There's nothing like a little government contract-love to fill company coffers with some tasty greenbacks. Verizon has apparently secured a $678.5 million contract to provide network infrastructure and services to help the US Department of Homeland Security respond more quickly and reliably to emergencies. As part of the US General Services Administration's (GSA) $48 billion Networx [...]

With Sprint still pushing hard to roll out their WiMAX-based XOHM data network (unfortunately labelled as a 3G tech ), the other big-dogs in the US wireless landscape should be worrying about possible loss of data-revenue to Sprint. But, it turns out that Verizon Communication’s President and COO, Dennis Strigl, isn’t at all worried about Sprint’s impact on Verizon’s choice of LTE as their 4G data network. Strigl reiterated at Citi’s 18th Annual Global Entertainment, Media & Telecommunications Conference that data revenue was the future greenback-maker for the wireless arm of Verizon. Apparently, only 50% of Verizon users have data-capable devices, so there’s a lot of room to grow in that sector - especially with Verizon’s plan to open their network this year . However, it seems that Strigl isn’t fazed by Sprint’s looming WiMAX network rollout in a few months (at least publicly). Trials of the 4G LTE data network are slated to kick off this year , but won’t go live for a couple more years. In that light, Verizon may be starting to feel the heat from Sprint - being first to market with a national broadband network is sure to put a dent in Verizon’s data-revenue. We’ve said it before and we’ll say it again - “First to market, first in our hearts.” If Sprint successfully markets their XOHM network as the must-have data network in the US, we could see slower and lower adoption rates of the LTE technologies from Verizon and AT&T . Sprint is poised to turn around their struggling business with the first national wireless broadband network, and could redefine themselves as the premier data-network in the US. Of course, we’ll be adopting whatever network serves up the best coverage and reliability at any given time, but the run-of-the-mill road warrior will likely be sticking with what they know to work - Sprint had better get it right the first time around. [Via: MocoNews ] ---Related Articles at IntoMobile:Lebanon gets its WiMAX onVerizon's Answer to AT&T's Apple iPhone - The LG KE850 PRADA Phone?Verizon confirms LTE 4G network trials with Vodafone; to share with AT&TD-Link getting in on WiMAXNokia Readies Shipments Of WiMAX Phones For 2008

Ahh, the good old days of analog… Remember your first mobile phone? Chances are, if you’re old enough to buy your own mobile phone and pay the bill, you may remember using the good, ole’ analog networks of yore. Ericsson’s T28 World phone was our first mobile phone and it was a pretty little sucker (at the time). Well, it looks like those days are about to come to an end. While some small rural carriers will be sticking with the tried and true analog technology, Alltel, AT&T, and Verizon Wireless will be shutting down their analog networks next year. Alltel will shut down its network in a three-stage process ending in September, while AT&T and Verizon Wireless will be pulling the plug a bit more abruptly. Customers of GM’s OnStar system will also feel the analog-shutdown. Customers with older OnStar systems may be left without service once the analog signals go silent. Oh GM, you guys really can’t get anything right. [Via: AP ] ---Related Articles at IntoMobile:AT&T: Get off our TDMA network and pay us more money!AT&T: TDMA is getting the axeDisney Mobile shutting downDisney Mobile to resurrect in JapanSony Ericsson's smartphone architecture

So, the AT&T deal with Qualcomm to bring the mobile TV technology MediaFLO to its stable of mobile phones (including a few Nokia handsets) didn’t exactly help calm the Nokia-Qualcomm battle this year. In fact, the incessant quarreling was probably the reason that AT&T had to delay launching its MediaFLO service until next year. We’re hearing from AT&T that they are working to bring MediaFLO “as soon as possible” in 2008. The network-tests are reportedly going very, very well” and AT&T wants to “make sure the user experience is absolutely optimal” before they go live with the mobile TV service. So, network test’s are going honky-dory but AT&T wants to delay the launch of MediaFLO? Sounds like the hold-up might have more to do with Qualcomm and Nokia’s bitter-feelings than AT&T’s desire to ensure “absolutely optimal” performance. You see, Nokia is pushing DVB-H as the mobile TV standard of choice, but AT&T’s MediaFLO deal with Qualcomm will require Nokia to do more business with Qualcomm - something we’re sure Nokia is loath to doing. In any case, AT&T’s MediaFLO-based mobile TV offering will be pretty much on par with Verizon Wireless’s VCAST TV service (which has been up and running for, like, ever). Unfortunately, we’re also hearing that AT&T’s prmoise of “advanced MediaFLO capabilities” may not make the cut. Datecasting and music features aren’t in the cards for AT&T’s MediaFLO, sorry. [Via: MocoNews ] ---Related Articles at IntoMobile:AT&T launches Samsung A517Motorola Z6tv VCAST phone to hit Verizon Wireless on October 5HP iPAQ 910 on AT&T's 3G network?Vertu coming to Japan in 2008THQ's WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2008 helps fight stress

Following in the footsteps of larger MVNOs before it, XE Mobile has just announced that it will be turning off its AT&T-leased network on December 31. XE Mobile offered college students cheap prepaid plans on cheap GSM phones, but apparently didn’t get enough cash-strapped college-students to jump on-board their sinking ship. We can’t say we’re going to miss another MVNO, nor can we say that we didn’t say this wouldn’t happen. But, it looks like the MVNO wave is crashing hard. We hope it was fun while it lastest. Nice to (kind of) know you, XE Mobile. [Via: PhoneScoop ] ---Related Articles at IntoMobile:Tomorrow I'm temporarily saying bye bye to my Nokia N93iMobile secretary coming soon to a phone near youSchool is out and I need to catch up on Nokia; Happy HolidaysMovida gets $40 million in funding - the Hispanic-oriented MVNOGood bye Spain!

We’ve been whining about Sprint’s seeming lack of focus on its WiMAX ( XOHM ) network, and all that complaining may have paid off. Actually, our incessant goading probably had little nothing to do with Sprint’s newest announcement, but it’s nice to think we had some sort of influence. Sprint’s WiMAX network is slated to go live this week in a limited trial-run. The 4G (well, it’s officially a 3G standard , but we think it qualifies as 4G) WiMAX network will be rolled out this week for Sprint employees only - in an effort to get its network ready for prime-time trials in Q1 of 2008. As it stands, Sprint will be flipping the WiMAX-switch on the downtown centers of Chicago, Baltimore and Washington - expanding to other US cities based on wireless data demand. Clearwire is out of the picture , but we’re assuming that Sprint’s leaving the door open to other investors to help with the nationwide network launch. The trial-run launch of Sprint’s WiMAX network this week barely makes the carrier’s self-imposed deadline for the launch of its 4G network by year’s end. We’ve heard rumor after rumor that put the entire WiMAX venture in doubt, so it’s good to see that Sprint is still committed to bringing their mobile broadband 4G network online in-time for a 2008 commercial roll-out. The full commercial launch should cement Sprint’s position as the premier high-speed wireless data provider in the States - Verizon and AT&T ’s LTE network won’t even see the light of day until 2009. All your financial woes may take a turn for the better, Sprint. Keep on keepin’ on! [Via: Telephony Online ] ---Related Articles at IntoMobile:Sprint considering WiMAX network optionsSamsung signs on to build WiMAX network for Sprint in New York Metropolitan areaTexas to be among the first to try out Sprint Nextel's WiMAX networkLebanon gets its WiMAX onSprint and Clearwire team up for US WiMAX network - 4G in 2008

Our favorite mobile chipmaker (Qualcomm) has joined forces with Nortel to test a new service that combines Nortel’s IP Multimedia Subsystem-based (IMS) Voice Call Continuity (VCC) application with Qualcomm’s VCC compatible chipset to bring dual-mode cellular/WiFi call-switching to all compatible handsets. WiFi-enabled handsets are nothing new, but Qualcomm and Nortel’s new system would allow the user to seamlessly switch voice calls between CDMA cellular and WiFi networks - saving the user a few bucks whenever a WiFi access point is within range. Qualcomm and Nortel have just wrapped up testing of the VCC application and has announced a commercial launch slated for next year. The duo has announced that future handsets equipped with Qualcomm’s VCC compatible chipsets will be able to take advantage of Nortel’s Voice Call Continuity system with no additional software installs or configurations. But, before the service can work, network operators must sign-on to employ Nortel’s IMS framework to allow cellular, WiFi, and wireline services to cooperate seamlessly. We’re looking for Nortel to make the VCC application available in Q1 2008, with Qualcomm aiming to have VCC-compatible chips installed in handsets by mid-2008. We can’t wait to put all these WiFi hotspots to good use. Or, at least a better use than surfing CraigsList for random junk. [Via: InformationWeek ] ---Related Articles at IntoMobile:Qualcomm unveils new 3G chip with 700Mhz frequency support - works on all networksiPhone typing testQualcomm announces dual-mode HSPA/EVDO high-speed broadband chipDual-Mode Telephony from Nokia and SingTelQualcomm takes its own lawyers to court

With Verizon’s recent announcement to kick off LTE (Long Term Evolution) 4G network tests next year (in partnership with Vodafone ), it’s starting to look like LTE  will dominate the US mobile-broadband landscape in the future. And, following on successful initial testing of LTE networks by Nokia, and the recent adoption of the standard by the GSMA as a global 4G standard , Nokia has announced their support of Verizon in helping proliferate the use of LTE technology as the worldwide 4G standard - which should help drive down manufacturing costs as more and more LTE-proponents help scale-up production of LTE-hardware. “Nokia has long been committed to working closely with operators in the US and around the world, and is very pleased to support Verizon Wireless in their choice of LTE as their global 4G evolution path,” said Mark Louison, President, Nokia Inc., the North American arm of Nokia. “It is very exciting to see Verizon Wireless, one of the world’s leading wireless providers, announce their open development initiative for devices and their decision to evolve their network to the open, global specification of LTE.” It’s nice to see the industry’s big-wigs essentially “high-five” each other in the public eye. Nokia’s seems to be seriously brown-nosing the CDMA carrier - they called Verizon “one of the world’s leading wireless providers.” We can only surmise this is an effort to get more Nokia handsets onto Verizon’s network, especially with future LTE-based mobile phones. Bring on the Verizon-branded, LTE-packed Nokia handsets! Full press release on the link. White Plains, NY, US - Nokia (NYSE: NOK) today applauded Verizon Wireless’ announced plans to develop and deploy a fourth generation mobile broadband network. The Long Term Evolution (LTE) technology Verizon Wireless chose is an open and global specification for next generation networks that will bring scale and efficiencies for manufacturers, choice in network equipment and device for operators, and ultimately better value and richer experiences for consumers. Broadband wireless technologies have the power to change the way people work, live, play and communicate. As the world leader in converged devices, Nokia is dedicated to offering a wide choice of mobile devices to consumers and remains committed to openness and innovation. Nokia is proud to expand our collaboration with Verizon Wireless to develop products that allow consumers to experience the benefits of mobility and the Internet. “Nokia has long been committed to working closely with operators in the US and around the world, and is very pleased to support Verizon Wireless in their choice of LTE as their global 4G evolution path,” said Mark Louison, President, Nokia Inc., the North American arm of Nokia. “It is very exciting to see Verizon Wireless, one of the world’s leading wireless providers, announce their open development initiative for devices and their decision to evolve their network to the open, global specification of LTE.” Within the next 10 years, Nokia sees that demand for an enriched mobile experience and mobile computing will continue to grow at exponential rates. LTE will help to enable faster, richer multimedia services such as multi-player gaming with rich 3D graphics and simultaneous Instant Messaging or voice calls and a host of other applications providing a much more compelling mobile experience for consumers everywhere. About Nokia Nokia is the world leader in mobility, driving the transformation and growth of the converging Internet and communications industries. Nokia makes a wide range of mobile devices and provides people with experiences in music, navigation, video, television, imaging, games and business mobility through these devices. Nokia also provides equipment, solutions and services for communications networks. Media Enquiries: Nokia, Americas Communications Tel. +1 972 894 4573 Email: communication.corp@nokia.com www.nokia.com ---Related Articles at IntoMobile:Verizon confirms LTE 4G network trials with Vodafone; to share with AT&TLTE gets a boost with GSMA support - 4G is now LTEUltra Mobile Broadband standards specifications get finalizedVerizon switching to UMTS based LTE for their next generation network, 100 megabits downNokia orders WiMAX chips from Intel, new Internet Tablet in 1H [...]

European Union telecom ministers have given their support for a plan to open the 900Mhz radio frequencies that have traditionally been allocated for GSM mobile phone service to allow advanced mobile services like 3G wireless data networks. The plan was proposed back in July and was backed by the GSMA on grounds that the 900Mhz spectrum offers 40% greater coverage than a comparable 3G network using the 2100Mhz spectrum. It’s said that 300 million across Asia, Europe, and Africa will have access to mobile broadband services by 2012 if 3G services were allowed on the 900Mhz band. The only thing standing in the way is a 20-year old piece of EU legislation that limits the lower radio frequencies to traditional mobile communications. But, once the European Parliament approves the plan, new legislation would effectively abolish the current laws keeping 3G services off the 900Mhz spectrum. We’re not sure when we’ll get word of the European Parliament’s thumbs-up, but 3G (and 4G) are going to get a pretty big boost once they do. [Via: Reuters ] ---Related Articles at IntoMobile:GSMA pushing for 3G services on the 900 Mhz spectrumEU considers oppening up 2G spectrum for 3G networksGoogle might be considering bidding on UK wireless spectrum auction - keyword here is "might"Cubic Telecom launches global mobile phone700Mhz frequency spectrum primed to be worldwide standard for mobile broadband

We’ve known for some time that Verizon has put their faith in the Long Term Evolution (LTE) standard upon which to build their 4G network. And, following on the GSMA’s support of LTE as the 4G standard of choice, Verizon has announced that they will be kicking off trials of their LTE network in 2008. The trials will be conducted in a joint effort with Verizon Wireless venture-partner, Vodafone. Now, it’s going to a good, long, while before the network goes live - we’re looking for 2010 network launch - but it’s encouraging to hear that Verizon Wireless and Vodafone have made the commitment with network trials. LTE promises to bring 100Mbps downstream and 50Mbps upstream data speeds (theoretical of course, we’ll see how that pans out in real life) with a latency reduced to 20ms - which is an impressive bump-up from Verizon’s current EVDO Rev. A data speeds of 1.4Mbps on the downlink. And, with Vodafone hopping on board the LTE-bandwagon, customers on either network can expect to roam on the partner-networks without the need for dual-mode handsets like the Motorola RIZR Z6c “World Edition” handset that’s slated to hit Verizon’s network in the near future. Additionally, AT&T is set to adopt LTE as their 4G network standard, so we could see interoperability between the rival networks - a first for the top-two wireless carriers. And, with Verizon’s newly announced plan to open their network to “any app, any device,” we could certainly see AT&T LTE handsets being ported to Verizon’s network in the future. Poor little Sprint and their WiMAX XOHM service . The lagging wireless carrier has yet to kick off their 4G network plans and the market leaders have already chosen a competing standard.  We like rooting for the little guy, but Sprint sure isn’t making it easy. [Via: Electronista ] ---Related Articles at IntoMobile:LTE gets a boost with GSMA support - 4G is now LTEVodafone denies rumors of $160 billion bid for Verizon CommunicationsVerizon switching to UMTS based LTE for their next generation network, 100 megabits downAT&T looks beyond HSPA; Plans to build 4G LTE 4G networkVodafone: we're going to hold on to our stake [...]