retail

BETHESDA, Md.—Broadband wireless carrier MobilePro Corp. announced plans to acquire Clearwave Communications L.L.C., a competitive local exchange carrier that provides service in southern Illinois. The companies did not release terms …

Ah, the second quarter-no big holidays and the momentum from fourth quarter sales is but a distant memory. Still, it hasn’t been an idle three months for the wireless industry: …

WASHINGTON-A bill outlawing deceptive tactics by data brokers to acquire and sell cell phone records may soon get a vote on the House floor, after mysteriously being pulled from a …

BOSTON-Motorola Inc., Jabra and Plantronics Inc. continue to lead the Bluetooth headset market with a combined 57 percent share of total global sales last year, according to research from Strategy …

The market for mobile phones’ onboard memory is undergoing transformation and commoditization, threatening incumbent companies and opening opportunities for small, nimble companies with a competitive differentiator to their product, according …

SERGEANT BLUFF, Iowa—Local telecommunications provider Long Lines L.L.C. will launch wireless service later this summer to customers in northeast Nebraska, southeast South Dakota and western Iowa. The company in December …

BOSTON—Motorola Inc., Jabra and Plantronics Inc. continue to lead the Bluetooth headset market with a combined 57 percent share of total global sales last year, according to research from Strategy …

SAN DIEGO—Leap Wireless International Inc.’s selected Via One Technologies Inc. as a new distributor for its Jump Mobile prepaid wireless service. Via One will distribute Jump Mobile services through its …

FORT WORTH, Texas—Teletouch Communications Inc. said it signed an exclusive three-year master distributor agreement covering North America with ROK Entertainment US Inc. The agreement gives Teletouch exclusive rights to distribute …

WASHINGTON—Eleven data-broker executives invoked their Fifth Amendment right against self-incrimination, refusing to answer questions of the House Commerce oversight and investigations subcommittee about deceptive practices for acquiring and selling mobile …

BASKING RIDGE, N.J.—Verizon Wireless and LG Electronics MobileComm USA Inc. announced availability of LG’s VX8300 phone, which supports Verizon Wireless’ V Cast music service. The handset, which builds on LG’s …

SINGAPORE—Samsung Electronics Co. Ltd. took its turn at CommunicAsia 2006 with an announcement that it plans to produce three slim phones in a new product line the company dubbed the …

Wal-Mart Stores Inc. continues to make strides on the mobile retail front, expanding its agreement with Verizon Wireless to include postpaid plans and high-end multimedia phones. The chain, which not …

With a flurry of launches last week, the wireless industry appears to have re-discovered-and is falling head over heels in love with-The Family. Both Verizon Wireless and T-Mobile USA Inc. …

Disney Mobile may be causing a spate of copy-catting of its family-oriented services, but the mobile virtual network operator is far from bucking industry trends when it comes to its …

ST. LOUIS—Battery vendor Energizer Inc. announced a new product the company said will allow cell phone users to charge their phones with two of the company’s e2 Lithium AA batteries. …

CHICAGO—Motorola Inc. appears to have succeeded in beating rival Nokia Corp. in a race to open a company-branded store in Motorola’s own backyard. Motorola opened a pop-up retail location it …

BANGALORE, India—Indian IT services provider Wipro Technologies snapped up Saraware Oy, a Finnish telecom design and engineering services firm, for about $31.7 million. The acquisition not only gives Wipro access …

OVERLAND PARK, Kan.-Sprint Nextel Corp. will sell Mobile ESPN L.L.C. service in hundreds of its retail stores, a move that adds weight to the sports-focused MVNO’s distribution network. Sprint Nextel …

Zingy is hoping to find some stability in the direct-to-consumer market. The New York-based mobile content provider launched an Internet storefront targeting 13- to 21-year-olds with both a la carte …

NEW YORK-Zingy is hoping to find some stability in the direct-to-consumer market. The New York-based mobile content provider launched an Internet storefront targeting 13- to 21-year-olds with both a la …

The following list details this week’s infrastructure awards for the cellular, Wi-Fi and WiMAX industries. The contracts are broken down by transmission technology, country and vendor. The value of the …

OVERLAND PARK, Kan.—Sprint Nextel Corp. will sell Mobile ESPN L.L.C. service in hundreds of its retail stores, a move that adds weight to the sports-focused MVNO’s distribution network. According to …

ATLANTA-Boost Mobile L.L.C. users can exchange cash electronically for prepaid calling minutes at various locations, due to a recent arrangement with CheckFreePay. Boost is a subsidiary of Sprint Nextel Corp. …

CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa—Prepaid wireless provider Airlink Mobile is partnering with Brightstar Corp. for logistics and distribution support. Brightstar said it will provide Airlink with services including product procurement, inventory and …