| News for the competitive wireless industry |  |
| Wireless Industry News
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- FirstNet takes initial step toward national responder network
FirstNet on Tuesday announced its seven regional test sites that will ride on the 700 MHz spectrum block as the first step toward creating a national, interoperable emergency responder network. The First Responder Network Authority's board approved a resolution that would back the regions that won grants in 2010 under the Broadband Technology Opportunities Program, which the government partially rescinded last year. The National Telecommunications and Information Administration, part of the Commerce Department, will decide whether to restore the funding once FirstNet reaches a lease agreement with each of the project's entities. GovTech.com
(2/12)
    
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- Broadcasters give thumbs up to T-Mobile-MetroPCS tie-up
The National Association of Broadcasters has stamped its approval on the proposed T-Mobile USA-MetroPCS merger, saying that the deal shows the value of the free market in making more effective commercial use of spectrum. In a letter to the Federal Communications Commission, association President Gordon Smith praised the wireless industry, saying that it had addressed many of the group's concerns about reclaiming spectrum. Not everyone is happy about the merger: An adviser to a group holding about 2% of MetroPCS' shares has recommended that shareholders reject the deal. Broadcasting & Cable
(2/12)
, Reuters
(2/7)
- Survey finds 4G makes subscriptions are happier with carrier, phone
A faster data connection will make smartphone owners happier with their wireless carriers and their handsets, according to a survey of 1,800 cellphone users. The survey found that 4G customers were significantly more pleased with their service and hardware than their 3G counterparts. On Device Research also found that owners of a pair of Motorola Mobility devices gave their phones the highest marks, with Android handsets taking the top four spots ahead of Apple's iPhone. Apple still finished atop its rivals when the survey inquired about individual smartphone-makers. Total Telecom Magazine (U.K.)
(2/12)
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| Carrier Watch
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- Hesse gives mixed grades to Sprint's rebuild
Sprint Nextel CEO Dan Hesse told analysts last week that although the carrier has fallen behind in rebuilding its "Network Vision" wireless broadband network, the company remains ahead of schedule in deploying Long-Term Evolution service on its iDEN network's 800 MHz range as the carrier moves its Nextel customers off the spectrum. Hesse cited the effects of Hurricane Sandy and vendor delays for the LTE lag. He also said that Sprint had no plans to make changes to its unlimited-data packages. Light Reading
(2/7)
, CIO.com/IDG News Service
(2/7)
, CNET
(2/7)
- T-Mobile sees mid-March launch for BlackBerry Z10
T-Mobile USA has vowed to become the first U.S. carrier to launch BlackBerry's new Z10 smartphone saying that testing is going better than expected. The carrier says it is aiming for a mid-March debut. "The device is more stable than we anticipated. If we are able to speed up the launch date, we will do that," said T-Mobile's Frank Sickinger. Bloomberg
(2/7)
| Technology and Trends
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- J.D. Power: Shared-data subscribers are happier, more loyal
Those wireless data-sharing plans seem to be a hit with subscribers -- at least according to a J.D. Power and Associates survey, which found customers signed up for those packages had a significantly higher level of overall satisfaction than those on more traditional voice and data plans. J.D. Power cited the shared-data customers' profile, noting that they tend to remain more loyal to their carriers and spend about $30 more per month than the average subscriber. FierceBroadbandWireless
(2/11)
| CCA News
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- CCA urges FCC to restore interoperability
The Federal Communications Commission extended interim build-out deadlines for Lower 700 MHz A Block licensees until Dec. 13. CCA appreciates the extension but urged the Commission to promptly restore interoperability across the Lower 700 MHz. Without interoperability, many competitive carriers have been prevented from moving forward on building their networks. Find out more.
- FirstNet Summit at CCA's Global Expo
In February 2012, Congress enacted The Middle Class Tax Relief and Job Creation Act of 2012, containing provisions to create a much-needed nationwide interoperable broadband network. The "First Responder Network Authority"(FirstNet), is a result of this legislation. In pre-Expo sessions on April 17, CCA will present an overview and share information on the role of our member companies in FirstNet. Register today!
| SmartQuote
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 | Several excuses are always less convincing than one."
--Aldous Huxley,
British author
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