Hutchison-owned mobile operator 3 has officially unveiled its Facebook-focused 'INQ1' handset, reports The Guardian. In the UK, the INQ1 will be free on an 18 month contract costing £15 a month and including unlimited Facebook access.

Cellular News reports that Oulu Innovation has announced that the city of Oulu in Finland is launching a mobile WiMAX-based mobile broadband network.

Microsoft has made available for download emulator images for Internet Explorer 6 for its Windows Mobile platform, reports ZDNet. According to the Windows Mobile blog, operators should begin offering IE6 on Windows Mobile devices "soon."

Mobile silicon giant Qualcomm has launched a new concept called 'Kayak' that it describes as a "PC alternative" that will use 3G to make Internet access more widely available and affordable in emerging markets.

South African fixed-line operator Telkom has revealed further details of its new mobile strategy following its recent divesture of its stake in Vodacom, the country's largest mobile operator.

Switzerland's Federal Communications Commission (ComCom) has followed the recent example of France by reserving a portion of the country's 'Digital Dividend' spectrum for future mobile services.

The Wall Street Journal (WSJ) reports this week that Microsoft is close to securing a deal with Verizon Wireless that will see it become the default search provider on the US mobile operator's devices.