May 5, 2008

T-Mobile USA launched its first commercial high-speed wireless service in New York City, and plans to expand the service to 20 to 25 other major U.S. markets by the end of the year.

April 23, 2008

The battle over cell phones in schools ended with the state's appeals court voting to uphold a ban on cell phones in public schools in New York city.

April 15, 2008

Cuban government has eased restrictions on buying cellular phones for the first time and also allowed registering those they had held illegally.

April 10, 2008

The FCC has approved a new nationwide alert system that will send text messages to cell phones to alert Americans when an emergency, disaster or attack occurs. The plan itself will deliver three different types of charge-free text alerts to mobile phone users.

April 8, 2008

The European Union has approved in-flight cell phone use for all of its 27 member nations. An on-board base station will relay phone signals to either a satellite or ground towers.

April 2, 2008

AT&T CEO Ralph de la Vega said that AT&T was expecting a 3G iPhone within the next few months., when asked about plans to sell a third-generation (3G) iPhone.

Verizon, AT&T and T-Mobile Offer Unlimited Cell Phone Plan

AT&T, Verizon Wireless and T-Mobile USA on Tuesday announced flat rate plans for unlimited calls in the United States, raising investor concerns that a price war could break out and sending shares lower.

Verizon Wireless said early on Tuesday it had started offering unlimited calls for $99.99 a month. AT&T followed with a similar plan, while T-Mobile USA went a step further by including unlimited texts as well as calls for the same price.

Verizon's plan is now in effect, T-Mobile's takes effect Thursday, and AT&T's goes live on Friday.

Verizon's $99.99 service includes domestic roaming and long distance voice service, as well as Internet access and support for mobile Web 2.0 use. A $119.99-per-month plan adds unlimited messaging for anyone in the U.S. and a premium $139.99-per-month plan includes VCast video, VZ Navigator and Mobile E-mail functions.

In comparison, AT&T's $99.99 plan provides unlimited voice calling, with a variety of messaging plans that start at $5 per month and go up to $35 per month for unlimited messaging on standard phones. Apple Inc.'s iPhone and smart phones are not considered standard wireless phones.

(February 19, 2008)