RAN Vendors

LG, the world's third-largest handset manufacturer, will tomorrow launch an online store for mobile phone applications, becoming the latest company to make its move in the app store market.

Ericsson is to invest US$1.5 billion in South Korea over the next five years on development of an R&D centre focused on green technology and next-generation mobile communications.

Information Week notes that AT&T and Nokia have announced a smartphone - Surge - that is aimed at text-heavy users who want to stay connected to social networks.

Europe's beleaguered telecoms equipment and handset vendors are forecast to report minor improvements in their forthcoming second-quarter results, reports Dow Jones Newswires.

Ericsson has denied reports suggesting its cooperation with South Korea, announced yesterday, will lead to investment of US$1.5 billion in the country over the next five years and an increase in its local employee headcount from 80 to 1,000.

Cellular News notes that Singaporean operator StarHub will launch a commercial HSPA+ service from tomorrow, with devices provided by Huawei.

Chinese vendors are reportedly the big winners in China Mobile's third-round 3G network expansion tender worth CNY8.6 billion (US$1.26 billion). According to Reuters, ZTE has won 34 percent of the deal for the latest supply of TD-SCDMA kit, whilst Huawei grabbed 22 percent and Datang won 21 percent.