Telecompetitor

The dissolution of Nortel following its bankruptcy filing took a big step forward with the June 19 announcement that management has entered into a 'stalking horse' asset sale agreement with Nokia Siemens Networks (NSN) for 'substantially all' of its CDMA business and LTE access assets for $650 million. "Seeking a strong and stable buyer is the best path forward for our CDMA business and LTE Access ...

Google has petitioned the FCC regarding Verizon’s win of the 700 Mhz C block spectrum. Google pushed hard for, and won, an “open” mandate for the winner of the 700 Mhz C block. The mandate basically says that the winner of the spectrum must provide open access and allow devices from any source to access the broadband wireless ...

Qwest is announcing a new five year wireless resale arrangement with Verizon Wireless. Qwest was previously partnered with Sprint for a similar wireless deal, which obviously didn’t work out. Qwest CEO Ed Mueller announced early on in his tenure that he was unhappy with the current Sprint deal. The terms of the agreement are somewhat sketchy, but here are some ...

Verizon Wireless announced a renewed retail effort with the introduction of a new “evolutionary” store design and experience. The enhanced retail strategy has already made it to 100 retail stores, and will soon follow with an additional 180 outlets. The new store design focuses on creating an “experience” with hands on demos of both Verizon Wireless technology and devices, and where appropriate, Verizon FiOS ...

Verizon Wireless announced they will raise text message rates to $.20 each in March. Verizon is following a similar move made by Sprint Nextel already. The previous rates for both were $.15 per message. Both carriers are apparently trying to push subscribers towards their SMS packages, which in Verizon’s case starts at $10/month for 500 messages and $20/month for 5,000.

In a “sign of the times” legal claim, Verizon Wireless is suing Alltel for false advertising, claiming one of their famous “Chad” commercials is misleading. In the commercial, Alltel claims that VZW subscribers have to extend their contract when changing plans. A similar move with Alltel does not require extending a contract. Verizon is crying foul, saying since Oct. 1, 2007, VZW subscribers no longer ...

All of the recent news about open access may have some interesting competitive implications, and WiMAX may not be a benefactor. The success of open access initiatives is very dependent on the availability of “open” devices. In other words, the proliferation of "open" wireless devices will drive the success or failure of open access. If there are limited devices, there are few opportunities to connect to an open ...

The migration to 4G wireless is in full swing. Verizon Wireless has announced their decision to adopt Long Term Evolution (LTE) as their 4G standard. By selecting LTE, Verizon joins their corporate partner Vodaphone who also has announced they intend to pursue the same 4G strategy. Both Verizon and Vodaphone plan to start trialing LTE in 2008. AT&T ...

Verizon Wireless announced today that they will be “opening up” their network to wireless devices, software, and applications not offered by the company. According to a company press release, “In early 2008, the company will publish the technical standards the development community will need to design products to interface with the Verizon Wireless network. Any device that meets the minimum technical standard will be activated on the network.” ...