Pearl White faceplate for Nokia 5100

Microsoft nears search deal with Verizon: report (Reuters)

Reuters - Microsoft Corp is moving closer to an agreement with Verizon Wireless to become the default search provider on the wireless carrier's cell phones, the Wall Street Journal said, citing people familiar with the discussions.

Irish the heaviest users of mobile phones: Ofcom (Reuters)
Reuters - Residents in the Republic of Ireland spent the most time on their mobile phones and sent the most text messages per head in the world in 2007, according to a report which examines changes in the communications industry.

India rejigs spectrum fees for 2G and 3G services (Reuters)
Reuters - Foreign telecoms firms not currently operating in India but looking to enter the world's fastest-growing market as a third-generation (3G) services operator will have to pay more each year for spectrum.

China picks up 3G pace, Mobile completes gear deals (Reuters)
Reuters - China took another step toward its long-cherished goal of operating high-speed telecoms services, with China Mobile (0941.HK) dishing out over $4 billion of deals and smaller rival Unicom (0762.HK) hoping to win a 3G license soon.

Thai True Move in deal with Apple to sell 3G iPhone (Reuters)
Reuters - Thailand's third largest mobile phone firm, True Move, a subsidiary of True Corp, said on Thursday it had signed a deal with Apple Inc to sell the 3G iPhone in Thailand.

Appeal threatens Telenor's Russian stake (AP)
AP - A Siberian appeal court is scheduled Tuesday to consider a ruling that could lead to the temporary seizure of Norwegian Telenor's ownership in Vimpelcom, Russia's second largest mobile phone company.

Vodafone to focus on cost control after revenue cut (Reuters)

Reuters - Mobile phone group Vodafone cut its full-year revenue outlook for the second time in four months on Tuesday but said it would maintain profits and boost free cash flow by cutting 1 billion pounds ($1.6 billion) of costs.

Microsoft near deal with Verizon for cellphone search (AFP)

AFP - Microsoft Corp. is close to a deal with Verizon Wireless to become the default search provider on the wireless carrier's cellphones, The Wall Street Journal reported on Wednesday.

Cellphone industry eyes charger power savings (Reuters)

Reuters - The world's top five cellphone makers launched on Wednesday a common energy rating system for chargers, making it easier for consumers to compare and choose the ones consuming the least energy, Nokia said.