• The Samsung t659, a phone for the "cost-conscious consumer," is available today through T-Mobile USA. The phone sells for $69.99 with a two-year agreement and rebate. Features include a slider with metallic finish, Web-enabled 3G and HSDPA capability, 2-Megapixel camera and video with multi-shot and 2.5x digital zoom, an MP3 player, Bluetooth, A-GPS with TeleNav and a personal organizer.
• KeyOn Communications Holdings has launched an acquisition initiative that aims to expand its wireless broadband footprint. The Rural UniFi initiative is targeted at the highly-fragmented rural wireless broadband industry. KeyOn already has four successful acquisitions under its belt and has a network covering 50,000 square miles in 11 states.
• Motorola's Home & Networks Mobility segment has launched its LTE Evolved Packet Core for its Wireless Broadband Core 700 portfolio. The complete WBC 700 portfolio will be available in late 2009.
• Imports of products that Tessera Technologies claim infringes on its patents will continue to be banned while the company appeals a ruling over its intellectual property rights, ruled a federal circuit court. Tessera filed a suit against wireless manufacturers, including Qualcomm and Freescale, alleging violation of intellectual property rights. The suit was denied by the International Trade Commission, which asserted that Tessera's patents were valid, but not infringed upon by the respondents. Tessera is currently appealing the decision.
• Skyhook Wireless has partnered with SIM Checker, an application that helps recover stolen Android devices. SIM Checker will user Skyhook's Wi-Fi positioning system and hybrid positioning system to pinpoint the location of a stolen handset. The SIM Checker app will send alerts containing the location of a device if a different SIM card is installed.
• Mobile marketing firm HipCricket has landed a deal with Twentieth Television to conduct a marketing campaign for the program distributors "Wedlock or Deadlock" reality show. During the half-hour program, viewers follow on-air prompts to text in and vote on whether couples should wed or go their separate ways. Additionally, the at-home audience is given the opportunity to opt in to receive daily "Lovescopes" provided by Tarot.com.
• Siano has launched a multi-standard receiver chip for mobile television that supports global broadcast standards, digital radio and FM radio. The SMS1230 is currently available in sample quantities. Mass volumes will be available in November.