Editor’s Note: The following are the stories that had the biggest impact on the wireless industry in 2007, as chosen by the RCR Wireless News editorial staff.
1. Jan. 15 issue
Apple Inc. introduces the iPhone.
2. Feb. 19 issue
AT&T Mobility announces plans to use Qualcomm Inc.’s MediaFLO subsidiary for its TV application. Later in the year, this leads potential competitors Modeo and Aloha Partners to abandon their mobile TV efforts, leaving MediaFLO the sole mobile TV network.
3. Feb. 21 issue
Skype pushes for network neutrality in the wireless space. Thus, carrier control of the network is caught under scrutiny and the first shot is fired on open access.
4. June 6 issue
Google makes wireless moves. It shakes up the 700 MHz auction with suggestions on rules. It later is part of a team that forms an open platform called Android. And rumors of a Google phone swirl all year.
5. July 23
Clearwire and Sprint Nextel team up on WiMAX plans, giving more weight to potential WiMAX deployments. However, in November, the two companies decide not to partner.
6. Aug. 6 issue
Rules are set for the 700 MHz auction, the best spectrum up for sale for quite some time.
7. MVNOs fall apart even as Virgin Mobile USA goes public. Amp’d and Disney both shutter MVNO plans this year.
8. Sept. 10
Consumer protection bill for wireless is introduced.
9. Sept 24
Verizon chooses LTE over CDMA upgrade path
10. Dec. 3
Verizon announces it will open its networks to more devices.
