The Federal Communications Commission launched a rulemaking on the highly-sought 2155 MHz-2175 MHz spectrum band, setting the stage for a resumption of a wireless open-access debate that gained strength during in the agency’s 700 MHz proceeding.

Google Inc., consumer advocates and special-interest groups lobbied for open-access and wholesale conditions in the 700 MHz spectrum being auctioned early next year, but scored only a partial victory. The FCC will require licensees of a 22 megahertz spectrum block to allow third-party devices and applications in that chunk of spectrum. Those entities have now set their sights on the 2155-2175 MHz band, hoping to see open access, wholesale and a nonexclusive, unlicensed regime mandated in what’s known as the advanced wireless services III band.

By Jeffrey Silva

Vodafone and Verizon Wireless are looking into coordinating future 4G network technology, allowing mobile users to easily roam across each carrier's network. Both companies are involved in Long-Term Evolution (LTE) technology development and it seems that would be the most likely chosen platform.

By Teresa von Fuchs

In more Vodafone news, British telecom regulator Ofcom is thinking of taking 900 MHz band spectrum from Vodafone and O2 and auctioning it off to three U.K. rivals: Orange, T-Mobile and 3 UK. The regulator said giving competitors access to spectrum, which only Vodafone and O2 currently have rights to, could save the industry billions of dollars rolling out newer networks.

By Teresa von Fuchs

Nokia has launched its first UMA-capable handset, a converged device capable of hand-off between GSM cellular and WLAN networks.

Orange will be one of the first operators to offer the Nokia 6301, which is expected to begin shipping in select European markets during the fourth quarter.

By Teresa von Fuchs

Sprint is partnering with Microsoft, making significant changes to its location-based search offerings. Sprint adds voice search through Microsoft's acquisition earlier this year of Tellme, as well as full Internet search capabilities. Sprint is making the search technologies available at no additional cost to subscribers.

By Brad Smith

Clearwire has begun selling laptop PC cards to its broadband access customers in Seattle, allowing them to take their once-fixed Internet connections out into the wider world. The portable, or nomadic, service uses Clearwire’s current proprietary network, but true mobility may be just around the corner as Clearwire prepares to launch its first WiMAX networks this year in conjunction with Sprint.

By Kevin Fitchard

Shares of InfoSpace Inc. soared for the first time in months after the company said it will sell its online directory business to Idearc Inc. for $225 million in cash.

The deal, which is expected to close by the end of the year, will help boost InfoSpace’s cash reserves beyond $400 million, the company said. And the move may precede another big sell-off: Motricity Inc. is rumored to be raising as much as $175 million to acquire at least part of InfoSpace’s mobile business.

By Colin Gibbs

Starting today, select Sprint customers in Denver and Indianapolis can purchase the Airave, a base station that will boost cellular signals indoors and direct calls over a broadband Internet connection to allow for unlimited calling at home. The Airave is manufactured by Samsung and retails at Sprint stores for $49.99. The service will cost $15 per month for an individual and $30 per month for families, in addition to their regular wireless plan.

By Teresa von Fuchs

Yahoo today opened up a private beta-test version of its social networking application, dubbed Mash, hoping it’s broad portal reach can allow it to play catch-up with leaders MySpace and Facebook.

By Rich Karpinski

T-Mobile USA announced today that it agreed to acquire SunCom Wireless Holdings for approximately $2.4 billion. T-Mobile will integrate SunCom's network and its more than 1 million customers. The move is intended to enhance T-Mobile USA's network in the southeastern United States. T-Mobile USA also expects to realize significant cost saving synergies through reduced roaming and operating expenses.

By Teresa von Fuchs