Softbank’s pending control of Sprint’s purse strings could be bad news for Clearwire’s ability to tap its largest shareholder for cash. Sprint has been a frequent source of capital for the perennially cash-poor WiMAX operator, having invested billions to fund Clearwire and gain access to its mobile broadband network. Clearwire disclosed in its quarterly report […]
FCC opens review of T-Mobile, MetroPCS merger
The FCC kicked off its formal review of T-Mobile USA’s merger with MetroPCS on Friday when it accepted the companies’ application to transfer control of spectrum licenses. The deal will strengthen T-Mobile’s position as the country’s fourth-largest wireless operator, giving it access additional customers and more spectrum for its LTE network. “The addition of MetroPCS’ […]
Clearwire halves June LTE plans as growth falters
Clearwire has dramatically reduced the number of TD-LTE cell sites it plans to have on air by next summer amid declines in its wholesale business and listless retail growth. The operator will now install just 2,000 TD-LTE base stations by the end of June 2013, less than half of the 5,000 it previously planned to […]
Ericsson’s Q3 weighed down by overseas sales slump
Ericsson’s third-quarter results took a hit as weak sales in Asia, the European financial crisis and its loss-making chip venture weighed down earnings. The Swedish infrastructure vendor saw sales slip 2 percent year-over-year to $8.12 billion, as declines in its key networks business offset gains in its services and support units. Operators in Europe reduced […]
Sprint losses widen, net adds slump in Q3
Sprint’s turnaround effort stumbled during the third quarter on ballooning losses and a net loss of customers stemming from the shutdown of its Nextel platform. “Sprint’s third-quarter results illustrate just how difficult it is to grow in a market that really isn’t growing anymore,” Bernstein Research analyst Craig Moffett said in a research note. “As […]
Motorola Solutions, Motorola Mobility fortunes still divergent
Before Motorola split itself apart in early 2011, its infrastructure business had long outperformed its handset division, posting regular profits as its smartphone unit sunk further into the red. That trend is still in place nearly two years after the company’s separation. Motorola Solutions posted healthy third-quarter results today, a marked contrast to the handset […]
Sprint, Dish continue spat over PCS, MSS rules
Sprint and Dish Network continue to lobby the FCC on regulations for 40 MHz of satellite AWS-4 spectrum that Dish wants to use for an LTE-Advanced network. The FCC is evaluating changes to the AWS-4 block that would allow Dish to use the band for a wireless network. Without the changes, Dish has said it […]
Isis goes live in Austin, Salt Lake City
As expected, trials of Isis’ NFC-based mobile payments service went live in Austin, Texas, and Salt Lake City today after its planned summer launch was delayed last month. The program will give Isis backers Verizon Wireless, AT&T and T-Mobile USA an indication of whether the mobile wallet could be a source of revenue. “The launch […]
AT&T raises objections to Sprint, Softbank deal
AT&T issued a carefully worded statement yesterday raising objections to Softbank’s $20.1 billion deal to buy a 70 percent stake in Sprint. The three-sentence statement from AT&T vice president Brad Burns suggested regulators take a close look at the foreign ownership implications of the transaction, as Softbank is a Japanese company and could gain control […]
Sprint acquires controlling stake in Clearwire
Sprint has acquired a controlling stake in Clearwire, a deal which has implications for Sprint’s pending buyout deal with Softbank. Sprint is paying $100 million to purchase shares from Clearwire founder Craig McCaw’s investment firm Eagle River Holdings, giving it a 50.8 percent controlling stake in Clearwire, according to documents filed with the SEC today. […]