MobilenniuM Express
3G Industry news from the UMTS Forum
24 April 2009

T-Mobile USA Announces New 3G-Enabled Sidekick LX™
T-Mobile USA, part of Deutsche Telekom, has unveiled an upgraded model of its hit Sidekick handset. The new Sidekick LX features 3G connectivity enabled by T-Mobile USA’s WCDMA/HSPA network, as well as in-built GPS with Live Search and a 3.2 megapixel camera with video recording and sharing capacity. The iconic messaging device adds an integrated social networking application, with one-click access to the most popular social networking sites with automatic updates on the Sidekick LX home screen.

Verizon Wireless Drives 4G LTE Innovation with Open Device Development Specifications
Verizon Wireless has published a set of technical specifications for devices that will run on its planned LTE network, to be commercially launch in 2010. As a part of the operator’s open access model, the document provides guidelines for both access and data transport for LTE devices that will work over 700 MHz spectrum. They are aimed at developers wishing to submit devices to the LTE certification process in an effort to drive the development of LTE devices.

MTS Launches 3G in Armenia
Armenia’s largest mobile group Vivacell, part of Russia’s Mobile TeleSystems (MTS), has launched a commercial 3G network based on the UMTS/HSPA mobile broadband technology. Currently the VivaCell-MTS 3G network provides 3G coverage in three major cities, Yerevan, Gyumri and Vanadzor, providing faster data download speeds and innovative services to MTS’ Armenian customers. The network will be expanded to additional cities during 2009.

ZTE Solidifies 3G Strategy with the Launch of a Comprehensive Array of 3G Devices
Chinese equipment vendor ZTE has revealed its 3G strategy, basing it on the idea of combining the latest technology with 3G lifestyle to make life ‘easier, freer and trendier’ for consumers. At the same time, the vendor has launched its newest 3G terminal products for TD-SCDMA, CDMA and WCDMA standards, which are divided into nine different terminal categories and 40 product types. The new 3G devices go beyond typical mobile phones, data cards and netbooks, and include monitors, digital photo frames, home gateways, modules and wireless walkie-talkies.

VIP and RIM Launch the BlackBerry Storm in Serbia
Canada’s Research in Motion (RIM) has announced the launch of the new BlackBerry Storm in Serbia in cooperation with the local mobile operator VIP mobile, part of Telekom Austria. The touch-screen multimedia device, which will run on VIP’s WCDMA/HSPA network, comes with several pre-loaded applications, including  Facebook, Windows Live Messenger, Google Talk, Yahoo Messenger, AOL Instant Messenger, ICQ and Flickr Photo Uploader.

Orange Launches the HTC Touch™ 3G for Business Customers
Orange UK has unveiled the highly anticipated HTC Touch 3G device aimed at the business segment. The Touch 3G additionally offers UMA (Universal Mobile Access) technology, enabling users to make calls, write emails or surf the internet over a Wifi connection. The device is powered by Windows Mobile® 6.1 Professional and comes with a capacity for a 30 GB MicroSD card.

3 UK Opens Network to Free Calls for All
3 UK, part of Hutchison 3G, has unveiled unlimited free Skype-to-Skype calls and instant messages on Skype-compatible handsets with no need for any top-ups or data charges. The new service will be commercially available from 1 May to either contract or pay-as-you-go customers. Currently, 3 UK records 1.5 million minutes of free Skype-to-Skype calls every day.