Wireless Federation

Mobile Tag Group Announces $8.2 Million in Financing Along With Commercial Agreements Signaling its Leadership in the Emerging Mobile Barcode and NFC Tagging Space (USA)

On 03.23.11, In Mobile, By Editor

Mobile Tag, the leader in 1D and 2D mobile barcode and NFC-based marketing solutions, announced the successful closing of its Series B financing totalling approximately $8.2M. “We are convinced that this fundraising operation will affirm Mobile Tag’s position as a leader and increase both its commercial and technical influence,” concluded Domenico Surace, Founder and CEO Mobile Tag Group.

Mobile Tag, Inc., the Atlanta-based wholly owned US subsidiary of Mobile Tag Group, has entered into a definitive contract to partner with America’s largest Wireless Carrier to make the use of Mobile Barcodes and NFC tagging as pervasive as text messaging. Mobiles equipped with team’s high-performance readers, either pre-loaded out of the box or downloaded through app stores, will enable immediate interaction between brands and their consumers directly from traditional advertising, by-passing search engines and the competitive messages they display in the search results. This all happens immediately without the consumer waiting to get to a PC. This enables a one to one dialog between the consumer and advertiser immediately from the ad. As the largest provider of mobile devices to consumers, the partnership is uniquely positioned to provide this service to its millions of Consumers and Business Customers along with its partner Mobile Tag. Successful trials have already been conducted with key business customers.

Mobile Tag, Inc.’s CEO William Hoffman believes, “Our partner has a unique position giving it a clear advantage to help Brands connect to consumers in an easy and intuitive way. In my opinion, the partnership has “cracked the code” on how to connect businesses of all sizes DIRECTLY with consumers of all ages and tastes, using commonplace technology like barcodes or advanced technology like NFC tags combined with your ever-present cell phone”.

To aid Mobile Tag’s global growth strategy, $8.2 million of additional financing was obtained from existing investors XAnge Private Equity, Alven Capital, IDF Capital and new investment from Skandinaviska Enskilda Banken Venture Capital (SEB Venture Capital) who joined the Board of the Parent.

There is excellent potential for growth in mobile marketing – key advertisers are present in this buoyant market. Mobile Tag’s solutions are adapted to businesses of all sizes, from top advertisers to independent retailers.

“We’re delighted to make this investment in Mobile Tag and believe MobileTag’s technology and above all, its management platform, will be very attractive for operators, advertisers and direct marketers. We’re looking forward to helping this company achieve its international aspirations.” Frank Kelcz, SEB’s appointed board-member for MobileTag.

“Since its inception, Mobile Tag, has innovated in the emerging field of Mobile marketing services. We look forward to seeing Mobile Tag’s evolution as it continues to develop new ways for brands, retailers and consumers to interact using mobile technology,” addsNicolas Rose, Partner at XAnge Private Equity.

Nicolas Celier, Partner at Alven Capital, states that: “In 2008 we had already backed this innovative concept. Given Mobile Tag’s results and its development of Flashcodes, we had no hesitation in renewing our commitment”

Verizon invests over $1.8 billion in Georgia (USA)

On 02.07.11, In Mobile, By Editor

Verizon Wireless has installed 23 new mobile sites and additional network capacity in over 279 cities across Georgia in 2010.

About 96% of the state’s population is covered by Verizon Wireless’ 3G network and over 4.2 million Georgians are covered by its LTE network. The company’s ongoing network investment in Georgia totals more than US$ 1.8 billion since the company was formed in 2000.

Verizon Wireless has invested more than US$ 60 billion nationally US$ 5.7 billion on average every year to increase the coverage and capacity of its network to add new services.

Verizon Wireless has recently launched its LTE wireless services in 38 markets and 60 commercial airports across the US including Atlanta, Athens and Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport. Augusta, Georgia will be getting the LTE network later this year.

Filed under:Mobile Tagged with: 3G • additional network capacity • Athens • Atlanta • Augusta • Georgia • Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport • LTE network • Mobile • new mobile sites • USA • Verizon Wireless

Sprint launches 4G in San Francisco (USA)

On 12.29.10, In Mobile, By Editor

Sprint Nextel has launched its WiMAX network in the San Francisco Bay Area. The service will initially be available in San Francisco, San Jose, Palo Alto and Oakland. Nationwide the WiMAX network is available in 71 markets across the country, including Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Dallas, Los Angeles and New York City.

According to Matt Carter, President-Sprint 4G, the Bay Area is responsible for creating so much new technology and today they are bringing the power of 4G to their customers in that region who are hungry for fast mobile broadband. The introduction of Sprint 4G will be a great asset for this area, and they encourage customers to try it by using one of their well-regarded 4G mobile devices.

Sprint first launched its 4G network in Baltimore in September 2008.

Filed under:Mobile Tagged with: 4G • Atlanta • Boston • Chicago • Dallas • Los Angeles • Mobile • New York City • Palo Alto • San Francisco • San Jose • Sprint • USA • WiMAX network

MetroPCS expands LTE coverage to Boston, New York City and Sacramento

On 12.16.10, In Mobile, By Editor

MetroPCS has announced the launch of its 4G Long Term Evolution (LTE) network in three more large markets – Boston, New York City and Sacramento.

The company will offer unlimited talk, text and internet service plans starting at US$55 per month, with no service contract. For the US$60 plan, customers get access to MetroSTUDIO, which has content including on-demand premium video with 18 channels, multimedia and ringtones.

The Samsung Craft which is a single LTE device will be available, retailing at US$299 plus tax after a US$50 instant rebate. The Craft features a 3.3 inch screen, a 2GB MicroSD card, touch screen, slide-out QWERTY keyboard, 3.2 megapixel camera with flash, a camcorder and a Wi-Fi radio.

According to MetroPCS CEO Roger D. Linquist, as the only no annual contract, pay-in-advance wireless service provider offering 4G LTE services, they continue to build their network to allow more customers to experience their unparalleled value and flexible, affordable service. The company has stated that it plans to launch LTE networks to Atlanta, Jacksonville, Miami, Orlando and Tampa in early 2011.

Filed under:Mobile Tagged with: 4G • Atlanta • Boston • Jacksonville • LTE • MetroPCS • MetroPCS CEO Roger D. Linquist • MetroSTUDIO • Miami • Mobile • New York City • Orlando • Sacramento • Samsung Craft • slide-out QWERTY keyboard • Tampa • Wi-Fi radio

Sprint selects Ericsson to upgrade network infrastructure

On 12.07.10, In Mobile, By Editor

Sprint Nextel has selected Ericsson to upgrade network infrastructure, after Huawei was ruled out of the bidding amid security concerns within the US government.

The result represents another delay for Huawei’s efforts to break into the US market, where its ambitions have been repeatedly let down by national security concerns over allowing a Chinese company access to US telecoms infrastructure.

Huawei had been viewed as a serious contender for the Sprint contract but was ruled out of the running last month.

The five-year deal which involves construction of a new mobile network across the central and south-eastern US, including the cities of Atlanta, Miami, Houston and Dallas marks an important victory for Ericsson of Sweden, which is battling to defend its market leadership against Huawei.

Paris-based Alcatel-Lucent and Samsung Electronics of South Korea will also provide equipment for the network, with the total value of the contract worth a combined $4bn-$5bn for the three suppliers.

Filed under:Mobile Tagged with: Alcatel-Lucent • Atlanta • China • Dallas • Ericsson • Houston • Huawei • Miami • Mobile • Network Infrastructure • Paris • Samsung Electronics • South Korea • Sprint Nextel • Sweden • US government

Verizon reveals Plans for 4G Network

On 10.14.10, In Mobile, By Editor

Verizon Wireless has unveiled plans for the release of its faster and futuristic mobile device Internet service.

Verizon was trying to improve and increase its cellular infrastructure to make its network available in over 38 cities in the United States with the help of its 4G data network. The plan is expected be completed by the end of this year. The cities to be covered include Los Angeles, California; New York; Chicago, Illinois; Atlanta, Georgia; and San Francisco, California.

The 4G wireless network of the company is capable of transmitting data ten times quicker than the 3G signal. The 4G network of Verizon is expected to be faster than T-Mobile’s HSPA+ and Sprint’s 4G networks. On the other hand, AT&T has admitted they would launch their 4G service in 2011.

The continuous efforts of all wireless carriers to offer faster networks have been the result of the consumers’ increasing demand for smartphones, which have the ability to download apps, stream music and video, and exchange photos.

According to the new Chief Operating Officer of Verizon Communications, Lowell McAdam, the company was excited and proud to be the first to launch a 4G network. They had waited for years to finally offer their customers the chance to use the best in wireless network.

Filed under:Mobile Tagged with: 38 cities • 3G • 4G Network • AT&T • Atlanta • California • Chicago • Georgia • HSPA • Illinois • internet service • Los Angeles • Mobile • New York • San Francisco • T-Mobile • United States • Verizon

Waffle House launches 2-way SMS campaign

On 03.19.10, In Mobile Marketing, By Editor

Waffle House, has successfully launched their 2-way SMS text marketing campaign in partnership with â€˜Where 2 Get It’, a leading provider of mobile marketing and local search solutions for national brands.

The company has claimed that it has already seen 47 percent increase from January to February for opted-in subscribers.

According to Kelly Thrasher, a spokeswoman for Waffle House, Atlanta, GA, the strategy is to make it easier for customers on the go to find their closest Waffle House. It’s all about customer experience and accessibility.

All they need to do is to text the keyword WH and their ZIP code or city and state to short code LOCATE (562283) to find the closest restaurant.

In addition, the company is using send to phone from their corporate Web site store locator as well as a mobile locator.

Whenever a consumer will visit its Web site from an iPhone or BlackBerry it will automatically redirect them to a mobile locator.The mobile locator is made with the mobile consumer in mind so it displays the information in a handset-optimized format.

So far Waffle House has around 1,600 restaurants in 25 states and is known for making most of its advertisements through local grass roots efforts.

Filed under:Mobile Marketing Tagged with: Atlanta • Blackberry • iPhone • Mobile Marketing • Oman • restaurant

Cingular Named One of Best Companies for Latinas for the Third Year in a Row

On 08.15.06, In Mobile, By Editor

ATLANTA, Aug. 29 /PRNewswire/ — Cingular Wireless has been named one of the best companies for Hispanic women by LATINA Style magazine for the third year in a row.

Now in its ninth year, the LATINA Style 50 for 2006 Report is the most respected evaluation of corporate America’s career development opportunities for Latinas. More than 800 of the most prominent U.S. corporations were included in the extensive search.

“We are honored by LATINA Style’s recognition of our efforts to create an inclusive environment and to continue to make Cingular an employer of choice,” said Bob Reed, Cingular Wireless’ vice president of Diversity.

Companies were evaluated on workplace issues that LATINA Style readers identified as most important, such as number of Latina executives, mentoring programs, educational opportunities, alternative work policies, dependent/child care support, employee benefits, women’s issues, job retraining, affinity groups and Hispanic relations.

Cingular has been widely recognized for its inclusion and diversity efforts. In addition to being listed in LATINA Style’s top 50 in 2004, 2005 and 2006, this year DiversityInc magazine named Cingular the best company for Latinos. Cingular stands out among large U.S. companies in that it has three Hispanics in its most senior team: Ralph de la Vega, Chief Operating Officer; Joaquin Carbonell, EVP and General Counsel; and Thaddeus Arroyo, Chief Information Officer. The company also has a strong focus toward the Hispanic consumer market, recently converting more than 400 stores nationwide to a bilingual concept to better serve the segment.

About Cingular Wireless

Cingular Wireless is the largest wireless carrier in the United States, serving 57.3 million customers. Cingular, a joint venture between AT&T Inc. and BellSouth Corporation , has the largest digital voice and data network in the nation — the ALLOVER(TM) network — and the largest mobile-to-mobile community of any national wireless carrier. Cingular is a leader in third generation wireless technology. Its 3G network is the first widely available service in the world to use HSDPA (High Speed Downlink Packet Access) technology. Cingular is the only U.S. wireless carrier to offer Rollover(R), the wireless plan that lets customers keep their unused monthly minutes. Details of the company are available at http://www.cingular.com/. Get Cingular Wireless press releases emailed to you automatically. Sign up at http://cingular.mediaroom.com/.

Source- http://finanzen.net

Technorati : Cingular, Mobile
Ice Rocket : Cingular, Mobile

Filed under:Mobile Tagged with: Atlanta • Mobile Community • Wireless Plan