Hub Flash News

Higher Tech Phones Unveiled at CeBIT
New wireless phones unveiled at the CeBIT technology show in Germany let users do far more than just call a friend. New devices offer improved cameras, such as Samsung's 7 megapixel camera phone, and a wide range of handsets that allow users to download and stream music similar to an MP3 player. According to an Associated Press report, the new wireless devices unveiled have come a long way since the days when fuzzy camera phone images were an attention getter.
Source: Associated Press

Wireless Carriers Plan Better Customer Service
Wireless carriers are increasing their customer service skills in order to attract and retain as many wireless subscribers as possible. Sprint plans to have repair shops in more than half of its 800 retail stores across the country, allowing subscribers to have their wireless handset fixed on the spot. Cingular Wireless plans to phase out its in-store repair shops, instead letting subscribers call a toll-free number and have a replacement wireless handset sent to them overnight.
Source: Associated Press

Wireless Phones May Become TiVo-Like
According to a Dow Jones Newswire report, wireless subscribers may soon be able to watch and record their favorite sitcom on their wireless phone. Telecommunications and semiconductor companies are racing to bring TV, video conference and video recording to wireless phones. Some see future wireless handsets acting as TiVo-like devices, recording and storing content, as more hard drives find their way into wireless phones.
Source: Dow Jones Newswire

Nokia May Have Hidden Asset
Some analysts believe Nokia, which led the way in making affordable wireless phones as wireless calling became popular, could have a brighter future in 3G handsets. Company shares fell nearly a third in 2004, due to rivals outpacing them with 3G handsets. However, analysts argue that since Nokia was one of the primary inventors of the most popular technology used in 3G handsets, it won't have to pay as much to license the intellectual property, giving it a leg up on the competition.
Source: Wall Street Journal

Motorola Plans to Launch New Camera Phones
Motorola plans to unveil several new camera phones that make it easier for consumers to store, share and print pictures. The company expects consumers will want more traditional capabilities from their camera phones. Additionally, Motorola plans to partner with companies that offer digital printers or kiosks in retail stores where consumers process and print photos.
Source: Reuters

T-Mobile Expects to Double Pocket PC
T-Mobile expects to double its sales of handheld computers and Internet data cards in 2005. The company expects sales of MDA's, pocket PC's that connect to the Internet and act as a wireless phone, and data cards to double to 530,000 in 2005.
Source: Dow Jones Newswire

Sony Ericsson Delivers to T-Mobile
Sony Ericsson Mobile Communications announced it will deliver two new wireless phones exclusively to T-Mobile's European market. The company is already shipping the K5085i in some markets and will begin shipping the D750i in the second quarter 2005.
Source: Dow Jones Newswire

Hutchison Telecom Plans to Expand into Indonesia
Wireless service provider Hutchison Telecommunications plans to expand into Indonesia by acquiring a 60% stake in wireless service provider PT Cyber Access Communications. Hutchison will pay Charoen Pokphand Group Indonesia $120 million for the stake. The company hopes to gain government approval for the deal and close the acquisition in early May.
Source: Wall Street Journal

Vodafone Considers Emerging Markets
In an effort to expand in developing markets Vodafone said it's in talks to acquire Telesystem International Wireless in the Czech Republic and Romania for approximately $3.5 billion. The company is considering bidding for Turkish wireless service provider Telsim Mobile Telecommunication Services. Additionally, Vodafone is interested in increasing its stakes in service providers in Poland and South Africa.
Source: Wall Street Journal