular for downloading content

Handango, a provider of smartphone content, today released the 2007 First Quarter edition of the Handango Yardstick, a quarterly report on the state of the mobile content industry.

This most recent version of the Yardstick indicated that three smartphones launched within the past year were among the top ten devices adding software based on revenue. The Motorola Q topped the list, overtaking the Palm Treo 650 which had been in the top spot for more than a year, with the BlackBerry Pearl following close behind. The Palm Treo 680, also a newly-released device, ranked at number ten. In addition to new devices, several upgraded models overtook their counterparts this quarter in regards to software downloaded. The Cingular 8525 outranked the Cingular 8125, and the BlackBerry 8703e surpassed the 8700c. In contrast, smartphones that have consistently remained among the top five devices adding software over the past year include the Palm Treo 650, Palm TX and Dell Axim X51v. » read more »

Building the complete mobility provider

admin — Thu, 03 May 2007 12:29:39 +0000

Birdstep Technology ASA's wireless revenues in the first quarter 2006 grew with 36% to NOK 9.3 million, from NOK 6.8 million in the same quarter the previous year. The company was further strengthened with the recent acquisition of Segco Software and Birdstep is now uniquely positioned for growth in all wireless market segments; operators, OEMs and enterprises. Consolidated revenues grew to NOK 12.8 million for the first quarter 2007.

With 36 % growth in wireless revenue, Birdstep gained market share during the quarter. Going forward, only market leaders will have the capacity to deliver the complete portfolio required by major customers. 2007 will consequently be the year of consolidation. Birdstep has so far this year acquired Aramova Inc, as a foothold for expansion in North America, and Segco Software with its state-of-the-art seamless mobility solutions with strong information security to OEM's and enterprises. With Secgo Software, Birdstep becomes the leading provider of secure mobility solutions to the operator, OEM and enterprise markets, says Petri Markkanen, CEO of Birdstep Technology. » read more »

Alltel Wireless first carrier to provide customers daily Web access option

admin — Thu, 03 May 2007 12:27:55 +0000

Alltel and Motricity introduce one-of-a-kind ‘Day Pass’ for mobile Web users

Alltel Wireless, America’s largest network, today with Motricity announced it now offers customers the ability to purchase a “Day Pass,” allowing exclusive access to the Internet via their phone on a daily basis, a first in the industry.

The new Day Pass option provides customers 24 hours of access to Internet-based content via Alltel’s Axcess Web service. Alltel customers with Web-capable handsets now have free and immediate access to a “basic” level of Axcess Web service. The basic service provides teaser information, such as snapshots of news, sports and weather, while browsing. As part of the basic service, customers can shop directly from their phone for ringbacks, ringtones and wallpaper, without any type of subscription or Day Pass required.

Customers wishing to utilize “premium” Axcess Web content on a trial or per-use basis, can purchase the Day Pass for $1.49 and receive 24-hour access to expanded content including games, news and sports information. » read more »

Airvana Acquires 3Way Networks

admin — Thu, 03 May 2007 12:27:03 +0000

Extends Mobile Broadband Leadership With UMTS Pico and Femto Cell Pioneer

Airvana, Inc., a provider of network infrastructure products used by wireless carriers to provide mobile broadband services, announced it has acquired 3Way Networks, a provider of home base stations and industry-tailored solutions for UMTS markets. Terms of the deal are undisclosed.

The acquisition furthers Airvana’s strategy to address UMTS radio access networks and to deliver fixed-mobile convergence and in-building mobile broadband solutions for both UMTS and CDMA2000 markets. 3Way Networks’ pico and femto cell solutions will complement Airvana’s Universal Access Gateway (UAG), a high-capacity network element through which we expect to provide secure access to core network services for UMTS, CDMA2000, Wi-Fi and other Internet Protocol (IP)-based wireless devices.

“This is a logical step in both companies’ evolution,” said Simon Albury, managing director of 3Way Networks. “We believe the acquisition validates our technology, and provides 3Way Networks with considerable resources and market reach.” » read more »

RIM to Host Sixth Annual Wireless Enterprise Symposium

admin — Fri, 27 Apr 2007 14:20:47 +0000

Research In Motion (RIM) (Nasdaq: RIMM; TSX: RIM) will host the sixth annual Wireless Enterprise Symposium from May 8 – 10, 2007 in Orlando, Florida. The symposium will deliver the latest and most relevant information to help IT professionals and business executives define and implement wireless strategies.

Wireless Enterprise Symposium 2007 co-sponsors include Avaya, IBM, SAP, Symbian, TeleNav, AT&T, Sprint, T-Mobile, Verizon Wireless, Alcatel-Lucent, BoxTone, Brightstar, Marvell, TeleAtlas ThinPrint and Yahoo!. Over 100 exhibitors will also be on hand in the Solutions Showcase and insights will be shared by leading experts from Forrester Research, IDC, Ipsos Reid, J. Gold Associates and Yankee Group.

Keynote speakers at this year’s Wireless Enterprise Symposium include Clayton M. Christensen, author of “Seeing What’s Next”, and Malcolm Gladwell, author of “Blink” and “The Tipping Point”. In addition, a broad array of general sessions, technical seminars, case studies, demonstrations, exhibits, training, labs and workshops will offer insightful and educational opportunities. » read more »

BenQ Announces Q1 Financial Results

admin — Fri, 27 Apr 2007 14:20:08 +0000

BenQ's (“Company”) board of directors convened this week to approve its results for the first three months of 2007. The board also approved a capital reduction to make up losses, the spin-off of the Company’s brand-related businesses to its wholly-owned subsidiary, and proposed future private placement of preferred or common stock.

For the first three months of 2007, the company's core business recorded sales of NT$ 29.5 billion. At the Taiwan parent company level, the company posts NT$ 24.8 billion revenue with after-tax net loss coming at NT$ 1.76 billion. Losses per share was NT$0.69 after tax.

“Sales in the first quarter of 2007 declined 15% quarter-on-quarter due to seasonality; however, after-tax net loss reduced largely mainly benefited from the improvement on gross margin and non-operating income.” according to David Wang, BenQ's Vice President and deputy spokesperson. » read more »

Motorola To Acquire Terayon Communication Systems

admin — Fri, 27 Apr 2007 14:19:23 +0000

Transaction strengthens Motorola’s capabilities in the delivery of an end-to-end next generation digital video solution.

Motorola, Inc. (NYSE: MOT) and Terayon Communication Systems, Inc. (Pink Sheets: TERN.PK) has announced that the two companies have signed a definitive merger agreement, under which Motorola will acquire all of the outstanding shares of Terayon’s common stock for $1.80 per share in cash. The transaction will have a total equity value of approximately $140 million on a fully-diluted basis.

Terayon is dedicated to creating video processing solutions that optimize bandwidth and enable content to be delivered based upon the regional and local interest of viewers. This can accelerate a service provider’s ability to evolve and capitalize on new business opportunities. » read more »

Alltel sets records for wireless revenues, operating income in first quarter

admin — Fri, 27 Apr 2007 14:14:01 +0000

Customer additions also reach new highs while churn falls to record lows

Alltel produced double-digit revenue growth and strong customer additions in the first quarter. Alltel reported fully diluted earnings per share under Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) of 64 cents and fully diluted earnings per share of 63 cents from current businesses, a 47 percent increase from a year ago. For the second quarter in a row, Alltel set a record for net customer additions, which were up 44 percent year-over-year to 237,000. » read more »