North America

Atlantic Tele-Network (ATN), a small US operator based in Massachusetts, is to acquire mobile network assets worth around US$200 million from Verizon Wireless' recently-acquired Alltel business.

The Wall Street Journal notes that Dell is cranking up its mergers and acquisitions engine, just as competition for technology deals begins heating up again.

Qualcomm is to launch its FLO mobile TV service in 39 new US markets this year following the switchover to digital TV (DTV) in the country, which takes place tomorrow.

T-Mobile Macedonia is rolling out HSPA services to its 1.3 million subscribers using Ericsson equipment.

Four US senators have called for the FCC, the US communications regulator, to review the deals made by mobile operators to offer certain devices on an exclusive basis, arguing that the arrangements may distort market competition.

Verizon Communications and AT&T have denied that they colluded in setting prices for text messages, insisting that prices had fallen for most customers and that the US market is competitive.

T-Mobile USA is expected to announce details of a new Android phone, myTouch 3G, next week the Wall Street Journal has said.