• NTT DocoMo has tapped Nokia Siemens Networks (NSN) and Fujitsu to provide core network technology for its next-generation mobile network. NSN, together with Panasonic Mobile Communications, is also providing radio technology for the Japanese operator’s Long-Term Evolution (LTE) network.
• The board of directors for Ceragon Networks, provider of high-capacity Ethernet and TDM wireless backhaul solutions, has approved the repurchase of roughly $20 million of its shares. The timing and the amounts purchased will be at the company’s discretion, and the purchases may occur in the open market or in negotiated or block transactions, all subject to regulatory requirements. The company also recently reported its Q3 revenues, stating they were $58.1 million, up 30.6% from $44.5 million for Q3 2007.
• Nuance Communications has announced that its VSuite software is commercially available on the latest Katana series mobile handsets from Sanyo. The speech recognition lets Katana users place calls, find contacts and launch their favorite applications with easy voice commands that work without any voice or user training required. All commands and responses guide users with both visual and audio cues. The Katana LX and Katana Eclipse handsets also feature Nuance’s T9 predictive text software.
• Semiconductor maker ZeroG Wireless has closed its second round of financing for $17 million.