The Apple iPhone has enjoyed favorable reviews since its recent debut, but it came in for some rare criticism.
The phones, which cost between $500 and $600, are usable only on AT&T’s wireless network and will remain that way until 2012.
Even though the phones become expensive paperweights if customers quit AT&T’s wireless plan, the company will still charge a $175 early termination fee, said Rep. Edward J. Markey, chairman of a US House subcommittee on telecommunications and the Internet.
Markey described the phone as a “Hotel California service. You can check out any time you like, but you can never leave, you’re stuck with your iPhone and you can’t take it anywhere.”
The issue arose at a hearing on whether Congress should grant the cell phone industry’s wish and pre-empt states from regulating wireless phone companies.
State public utility commissions have no authority over pricing on wireless plans, but do have the authority to regulate the terms and conditions of wireless service agreements.
The wireless industry opposes what Verizon Wireless general counsel Steven Zipperstein called “patchwork, utility-style regulation” as “unnecessary and harmful.”
The Federal Communications Commission is currently considering rules that will dictate how a valuable swath of spectrum to be auctioned in the next six months will be used. Among the proposals is a requirement that one block of airwaves being auctioned be accessible to all wireless devices, which would include the iPhone.
Wireless Mobile Telecom Wireless News
AirMagnet, a provider of wireless network analysis, on Monday launched a new version of a tool for monitoring and troubleshooting voice that’s deployed over wireless local area networks.
VoFi Analyzer 3.0 understands voice traffic as it passes through a wireless network. It then collects and combines connection, device, and server data to give IT managers better insight into their company’s voice deployments, said AirMagnet. In other words, the data is collected from three different sources: the phone, the WLAN, and the wired side, such as a server.
The new version allows IT managers to pinpoint call problems and generate mean opinion scores, which measure the quality of received media after compression or transmission, even on networks that have been encrypted. Traditional packet-sniffing technologies have to decode the traffic first to determine call quality scores, AirMagnet said.
“With more and more companies looking to run voice applications over wireless networks, it’s critical for an IT manager to be able to quickly troubleshoot VoWLAN deployments without endangering the security of their networks,” said Dean Au, president and CEO of AirMagnet.
VoFi Analyzer integrates with popular networking products like Cisco’s Call Manager and Vocera’s servers to provide analysis of a network’s end-points and the traffic in between. This is especially important when it comes to correcting connection issues. It also supports SpectraLink’s IP phones.
The new version comes in two editions. VoFi Analyzer Standard costs $10,000; VoFi Analyzer Pro costs $12,000 and includes all the features of the Standard edition, plus support for Cisco, SpectraLink, and Vocera.
Wireless Mobile Telecom Wireless News
One of the leading telecom service providers, Bharti Airtel in collaboration with Sweden-based Wayfinder Systems AB today launched GPS based navigation application on mobile handsets.
The application turns the compatible mobile phone into a complete GPS-based navigation system with detailed maps and points-of-interest of a number of cities in the country.
The system will provide all users with continuously updated, real-time content and geographical data via the wireless network using EDGE/GPRS, the company said in a statement.
To start with, the application shall be available on BlackBerry 8800. The Airtel users can avail map information and area coverage details of the cities - Delhi and NCR, Bangalore, Mumbai and Navi Mumbai, Thane, Pune, Chennai, Hyderabad, Kolkata and Chandigarh.
‘’We are now introducing in India, a state-of-the-art GPS based navigation system that will largely benefit all frequent travelers using compatible mobile handsets like BlackBerry 8800,'’ Bharti Airtel Chief Marketing Officer (Mobile Services) Sanjay Gupta said in the statement.
Bharti Airtel is offering a six months free trial for all its Airtel BlackBerry 8800 users. As per the offer, the customer will not have to pay any subscription charges on the application during this period. However, data download charges will apply as per the subscriber’s BlackBerry plan.
To download the application, Airtel BlackBerry 8800 users need to send ‘NAV’ as an SMS to shortcode ‘3636′.
Wireless Mobile Telecom Wireless News
CallBlue GSM Launches – The World’s First Wireless Network Specialising in Global Roaming.CallBlue GSM, the world’s first wireless operator to have its own proprietary network dedicated to international mobile roaming, launched yesterday.
By owning the technical infrastructure that underpins the service, unlike other roaming companies, CallBlue GSM has complete control over call costs, quality, security and billing. Callers will always receive the best signal from their handsets because all calls are switched directly from the home network.
By simply inserting a CallBlue GSM SIM card, customers have instant access to some of the lowest international call costs in over 115 countries. Using call-forwarding, users can ensure that calls to their normal UK mobile number can be answered on CallBlue GSM when roaming and in turn not incur any roaming charges. As a result, they can avoid the inconvenience of giving out a new number.
“Transparency is key,” says Les Green, Chairman of CallBlue GSM. “All CallBlue GSM SIM cards are pre-pay, and because we own the network, we can control the rates and the billing. To ensure price transparency and security, an SMS message is sent after each call, informing the caller of the costs, with no nasty surprises. Customers can also top up and check their balance either online or from their phone.”
Jay Shah, CEO and Founder of CallBlue GSM adds: “Launching CallBlue GSM is a significant milestone for me since I have been working on this project for over two years. We are committed to providing the best product, experience and service in global roaming for our customers. This service is a significant upgrade from other roaming packages currently on the market.”
Other benefits include features such as a personal CallBlue email account for each customer. Voice messages left on their CallBlue SIM will be automatically forwarded by email to their CallBlue inbox. Meanwhile, those who want to speak to several colleagues will be able to utilise a conference calling facility which allows up to 18 people (including non-CallBlue users) to take part in a conversation at once.
Last month, CallBlue GSM announced its partnership with PortaOne to provide its custom-developed PortaOne Billing 100 billing system. Previously, it was announced that Tecore would provide its high performance core network solution to ensure premium and low-cost roaming.
Wireless Mobile Telecom Wireless News
Alcatel-Lucent has been awarded an IP-based next-generation, CDMA and GSM network contract valued at more than $400 million from Reliance Communications, India’s largest integrated telecom service provider. This contract will enable Reliance Communications to expand its wireless network to more than 20,000 towns and 600,000 villages. This project represents one of the largest telecom expansions undertaken by a telecom operator anywhere in the world.
“In our endeavor to build a best-in-class infrastructure in the country, offering better overall performance and a higher quality of service to many million Indians, our wireless network will cater to customers across 20,000 towns and 600,000 villages upon completion of the current phase of expansion,” said Anil Ambani, Chairman, Reliance Communications. “The expansion of our wireless CDMA and GSM network would further enhance our competitive edge in effectively participating in the achievement of our national teledensity targets of 500 million by 2010, thereby contributing to economic growth.”
In the framework of this contract, Alcatel-Lucent will upgrade Reliance’s CDMA and GSM network with additional mobile switching centers and base stations. Alcatel-Lucent also will provide a comprehensive suite of network integration services, including network optimization, system support and general project management. This project substantially strengthens Alcatel-Lucent’s position in the Indian mobile market and extends the range of wireless solutions that Alcatel-Lucent provides to Reliance Communications.
“For a project of this magnitude, Reliance Communications needed a supplier with a deep understanding of and experience with the leading wireless technologies. Alcatel-Lucent is unique in the broadness of its wireless portfolio and the depth of its expertise. After years of faithful cooperation, the people of Reliance Communications understand that the Alcatel-Lucent team are committed to continue to deliver innovative solutions to Reliance Communications to help it enhance the quality of service it provides its subscribers and to enable it to enhance its leadership position in Indian telecommunications space,” said Patricia Russo, CEO, Alcatel-Lucent. “The expansion of the Reliance network, particularly in rural areas, will help improve the lives of millions in India, and is further evidence of our commitment to meeting the communications needs of high-growth economies.”
Wireless Mobile Telecom Wireless News
Alcatel-Lucent has been awarded an IP-based next-generation, CDMA and GSM network contract valued at more than $400 million from Reliance Communications, India’s largest integrated telecom service provider. This contract will enable Reliance Communications to expand its wireless network to more than 20,000 towns and 600,000 villages. This project represents one of the largest telecom expansions undertaken by a telecom operator anywhere in the world.
“In our endeavor to build a best-in-class infrastructure in the country, offering better overall performance and a higher quality of service to many million Indians, our wireless network will cater to customers across 20,000 towns and 600,000 villages upon completion of the current phase of expansion,” said Anil Ambani, Chairman, Reliance Communications. “The expansion of our wireless CDMA and GSM network would further enhance our competitive edge in effectively participating in the achievement of our national teledensity targets of 500 million by 2010, thereby contributing to economic growth.”
In the framework of this contract, Alcatel-Lucent will upgrade Reliance’s CDMA and GSM network with additional mobile switching centers and base stations. Alcatel-Lucent also will provide a comprehensive suite of network integration services, including network optimization, system support and general project management. This project substantially strengthens Alcatel-Lucent’s position in the Indian mobile market and extends the range of wireless solutions that Alcatel-Lucent provides to Reliance Communications.
“For a project of this magnitude, Reliance Communications needed a supplier with a deep understanding of and experience with the leading wireless technologies. Alcatel-Lucent is unique in the broadness of its wireless portfolio and the depth of its expertise. After years of faithful cooperation, the people of Reliance Communications understand that the Alcatel-Lucent team are committed to continue to deliver innovative solutions to Reliance Communications to help it enhance the quality of service it provides its subscribers and to enable it to enhance its leadership position in Indian telecommunications space,” said Patricia Russo, CEO, Alcatel-Lucent. “The expansion of the Reliance network, particularly in rural areas, will help improve the lives of millions in India, and is further evidence of our commitment to meeting the communications needs of high-growth economies.”
Wireless Mobile Telecom Wireless News
Alcatel-Lucent has been awarded an IP-based next-generation, CDMA and GSM network contract valued at more than $400 million from Reliance Communications, India’s largest integrated telecom service provider. This contract will enable Reliance Communications to expand its wireless network to more than 20,000 towns and 600,000 villages. This project represents one of the largest telecom expansions undertaken by a telecom operator anywhere in the world.
“In our endeavor to build a best-in-class infrastructure in the country, offering better overall performance and a higher quality of service to many million Indians, our wireless network will cater to customers across 20,000 towns and 600,000 villages upon completion of the current phase of expansion,” said Anil Ambani, Chairman, Reliance Communications. “The expansion of our wireless CDMA and GSM network would further enhance our competitive edge in effectively participating in the achievement of our national teledensity targets of 500 million by 2010, thereby contributing to economic growth.”
In the framework of this contract, Alcatel-Lucent will upgrade Reliance’s CDMA and GSM network with additional mobile switching centers and base stations. Alcatel-Lucent also will provide a comprehensive suite of network integration services, including network optimization, system support and general project management. This project substantially strengthens Alcatel-Lucent’s position in the Indian mobile market and extends the range of wireless solutions that Alcatel-Lucent provides to Reliance Communications.
“For a project of this magnitude, Reliance Communications needed a supplier with a deep understanding of and experience with the leading wireless technologies. Alcatel-Lucent is unique in the broadness of its wireless portfolio and the depth of its expertise. After years of faithful cooperation, the people of Reliance Communications understand that the Alcatel-Lucent team are committed to continue to deliver innovative solutions to Reliance Communications to help it enhance the quality of service it provides its subscribers and to enable it to enhance its leadership position in Indian telecommunications space,” said Patricia Russo, CEO, Alcatel-Lucent. “The expansion of the Reliance network, particularly in rural areas, will help improve the lives of millions in India, and is further evidence of our commitment to meeting the communications needs of high-growth economies.”
Wireless Mobile Telecom Wireless News
Alcatel-Lucent has been awarded an IP-based next-generation, CDMA and GSM network contract valued at more than $400 million from Reliance Communications, India’s largest integrated telecom service provider. This contract will enable Reliance Communications to expand its wireless network to more than 20,000 towns and 600,000 villages. This project represents one of the largest telecom expansions undertaken by a telecom operator anywhere in the world.
“In our endeavor to build a best-in-class infrastructure in the country, offering better overall performance and a higher quality of service to many million Indians, our wireless network will cater to customers across 20,000 towns and 600,000 villages upon completion of the current phase of expansion,” said Anil Ambani, Chairman, Reliance Communications. “The expansion of our wireless CDMA and GSM network would further enhance our competitive edge in effectively participating in the achievement of our national teledensity targets of 500 million by 2010, thereby contributing to economic growth.”
In the framework of this contract, Alcatel-Lucent will upgrade Reliance’s CDMA and GSM network with additional mobile switching centers and base stations. Alcatel-Lucent also will provide a comprehensive suite of network integration services, including network optimization, system support and general project management. This project substantially strengthens Alcatel-Lucent’s position in the Indian mobile market and extends the range of wireless solutions that Alcatel-Lucent provides to Reliance Communications.
“For a project of this magnitude, Reliance Communications needed a supplier with a deep understanding of and experience with the leading wireless technologies. Alcatel-Lucent is unique in the broadness of its wireless portfolio and the depth of its expertise. After years of faithful cooperation, the people of Reliance Communications understand that the Alcatel-Lucent team are committed to continue to deliver innovative solutions to Reliance Communications to help it enhance the quality of service it provides its subscribers and to enable it to enhance its leadership position in Indian telecommunications space,” said Patricia Russo, CEO, Alcatel-Lucent. “The expansion of the Reliance network, particularly in rural areas, will help improve the lives of millions in India, and is further evidence of our commitment to meeting the communications needs of high-growth economies.”
Wireless Mobile Telecom Wireless News
Verizon Communications Inc. (VZ) on Friday said it launched its high-speed wireless network in the Grand Traverse Bay area in time for the National Cherry Festival (July 7-14) and the 99th Annual National Governors Association Meeting (July 20-23).
Verizon Wireless customers in the area can now access the company’s high-speed wireless network and enjoy two prime services: BroadbandAccess, the company’s enhanced high-speed wireless service, with average user speeds of 600 kilobits per second (kbps) to 1.4 megabits, geared toward mobile professionals, business customers and vacationers; and V CAST, a consumer-oriented multimedia service that offers music and short content on demand, including cutting-edge 3D games, music videos, news, weather and sports.
Isle Of Capri Casinos Says It Opens New Casino In United Kingdom - Quick Facts [ISLE]
Isle of Capri Casinos, Inc. (ISLE) on Friday revealed the opening of its latest casino, “the isle casino at Coventry,” in the United Kingdom. Isle of Capri Casinos, Inc., through its subsidiaries, engages in the development, ownership, and operation of branded gaming facilities, and related lodging and entertainment facilities in the United States and internationally.
Commenting on the casino opening, Bernard Goldstein, chairman and chief executive officer, Isle of Capri Casinos, said, “Guests at Ricoh Arena can enjoy the hottest casino action with the latest and greatest slot machines, action-packed table games and fabulous restaurants.”
Chrysler Group June U.S Sales Down 1.4% - Quick Facts [DCX]
The Chrysler Group (DCX) announced that its U.S sales for the June 2007 declined 1.4% to 183,347 units. For the second quarter, sales rose 1.5% to 575,844 units from 567,302 units in the same quarter of last year.
From April to June, the Chrysler Group sold 159,993 vehicles outside of the U.S., an increase of 10.2% compared to the same period of 2006.
The Chrysler Group’s worldwide vehicle sales increased by 3.3% during the second quarter of 2007 to a total of 735,837 units, compared to 712,521 units in the second quarter of 2006.
For the second quarter of 2007, DaimlerChrysler Canada said its sales inceased 10.7 t to 70,148 units from 63,380 units in the same quarter of last year. For the month of June, sales rose 24 percent to 22,029 units.
China One Closes C$0.8 Mln Initial Public Offering - Quick Facts [CHO.P.V]
China One Corp. (CHO.P.V) reported it closed its initial public offering of 8 million common shares for C$0.10 per share. The gross proceeds from the offer is C$0.80 million, which will be used to identify and evaluate assets of businesses for acquisition to complete a Qualifying Transaction’ under the Capital Pool Company program of the Exchange. On closing of the Offering, the directors and officers of the company have been granted stock options to purchase an aggregate of 1.13 million common shares for C$0.10 per share, exercisable until July 6, 2012, added the company.
Common shares of China One have been conditionally approved for listing on the TSX Venture Exchange next week under the symbol ‘CHO.P’.
Boulder Growth & Income Fund Says A Class Action Lawsuit Has Been Withdrawn And Dismissed - Quick Facts [BIF]
On Friday, Boulder Growth & Income Fund Inc. (BIF) announced that the purported class action lawsuit filed on May 18, 2007 in the United States District Court for the District of Colorado against the Fund and its directors, investment advisers and portfolio manager has been dismissed with prejudice.
The plaintiff in the lawsuit withdrew the complaint and promised not to pursue further claims against the Fund, its directors, investment advisers, and/or portfolio manager.
Boulder Growth & Income also said there were no settlement payments involved in the withdrawal of the lawsuit and the parties will assume their respective legal fees subject to any applicable insurance reimbursement to the Fund and the other defendants.
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US lawmaker slams iPhone termination fee
