• The American Trucking Association (ATA) has given its support to a proposed ban on texting while driving, saying the distraction of texting hinders driver performance and affects concentration. The ATA also said it would work to ensure that the bill does not inadvertently ban the use of truck cab fleet management systems.
• MetroPCS later this month will be launching a limited edition version of the Samsung Messenger designed by artist Mister Cartoon, who has worked with celebrities including Lance Armstrong, Eminem and Beyconce. A portion of the handset sales will fund art programs for Los Angeles schools, and the first 10 phones in the series will be auctioned for charity.
• ZTE has made the Top 3 list of LTE network infrastructure vendors by research firm Gartner. In its decision, the research firm cited ZTE’s work to expand outside of China and the company’s spending on research and development. Gartner’s report also forecast that 70 percent of UMTS vendors will gradually upgrade to HSPA+ and LTE, and that most CDMA operators will choose LTE.
• Openwave Systems’ subscriber analytics technology has been chosen by Australia operator Telstra. The technology allows Telstra to aggregate subscriber data and behavioral information across several different data sources, including Internet browsing, video streaming and device type.
• Consumer electronics maker Panasonic lost $558 million in its first quarter as restructuring costs and ongoing weakness in the global economy continued to hit sales. The company also announced that it would hand over its System Solutions business to subsidiary Panasonic Communications, with the goal of building a solution business that unifies sound, image, visual and data in IP networks.
• Mobile games publisher Namco hired former Apple games designer Jonathan Kromrey to head the development of content for Apple devices including the iPhone and iPod touch. In his new role as general manager of Apple Games, Kromrey will evaluate game features like peer-to-peer play and provide software updates to existing customers.
• Proxim Wireless announced the launch of its redesigned Proxim Partner Program in North America. Proxim says it has strengthened and enhanced the Proxim Partner Program to more aggressively support its North American resellers' business needs and help drive more business to its valued channel partners.
• Jumptap says its Premium Mobile Ad Network now reaches a unique audience of more than 22 million – 42 percent of all U.S. mobile Web users, according to a recent Nielsen report.