deals & deployments

Time Warner unveiled long-rumored cable MVNO plans, announcing with Sprint PCS a market trial of wireless services for Time Warner's cable customers in Kansas City, Mo. The deal is the first example of a so-called “quadruple-play” bundle from an MSO delivering voice, broadband data, cable programming and wireless services.

Wireless push e-mail developer Seven acquired Finland-based mobile e-mail solutions provider Smartner to boost its efforts in Europe. Smartner brings relationships with major European service providers, as well as an e-mail platform that works across all handset models. Financial terms were not disclosed.

Wireless technology and broadband communications provider MobilePro announced its CloseCall America subsidiary will launch a prepaid MVNO service on the Verizon Wireless network, promising what the company dubs a “no surprise” bill, as well as parental controls that restrict both incoming and outgoing calls to approved numbers.

Sprint PCS premiered MSpot Radio, a new streaming radio service offered in conjunction with mobile multimedia start-up MSpot. At $5.95 per month, MSpot Radio's 13 channels include commercial-free pop, hip-hop and classic rock formats as well as news and talk channels.

Wireless ISP NextWeb announced completion of the first phase in its plan to extend its pre-WiMAX network across the greater Los Angeles area. NextWeb installed three base stations in downtown L.A. that will deliver broadband wireless services of up to 100 Mb/s. Future phases will extend coverage to the western and eastern borders of Los Angeles County.

NextWave Telecom emerged from Chapter 11 bankruptcy following completion of its $3 billion spectrum sale to Verizon Wireless. NextWave claims to be planning a launch of 4G services in Las Vegas and New York City, focusing on both the consumer market and the public-safety sector.