AT&T Wireless Services Inc. network partner Edge Wireless L.L.C. said a federal court has placed an injunction prohibiting U.S. Cellular Corp. from marketing its recently launched Easyedge wireless data service in select Oregon, California and Idaho markets where Edge Wireless offers service, citing possible trademark infringement and consumer confusion. Edge Wireless said the ruling was in regard to a lawsuit filed last October claiming the Easyedge logo infringed on its registered trademark and would confuse wireless consumers accustomed to Edge Wireless’ offerings that also include “edge” in the name. Edge Wireless added the injunction was in place pending a trial scheduled for March 2.
Western Wireless Corp. said it has begun offering Cellular One-branded services in its recently acquired HickoryTech Wireless Corp. markets in Minnesota and through six retail locations that have been re-named and re-merchandised with Cellular One products and marketing materials.
Maverick Wireless Corp. announced the launch of its Citywide Wi-Fi services in Benton County, Wash. “Recent technological advances and the international adoption of wireless broadband standards have made the viability of citywide wireless broadband services a reality,” explained David Schmelke, president and founder of Maverick Wireless. “The technology is now at a point where skilled wireless broadband service providers can offer their services across entire cities and even address the needs of communities that do not have access to traditional broadband options.” Maverick’s Benton County network covers 40 square miles. Monthly rate plans range from $20 to $50.
Nextel Partners Inc. said it broke ground on a 30,000-square-foot expansion of its Panama City Beach, Fla., customer-care center. The expansion, which is located next to the carrier’s existing 65,000-square-foot customer-care facility opened in May 2002, is scheduled to be completed during the third quarter of this year and could include up to 400 new employees. Nextel Partners also has a customer-care center in Las Vegas.
