North America

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.

Hungary has moved to increase competition in its mobile sector by announcing it is to put out two new mobile licenses for tender.

Google yesterday released the open-source code powering its Android mobile operating system and invited outside developers to design their own features, in time for today's US launch of the first handset running the software.

Computerworld reports that a Google senior executive has said this week's nationwide launch of the T-Mobile USA G1 phone is going well, describing the future for the Android platform as "full steam ahead" despite a worrisome economy.