T-Mobile Inks Deal with Google

T-Mobile announced it will use Google as the entry point for customers to access the Internet via wireless devices. T-Mobile plans to provide subscribers full access to the Internet from its wireless phones, dismissing the “walled garden” concept where carriers pick and choose which Websites subscribers can view. The company will also offer devices with larger displays to better view Web pages.

Source: Reuters

Verizon Wireless Expands Broadband Service

Verizon Wireless announced it will deliver broadband Internet service to 15 more markets, for a total of more than 50, extending its lead over Cingular Wireless and Sprint. The network expansion includes Seattle, St. Louis, Cleveland and the Long Island suburbs of New York City.

Source: Associated Press

Free Wi-Fi Initiates Two Bills

For nearly a year, governments and businesses have argued whether Internet access is a paid privilege similar to telephone and cable services or if municipalities can provide the service for free. Municipalities see free Wi-Fi as necessary to attract new residents, tourists and businesses. Internet service providers see it as a threat to their billion-dollar high-speed access businesses. Two bills have been introduced on the issue, which highlight the divide. Senate bill 1294 says no state can prohibit a municipality from offering broadband to its citizens. House bill 2726 says state and local governments can’t offer Internet service if a private provider already does.

Source: Washington Post

Cingular Considers iTunes Phone

According to reports, Cingular Wireless is considering selling a Motorola wireless phone that plays Apple Computer’s iTunes music service. The iTunes phone is another example of how wireless carriers and music companies are betting on wireless phones with digital music players to be a key source of growth in the next few years.

Source: Reuters

Paramount Confiscates Wireless Phones

At Paramount Studio’s premiere of “War of the Worlds,” all guests, including celebrities, were required to hand over their handbags and wireless phones to security guards. According to a New York Times report, Paramount confiscated wireless devices in case people attempted to record scenes using their cameraphones.

Source: New York Times