3G Feeds

In response to the California Public Utilities Commission proposing new wireless regulations, CTIA president Steve Largent, had the following to say today:

“Our primary concern is, always has been, and will continue to be, that state rules place the consumer at risk of having fewer choices and paying more for their wireless service. We also maintain that new rules aren’t necessary, since wireless companies are already subject to California’s existing consumer laws.

“It is also important to note that just two weeks ago, a unanimous ruling from the 8th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals invalidated significant portions of a Minnesota law because it would have likely affected rates, an area of regulation that is exclusively reserved for the federal government. We will review the California proposal with these concerns and issues in mind.

“Because of intense marketplace competition and an unwavering commitment to innovation, the wireless industry has successfully brought the consumer more products and services at lower prices. This has been accomplished because the wants and needs of consumers are vigorously pursued each and every day by wireless companies who operate in one of the most competitive markets in America.

“I want to acknowledge President Peevey and Commissioner Kennedy for undertaking a detailed, fair and thorough review of the issue, including a study of how consumers would be affected by this process. I believe their intentions are true, and I hope we can continue to work toward the best interest of the wireless consumer.”

CTIA is the international association for the wireless telecommunications industry. They represent carriers, manufacturers and wireless internet providers (WIPs).

Consumer Reports, the famous consumer products testing magazine, has announced the launch of a new service called Shop Smart. Shop Smart is essentially a digital version of the Consumer Reports database giving consumers access to prices, feature lists and comparison information for thousands of consumer products. The cost? $3.99 a month for Verizon Wireless customers. Sounds like one of the best fee-based offerings out there for consumers.

GLOBE Telecom Inc. said it has posted a 300 million-peso performance bond with the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) to complete the requirements for the roll-out of its third generation (3G) mobile phone network.

Globe has applied to the NTC for the frequency bands that will be used for its 3G operations.

“The company believes it is best qualified for 3G operations, given its commitment to service innovation, on top of its technical muscle and financial strength to guarantee the best delivery of 3G in the country,” Globe said in a statement.

Globe, the second biggest mobile phone service provider in the Philippines, has Singapore Telecommunications Ltd. and Philippine conglomerate Ayala Corp. as major shareholders.

Why is it that places like the Philippines can get 3G networks rolling and we cannot here in the United States? Incredible.

Reuters is reporting that Nokia, the world’s largest mobile phone maker, has annouced the release of 3 new UMTS/3G phones for the Americas. The new 3G slider phone, the Nokia 6282, should be released in Q2 of 2006. While the 6233 is a stainless steel 3G cameraphone. The 6233 is also expected to hit the market in the second quarter of next year. The UMTS (Universal Mobile Telecommunications System) networks, that these new phones are designed to use, allow phone users to play video as well as download games and music wirelessly.