North America

The BlackBerry Pearl Flip 8220 smartphone - RIM's first device targeting the consumer space - is now available in the US, exclusively from T-Mobile.

US mobile operator Verizon Wireless has caused controversy by appearing to impose a significant price-hike on companies using its network for SMS services.

A report published late last week by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), the US regulator, has given the go-ahead for the creation of a free mobile Internet network in the 2155 to 2180 MHz spectrum band, ruling that the network would not interfere with existing services in the airwaves.

Motorola has launched a high-profile 3G touchscreen device available via US operator Verizon Wireless that commentators believe is an attempt to compete with Apple's iPhone from AT&T.

T-Mobile UK has confirmed that it will launch the Google Android-powered G1 smartphone in the UK on October 30, slightly earlier than pervious reports had suggested and just a week after the device makes its global debut in the US via T-Mobile USA.

InternetNews.com reports that the FCC, the US regulator, will approve Verizon Wireless' acquisition of rural carrier Alltel and the proposed Sprint-Clearwire WiMAX venture at its next monthly meeting on Election Day, November 4.

T-Mobile USA has announced that more than 120 major cities will have 3G HSPA connectivity by the end of November, a move intended to coincide with the forthcoming exclusive launch of HTC's high-profile G1 Android phone.