 | ISMS Network & Service Assurance for Communication Service Providers - Sept 13, 12 pm ET
4G LTE networks are expected to provide a comprehensive and secure IP-based mobile broadband solution to laptop computers, smartphones, and other intelligent mobile devices. Early 4G deployments have shown that management is not only more complex, but 4G does not solve many of the issues that are inherent to 3G wireless networks. View this webcast to learn how several carriers are tackling these issues. |
Today's Top Stories
1. RIM slashes 2,000 jobs, says COO to retire
2. Analyst: Samsung may claim top smartphone spot in Q2
3. AT&T customers look to block T-Mobile USA deal
4. Qualcomm snaps up GestureTek assets for gesture recognition in smartphones
5. AT&T to bring Gingerbread to all postpaid Android phones this year Also Noted: Spotlight On... Will carriers cash in on LTE's expansion to vertical markets?
Clearwire launches new 4G hotspot; Is Apple integrating voice controls into the next iPhone? and much more... Wireless in the second quarter of 2011
How did the wireless industry perform in the second quarter of 2011? Check here throughout the second-quarter earnings report season for full earnings reports from the wireless industry's carriers, handset makers, equipment suppliers and others. Don't forget to check out our third quarter 2009, fourth quarter 2009, first quarter 2010, second quarter 2010, third quarter 2010, fourth quarter 2010 and first quarter 2011 wrapup pages. Special Report News From Across the Wireless Industry:
1. AT&T to add another $1 billion to 2011 capex thanks to wireless
2. T-Mobile, Orange ink Polish network-sharing deal
3. Report: Facebook's iPad application hidden inside iPhone app code
| This week's sponsor is Alteryx. |  | Maximizing the Customer Experience:
Bridging the Data Gap between Engineering and Marketing
Download a copy of this white paper to learn how wireless carriers are using Agile Business Intelligence technology to integrate their Engineering and Marketing data, and optimize the customer experience across the network. |
| Events > CTO Telecom Summit - September 18-21, 2011 - Montelucia Resort, Scottsdale, AZ
> BlackBerry DevCon Americas - Oct. 18-20 - San Francisco, CA
> The Open Mobile Summit: Registration now open, act now! - November 2-4 2011 - San Francisco, CA
> Appcelerate - November 4, 2011 - San Francisco, CA
> Android Developers Conference - November 6-9 - San Francisco
Marketplace > The workhorse of the WiMAX industry is finally available to the rest of the telecom world!
> eBook: Path to 4G
> eBook: OTT Delivery: An Online Video Revolution That Changed TV Forever
> Turbo charge your apps with direct access to network API's from Sprint
> New Fierce eBook: Cashing in on the Cloud Services Opportunity
> Looking for a better mobile Web experience?
> New Fierce eBook: Realizing Mobile Video's Promise
Jobs > Radio Network Trainer, Wireless WorkForce in San Diego, CA
> Sr. RF Engineer at SyChip, Inc. in Plano, TX
> Atoll RF Planning / Optimization Tool Product Support Engineers at Forsk, Chicago, IL
> Need a job? Need to hire? Visit FierceWirelessJobs
* Post a classified ad: Click here.
* General ad info: Click here | Today's Top News 1. RIM slashes 2,000 jobs, says COO to retire
Research In Motion (NASDAQ:RIMM) said it will cut around 2,000 jobs, or 11 percent of its global workforce, as part of a restructuring the BlackBerry maker forecast last month. The company also made changes to its management team, and said COO Don Morrison will retire. The company said in a statement that the jobs cuts, which RIM first disclosed in its most recent quarterly earnings announcement, are "a prudent and necessary step for the long term success of the company and it follows an extended period of rapid growth within the company whereby the workforce had nearly quadrupled in the last five years alone." Until now, the company had not disclosed how many jobs it would cut. After the cuts, RIM's global workforce will be around 17,000 people. The company said the job cuts will affect all functions of the company and that the financial impact of the cuts will be disclosed when RIM reports its next quarterly earnings on Sept. 15. The cuts come after RIM reported weak quarterly financials and BlackBerry device shipments. RIM has been steadily losing market share, particularly in the United States, to smartphones running Apple's (NASDAQ:AAPL) iOS and Google's (NASDAQ:GOOG) Android, though it recently has made gains in Europe and elsewhere. In addition to the job cuts, RIM said Morrison, who has been on medical leave since June, will retire after more than 10 years with the company. As part of a broader management shakeup, RIM said Thorsten Heins will take on the expanded role of COO for products and sales. The company said all product engineering functions, including both hardware and software teams, are being consolidated under his direction. Additionally, RIM said Jim Rowan will take on the expanded role of COO of operations, and will continue to be responsible for manufacturing, global supply chain and repair services. For more:
- see this release
- see this Reuters article
- see this WSJ article (sub. req.)
Related Articles:
RIM execs respond to criticism of BlackBerry strategy at shareholder meeting
RIM adds 1M EMEA BlackBerry subs, faces pressure on management plans
ComScore: Android, iOS stretch U.S. lead as BlackBerry falls again
RIM responds to anonymous 'open letter,' says it is addressing issues
Rumor Mill: RIM scraps plans for 10-inch PlayBook tablet
RIM posts weak Q1 BlackBerry shipments, plans job cuts Read more about: BlackBerry, RIM, Job cuts, Smartphones
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2. Analyst: Samsung may claim top smartphone spot in Q2
Samsung may have surpassed both Apple (NASDAQ:AAPL) and Nokia (NYSE:NOK) in the second quarter to become the world's largest smartphone maker in terms of unit shipments, according to research firm Strategy Analytics. The forecast, which echoes earlier predictions for the second quarter, would be a milestone for Samsung. According to Strategy Analytics, Samsung shipped between 18 million and 21 million smartphones globally in the second quarter, compared with 16.7 million for Nokia and 20.3 million iPhones for Apple, which was a record. Other analysts, including those at Nomura, have predicted Samsung will at least surpass Nokia. Apple passed Nokia in terms of smartphone shipments for the first time in the second quarter. Samsung soared to prominence largely on the back of smartphones running Google's (NASDAQ:GOOG) Android platform. Samsung also sells smartphones running Microsoft's (NASDAQ:MSFT) Windows Phone 7 and its own bada OS.
"Samsung's Android portfolio is selling strongly in most regions," Strategy Analytics analyst Neil Mawston told Bloomberg. "Samsung stands a reasonable chance of capturing the top spot on a quarterly basis if it can continue expanding its Android portfolio across high-growth markets like China and Brazil. Samsung and Apple will be at similar levels in smartphones by the end of the year."
Samsung's shipments were likely helped by strong sales of its new hit model, the Galaxy S II. The company said earlier this month it shipped 3 million devices in 55 days. Samsung expects to ship 60 million smartphones this year and 300 million handsets in total. For more:
- see this Bloomberg article
Related Articles:
Apple passes Nokia in smartphone volumes
Apple sells 20.3M iPhones, 9.25M iPads in another record quarter
Samsung's Shin: We'll sell 300M handsets in 2011
Analysts expect Apple, HTC, Samsung to dominate handsets in Q2
Analyst: Samsung to overtake Nokia's top smartphone spot in Q2
Samsung clings to smartphones as bright spot in Q1
Read more about: Google, Apple, Nokia, samsung
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3. AT&T customers look to block T-Mobile USA deal
Lawyers representing 11 AT&T (NYSE:T) customers have file arbitration cases designed to block the company's planned $39 billion acquisition of T-Mobile USA. The firm Bursor & Fisher filed a 236-page arbitration demand last week, claiming that the deal is in violation of the Clayton Antitrust Act and hurts competition. While the deal requires the necessary government approvals from the Department of Justice and the FCC, the action is designed to represent customers who want to legally challenge the acquisition. "Government enforcement is an important part of the antitrust laws, but the Clayton Act also permits private parties who may be adversely affected to challenge a proposed merger," attorney Scott Bursor said in a statement printed by AllThingsD. "That means any AT&T cell phone, data or iPad customer who will suffer higher prices and diminished service because of this merger can sue to stop it from happening." The firm aims to file hundreds more arbitration cases and has set up a web site explaining its case. The complaints have to be filed as arbitration because AT&T's standard contract terms prohibit class-action suits but do allow for arbitration disputes. "If we bring 100 cases and we lose 99 of them we are going to win," Bursor said. "We just need one arbitrator to say, ‘Wait a minute, this merger is going to hurt competition.'" For more:
- see this AllThingsD article
- check out Bursor & Fisher's Web site Related articles:
Entner: T-Mobile results show AT&T arrived just in time
AT&T to spend $8B on LTE expansion after T-Mobile deal
AT&T to buy T-Mobile USA for $39B Read more about: FCC, T-Mobile USA, acquisition, arbitration
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4. Qualcomm snaps up GestureTek assets for gesture recognition in smartphones
Qualcomm (NASDAQ:QCOM) purchased certain assets from GestureTek, which makes gesture recognition technology, and plans to use the technology for chips that will go into smartphones, tablets and other devices. Terms of the deal were not disclosed, but Qualcomm said it purchased "certain intellectual property assets related to gesture recognition, as well as key engineering resources" from Sunnyvale, Calif.-based GestureTek. Qualcomm said it plans to incorporate gesture recognition technology into its current and next-generation Snapdragon processors for smartphones tablets and home entertainment devices. GestureTek will retain other assets for its gesture-controlled public display and digital signage business.
GestureTek was founded in 1986 and is heavily involved in displays for kiosks, the healthcare industry as well as consumer electronics. According to a GestureTek company fact sheet, since 2003 the company's sales have increased an average of 50 percent per year and employee growth has average 30 percent per year.
GestureTek video gesture control technology lets users control user interface and access information by waving their hands in front of a display. The acquisition highlights the changing nature of user input for mobile devices, which has expanded in recent years to include not only touchscreens but also voice recognition. For more:
- see this release
- see this AllThingsD article
- see this TechCrunch post
Related Articles:
Qualcomm reports strong Q3 earnings thanks in part to Atheros
Qualcomm still No. 1 in app processors, basebands
Apple's multitouch patent sparks debate in the smartphone market
Concept phones: Will these futuristic gizmos become mainstream products?
Qualcomm rides smartphone wave to higher profits Read more about: Gestures, Snapdragon, GestureTek, Qualcomm
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5. AT&T to bring Gingerbread to all postpaid Android phones this year
AT&T Mobility (NYSE:T) said that it will update all of its postpaid smartphones introduced this year running Google's (NASDAQ:GOOG) Android platform to Android 2.3, or Gingerbread, the latest version of the operating system currently available for smartphones. AT&T said that starting today, and continuing over the next few weeks, Motorola Mobility (NYSE:MMI) Atrix users will be prompted to install the update, but must be connected to a Wi-Fi network. In August, AT&T said HTC Inspire users will get the update but will also have to download it over Wi-Fi. The carrier noted that delivery methods for the software update will vary by device, but said whenever possible, upgrades will delivered via over-the-air software updates, although some customers may have to connect to a Wi-Fi network or connect their device to a PC to get the update. The full list of AT&T devices that will get the software upgrade include the HTC Inspire, LG Phoenix, Motorola Atrix, Pantech Crossover, Samsung Captivate and Samsung Infuse. Gingerbread, which first became available in December 2010 in the Nexus S, includes user interface refinements, refined copy/paste functionality, a new on-screen keyboard, better power management and speed enhancements.
Android users have often complained of the slow pace of software updates for older models, and the new upgrade schedule from AT&T could be a reflection of the growing importance of Android customers to its smartphone ambitions. AT&T said last week that Android, Microsoft's (NASDAQ:MSFT) Windows Phone 7 and Research In Motion's (NASDAQ:RIMM) BlackBerry accounted for 40 percent of its smartphone sales. The carrier, which also sells Apple's (NASDAQ:AAPL) iPhone, sa id 50 percent of the company's postpaid subscriber base are now smartphone users. For more:
- see this release
Related Articles:
AT&T adds 3.6M iPhones in Q2, still confident on T-Mobile deal
Google, Samsung launch Android 2.3-based Nexus S smartphone
AT&T unveils its first two LTE devices, a USB modem and mobile hotspot
AT&T names first five LTE markets for summer launch
Unscathed by Verizon's iPhone launch, AT&T activates 3.6M iPhones in quarter Read more about: Google, samsung, LG, Smartphones
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Also Noted SPOTLIGHT ON... Will carriers cash in on LTE's expansion to vertical markets?  With AT&T Mobility (NYSE:T) set to deploy LTE this summer and Verizon Wireless (NYSE:VZ) expanding its LTE network to more than 175 markets by year-end, LTE deployments are a big focus in the U.S. LTE is also working its way into vertical markets, such as public safety, health care and energy. Maravedis analyst Ann Howe looks at which industry will benefit the most from LTE. Plus she contemplates whether or not the big U.S. and international operators will pursue vertical markets to generate new integration revenue or maintain their traditional connectivity model. Commentary
Quick news from across the web. @FierceMobiCo: @Forrester: #Tablets generate 21 percent of mobile traffic to retailer sites - FierceMobileContent: Article #metrics|follow@FierceMobiCo > Executives from both AT&T and Verizon said that their networks are under constant attack from hackers. Article
> T-Mobile USA started selling a Micro SIM card. The SIM card is necessary for people who want to bring their iPhones or iPads over to its network. Article > Clearwire introduced a new CLEAR Spot 4G, a mobile WiMAX hotspot that can simultaneously connect up to eight Wi-Fi devices. Release > Research In Motion briefly posted an outdated beta version of a software program that will allow some Android apps to run on the PlayBook tablet. The company plans to release the official beta version later this summer. Article > Apple appears to be integrating a voice-controlled virtual assistant functionality into its iOS. Article Mobile Content News > Facebook's long-awaited application for Apple's iPad tablet is reportedly buried within the code of the latest version of the social networking giant's iPhone app. Article > Facebook's iPhone app just passed 85 million monthly active users, according to the Facebook for the iPhone page. That's up 50% from 7 months ago. Article. > More consumers prefer shopping on their tablet over their smartphone, according to a new survey conducted by Forrester Research. Article > Traffic information services firm Inrix has completed a $37 million funding round led by Kleiner, Perkins, Caufield & Byers' Green Growth Fund and August Capital. Article Broadband Wireless News > A new spectrum bill making its way through Congress proposes that any spectrum made available for commercial use--including unlicensed spectrum--be auctioned. Article > AT&T said it plans to spend nearly $1 billion in additional capital expenditure in 2011 to keep up with wireless growth and prepare for the rollout of its LTE network this summer. Article
European Wireless News
> Vodafone beat market estimates by reporting first-quarter service revenue of £10.86 billion, up 1.5 per cent, slightly better than analysts' forecast of 1.4 per cent growth, helped by a 25 per cent surge in data revenue growth. Article > Deutsche Telekom and France Telecom Orange have taken another step towards greater cooperation by agreeing to share their Polish networks. Article > Orange formed new, 70-person unit to design and manage websites for online and mobile environments. Article And finally... T-Mobile USA's Mark McDiarmid explains the company's network upgrade to HSPA+42. Article > CTO Telecom Summit - September 18-21, 2011 - Montelucia Resort, Scottsdale, AZ The CTO Telecom Summit, September 18-21, 2011, will bring together CTOs to discuss IT topics and trends currently affecting the industry. The 2011 agenda has been revamped to include focus groups, think tanks, and analyst Q&As, all of which encourage meaningful conversations between delegates, analysts and solution providers. Learn more. > BlackBerry DevCon Americas - Oct. 18-20 - San Francisco, CA The showcase event for mobile developers. Join thousands of BlackBerry enthusiasts & experts for sessions, hands-on labs, demos and much more. Learn how you can maximize your investment in mobile development for the BlackBerry platform. Register early & save at www.blackberrydevcon.com. > The Open Mobile Summit: Registration now open, act now! - November 2-4 2011 - San Francisco, CA Meet the most influential and the most innovative in converging mobile, Internet, media and apps at the thought leadership event of the year. Act now - click here!
> Appcelerate - November 4, 2011 - San Francisco, CA Registration now open! Meet the leaders of the Mobile app economy. The CEOs of the hottest app publishers share their secrets on making, marketing and monetizing mobile apps. Don't miss out, this event sells out! Click here for more info. > Android Developers Conference - November 6-9 - San Francisco AnDevCon is the world's premier event for Android apps development and management. It features top experts and is 100% Android focused. Fierce subscribers receive a $100 discount off the Full Passport by inserting code MEDIASPONSOR when prompted on the eRegistration page at www.andevcon.com
| > The workhorse of the WiMAX industry is finally available to the rest of the telecom world! The OOD-54DX-GP-42 WiMAX enclosure from DDB Unlimited, Inc. is the superior design in 4G Telecomm cabinets, constructed of aluminum which is as rigid as steel. This enclosure is NEMA rated at class 250 type 4X and offers the protection needed for any severe outdoor environment. With a large stock and "best in the industry" pricing, this enclosure is top of the line in the 4G telecomm industry. For more info on our full product line click here > eBook: Path to 4G In this eBook we will explore the current state of 4G deployments in the U.S., the role of devices in attracting consumers and more. Download this new eBook brought to you by FierceWireless. > eBook: OTT Delivery: An Online Video Revolution That Changed TV Forever This eBook from FierceOnlineVideo, will look at which segment stands to benefit the most from this new delivery vehicle, and which stands to lose, as the nascent video revolution marches forward.Click here to download today. > Turbo charge your apps with direct access to network API's from Sprint Network services such as LBS, SMS, MMS, geofencing, presence and more are available through the Sprint Services Framework via a simple Web 2.0 web service. These services can be used for any development interface including browsers, servers, embedded devices and mobile applications. Sign up today! > New Fierce eBook: Cashing in on the Cloud Services Opportunity This eBook from FierceTelecom we will explore the trends, benefits and challenges service providers have in building a profitable cloud service business.Click here to download today. > Looking for a better mobile Web experience? Experience 20-30% faster page downloads, up to 70% faster JavaScript execution, HD video at 30 fps. Download the White Papers from the Qualcomm Innovation Center, Inc and Qualcomm's Web Technologies and begin to optimize the mobile Web to perform like the wired Web. > New Fierce eBook: Realizing Mobile Video's Promise This eBook from FierceMobileContent will look at some of the technologies necessary to deliver a quality mobile video experience as well as delve into the various business models necessary for making this a reality. Click here to download today.
| > Radio Network Trainer, Wireless WorkForce in San Diego, CA Wireless WorkForce Technical Training is seeking one or more full or part-time trainers to train students on the installation of microwave and radio access network equipment at our San Diego California facility. The ideal candidate(s) will meet the following criteria: *Alcatel Lucent radio access network and microwave equipment experience *Extensive knowledge and experience in microwave network installation... Learn more. > Sr. RF Engineer at SyChip, Inc. in Plano, TX If you have RF Engineering experience in wireless technology – this is a great OPPORTUNITY to join an exciting company and to become a part of a winning team Murata Electronics North America, Inc., a leading international electronic component sales organization, is seeking a Senior RF Engineer for our Plano, Texas office. Learn More! > Atoll RF Planning / Optimization Tool Product Support Engineers at Forsk, Chicago, IL Forsk is looking for support engineers for its RF planning & optimization software, Atoll. Main responsibilities will be: Technical support for existing customers (hotline, emails); Support during evaluations (remote and on-site); Pre-sale/Post-sale training & mentoring sessions... Read more. > Need a job? Need to hire? Visit FierceWirelessJobs | |
Service providers: Raise your glasses to MEF's 10th anniversary!
