Helio L.L.C. made its long-awaited debut in the wireless marketplace last week with two high-end handsets linked to social networking site MySpace.com and plans to have its services available through 1,000 retail locations by the end of the month. Helio’s target audience is young...
I'm seriously thinking about launching my own MVNO. I mean, how hard can it be, really? All the mobile virtual network enablers out there keep telling me it's quick, easy and cheap, so why not? I'd call it Mike's Awesome MVNO, and it would...
Voce, the luxury mobile virtual network operator, has begun offering its services on a small scale in the L.A. area. Steve Stanford, Voce's chief executive officer, described the quiet start as an invitation-only market trial, with participation capped at around 500 people "for whom...
LOS ANGELES—Voce, the luxury mobile virtual network operator, has begun offering its services on a small scale in the L.A. area. Steve Stanford, Voce’s chief executive officer, described the quiet start as an invitation-only market trial, with participation capped at around 500 people. Stanford...
LOS ANGELES, Calif.—Helio L.L.C. made its debut in the wireless marketplace today with two high-end handsets linked to social networking site MySpace.com and plans to have its services available through 1,000 retail locations by the end of the month. Helio’s target audience is young...
Post-CTIA Wireless 2006, the pundits and ponderers have plenty to chew on. With the conference showcasing the leading edge, the bleeding edge and the receding edges of the wireless industry and mobile technology, it offered a view of where the industry has come from...
This year is supposed to be the Year of the Launch for the new generation of mobile virtual network operators, the time when these MVNOs get on their feet and begin to gain traction in the wireless race. With several high-profile MVNOs already launched,...
MIAMI-As part of its ongoing strategy to move beyond its legacy heritage in providing operation support systems solutions, Telcordia Technologies Inc. announced two partnerships and spelled out its business plans going forward. Telcordia and Accenture last week announced a strategic alliance where systems integrator...
OVERLAND PARK, Kan.-Sprint Nextel Corp. announced that it will help parents locate their children through a downloadable Family Locator service that utilizes Global Positioning System technology in handsets. The service sneaks into the market ahead of mobile virtual network operator Disney Mobile's locator service,...
Soon-to-launch mobile virtual network operator Xero Mobile plans to use 2 million free handsets and discounted talk time to jump into the wireless marketplace-the catch being that the freebies are in exchange for allowing mobile advertising on the handset. The company is going to...
OVERLAND PARK, Kan.—Sprint Nextel Corp. announced that it will help parents locate their children through a downloadable Family Locator service that utilizes Global Positioning System technology in handsets. The service sneaks into the market ahead of mobile virtual network operator Disney Mobile’s locator service,...
NEW YORK—Mobile software developer Comverse Technology Inc. said it will spend up to $180 million in cash to acquire privately held Netcentrex S.A. Paris-based Netcentrex makes software for Voice over Internet Protocol services as well as IP-based video and data offerings and fixed-mobile solutions...
LAS VEGAS-In this town, people refer to a large, varied repast-such as that offered in CTIA Wireless 2006's opening-day keynote session-as a buffet. As with any ambitious spread, the keynote repast included a few tasty treats, something for everyone and a few items to...
LAS VEGAS-Hanging out with the Walt Disney Co. can do wonders for your reputation, especially if you've been flying under the radar for years, like Pantech Wireless Inc. The South Korean handset vendor's American subsidiary announced its new handsets for the second quarter at...
LAS VEGAS—Recently launched sports-oriented mobile virtual network operator Mobile ESPN L.L.C. reported a deal with network partner Sprint Nextel Corp. to expand the distribution of Mobile ESPN phones and services to at least 500 Sprint Nextel retail locations in the United States and Puerto...
PISCATAWAY, N.J.—Oil company Flying J Inc. announced it will launch a mobile virtual network operator service aimed at the nation’s transportation industry. Flying J said it teamed with Telcordia to launch the MVNO service, which will be commercially available later this month. "Flying J...
The squeeze is on, the stakes are high and the options few. Second-tier handset makers-their exact numbers globally are unclear, but there may be more than 100 players-are scrambling to survive, let alone thrive, as the top six vendors increased their market share last...
PLAINFIELD, Ind.-Handset distribution company Brightpoint Inc. announced it will provide soon-to-launch mobile virtual network operator Helio L.L.C. with wireless device distribution services, including inventory procurement and management, and custom packaging. Helio, a joint venture between Internet provider EarthLink Inc. and Korean mobile operator SK...
Tecore Wireless Systems, which has developed technology to provide voice, data and multimedia services from a common platform, introduced a service for mobile virtual network operators. The T-MVNO product provides mobile subscriber management and application services, uses an IP backbone and, according to Tecore,...
Amp'd Mobile Inc. is ramping up its reach, with new distribution plans and content aimed at furthering its ambition of "liberating the digital tribe," in the words of Doug Dobie, the mobile virtual network operator's chief marketing officer. Amp'd launched online in December, following...
NEW YORK—Mobile virtual network operator Cool Mobile has run into trouble, with Motorola Inc. ending its relationship with the MVNO less than two weeks after Cool announced plans to use the equipment manufacturer’s devices and services. Cool soft-launched in December and recently began touting...
LAS VEGAS-Wireless issues played second fiddle to convergence and net neutrality at last week's United States Telecom Association's first TelecomNext conference in Las Vegas, though a handful of executives touched on expanding wireless services during keynote addresses. Despite lacking the name cache of more...
LAS VEGAS—Sprint Nextel Corp.’s local phone service spin-off, Embarq, plans to launch a mobile virtual network operator later this year, according to Embarq’s chief executive officer-to-be, Dan Hesse. Hesse told attendees during a keynote address at the TelecomNext conference of Embarq’s MVNO intentions, which...
Mobile virtual network operator Cool Mobile has big plans for this year, starting off today by expanding its cool.Prepaid handset lineup to six Motorola Inc. devices and aiming to offer hybrid and postpaid service plans by the end of the year. The MVNO also...
