• The LTE SAE Trial Initiative (LSTI) has outlined plans for cross-vendor device-to-network interoperability testing of LTE. In an initial step, a common set of features for LTE Frequency Division Duplex (FDD) and Time Division Duplex (TDD) equipment is being defined as the basis for early interoperability tests between devices and infrastructure. This feature set definition is expected to be complete by the end of 2008 and will be followed by interoperability tests across infrastructure equipment, mobile devices and chipsets from the various LSTI member companies. LSTI said that these cross-vendor interoperability tests will foster increased industry synergies, consolidated 3GPP specifications, smoother LTE network launches, and improved LTE time to market.
• Japan's Softbank unveiled its pricing plans for Apple's 3G iPhone, due to launch next month. The carrier plans to sell the 8 GB model for $214.60 and the 16 GB model for $322.15. The handset also will come with a monthly service plan of $67.86. Softbank’s monthly plans average about $40.17.
• Nigerian telecom Globacom claimed to have sold 600,000 new SIM cards since it launched Glo Mobile in Benin just less than two weeks ago. The company says that traffic has been significant at its new retail stores as well as third party outlets. The company won a GSM operating license in the country last year and has built out its network covering the main cities, with a new switching center in Abuja, Nigeria’s capital.
• The Mobile Marketing Association announced it has added 51 new members, bringing the association’s total membership to more than 650. The new members include Advanced Interactive Sciences, Amdocs Management, Buzzd, Cha Cha Search, Comverse, Cox Newspapers, Fox News Channel, Handmade Mobile Entertainment, Inside Mobile, mInfo Information Technology, Mobile Traffic Network, Telefónica, uLocate Communications, VoodooVox, Western Union Mobile and Whoop.