May 19th 2008, 9:28 PM   by Eric M. Zeman

Chinese telecommunications equipment manufacturer Huawei recently announced its intent to sell a portion of its mobile handset business. The South China Morning Post is reporting that network operators AT&T and Vodafone are two of the companies seeking to buy into Huawei. For a network operator to purchase a handset manufacturer would be a rare move. Private equity company Blackstone, among others, is also interested. Huawei has not set a date for any sale, and AT&T and Vodafone have not officially commented on the matter.

more at SCMP » / CNET »

May 19th 2008, 5:24 PM   by Eric M. Zeman   updated Today, 6:04 PM

Sprint is updating its Terms Of Service starting in mid-July and will be capping mobile broadband data usage at 5GB. Previously, Sprint offered truly unlimited mobile broadband. Once the new Terms Of Service go into effect, users who go over the 5GB cap, or a 300MB roaming cap, will be charged extra fees. This will apply to both network cards as well as tethering mobile phones to laptops. AT&T Mobility and Verizon Wireless currently offer 5GB data plans, also.

more at Sprint » / Engadget »

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May 19th 2008, 10:49 AM   by Eric M. Zeman   

Boost Mobile has opened its first three branded retail stores. They are located in Huntington Park, Calif., Hialeah, Fla. and in Houston, Tex. The stores were made partially from recycled materials. Boost says that the stores will offer all of Boost's devices and services, though Boost will retain its presence at its existing retail partners. Boost is a subsidiary of Sprint.

May 19th  2008, 7:42 AM   by Eric M. Zeman

Today ASOCS announced the MP100 wireless processor. The MP100 is unique because it is the first mobile phone processor that can run three different wireless air interfaces at the same time. The chip supports wireless standards such as GSM/EDGE, Wi-Fi, mobile TV and GPS. Because the software controlling the IP-based processor is reconfigurable, handsets with the MP100 inside can be upgraded to run on LTE networks, as well as WiMax. ASOCS developed the chip with Fujitsu. The design will allow device manufacturers to reduce material costs and power consumption, while offering phones that can be upgraded with new technology as more advanced networks are deployed.

May 19th 2008, 7:30 AM  

Today Virgin Mobile USA officially announced the Samsung M310 Slash. It will cost $80 at Virgin's retail outlets.

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thursday, 2:23 PM 

The Wall Street Journal is reporting that RIM is going to release a touch-enabled device. The touch-screen device, known as the Thunder, will be an exclusive to Verizon Wireless and Vodafone. According to sources familiar with RIM's plans, it should be available in the third quarter of this year. The phone will be able to run on U.S. networks, as well as on networks in foreign countries. RIM did not explain if this means it will be a dual-mode CDMA/GSM phone or not. It did say that the Thunder will be able to access 3G networks. RIM says it has worked to improve the battery life, browsing experience, and processing power of its devices. RIM did not provide any more specific information about the Thunder.