Orange faceplate for Nextel i830

Billions at stake as China issues 3G licences (AFP)

AFP - China issued long-awaited third-generation mobile phone licences Wednesday, a move that will pour billions of dollars into new networks as consumers buy video- and Internet-enabled handsets.

BlackBerry 8900 Curve Debuts on T-Mobile: Slimmest Full-QWERTY (PC World)
PC World - The thinnest and smallest full-QWERTY BlackBerry, the BlackBerry Curve 8900 is the latest addition to RIM's popular family of smart phones. Available from T-Mobile, the Curve 8900 has a more powerful processor and the 2.4-inch 65K display has the highest resolution of any full-QWERTY BlackBerry available. Unfortunately, the Curve 8900 has no 3G support.

Ford to introduce next generation of Sync system (Reuters)

Reuters - Ford Motor Co, aiming to keep ahead of rivals, will introduce new features for its Sync system that provides voice-activated links to mobile phones and digital music players, the automaker said on Wednesday.

Nokia E63 Coming to America (PC World)
PC World - Already available overseas, Nokia's E63 is now coming to the U.S. Nokia says this 3G smart phone, which is on display here at the Consumer Electronics Show, will be available within the next week in an unlocked version for $249.

Refurbished iPhones Land at Best Buy (PC World)
PC World - Best Buy seems to have a good deal going with Apple, as it was the first retailer outside of Apple's own stores to carry iPhones, and now will be the first again, by selling "refreshed" or, more accurately, refurbished 3G iPhones.

Nokia stops making only WiMax device (Reuters)

Reuters - The world's top mobile phone maker Nokia said on Thursday it had ended production of its only mobile device using the U.S.-centered WiMax technology, another blow for the struggling wireless technology.

Refurbished iPhone 3Gs Being Sold by Best Buy (NewsFactor)
NewsFactor - In yet another move to get Apple's iPhone into more retail outlets, Best Buy on Tuesday became the first retailer to offer refurbished iPhone 3Gs at stores nationwide.

BenQ's Netbook Comes to America (PC Magazine)
PC Magazine - It's just like any other netbook, except inside there are dual hard drives and 3G HSUPA wireless. And emoticons!

China issues 3G mobile phone licenses (AP)
AP - China assigned third-generation mobile phone licenses Wednesday to three carriers in a long-awaited step that is expected to prompt $41 billion in spending on new equipment.