• Testing the capabilities of the new flat network architecture, Mobilkom Austria announced it has demonstrated the world's fastest data call with a mobile device using the pioneering Internet High Speed Packet Access (I-HSPA) solution from Nokia Siemens Networks. During the trial, the data transmission downlink speed reached up to 10.1 Mbps.

• Verizon Wireless has announced the latest version of its VZ Navigator is now available on select handsets. VZ Navigator Version 4, first announced during CTIA Wireless 2008, promises customers in 75 cities access information about traffic incidents on major roadways, traffic updates and detour recommendations for traffic congestion and accidents.  More cities are expected to be added in the coming year.  In addition, the new version of VZ Navigator offers a 3D perspective view of maps, a movie and events finder, weather reports and forecasts and gas prices at nearby gas stations. VZ Navigator Version 4 is available today for $9.99 for unlimited monthly access or $2.99 for 1-day use on select Get It Now-enabled phones in the Get Going section under Travel & Guides or Featured Apps.  Airtime or megabyte charges and specific terms of use apply when browsing, downloading and using the application.

• AT&T and Pyxis Mobile have announced an alliance to deliver a suite of wireless solutions that could accelerate the adoption of mobile applications by financial services professionals, enabling them to maximize productivity, stay more connected to clients and keep up with the fast pace of Wall Street. Under the agreement, AT&T will be the exclusive carrier distributor in the United States for Pyxis Mobile, a mobile applications provider in the financial services industry.

• ZTE, a global provider of telecommunications equipment and network solutions, announced a 100% growth in volume shipments of its GSM products in the first quarter, compared with the same period a year ago. The Chinese telecom equipment provider attributed this twofold increase to continuing momentum in the GSM market and a strong performance against the company’s annual sales target.

• Denmark’s and Sweden’s 3 networks will soon be employing Miyowa’s MoveMessenger mobile instant messaging (MIM) solution. By providing 3 Scandinavia with its white-labeled next-generation MIM technology, Miyowa brings its deployments to 20.

• Convergent communications provider Martin Dawes Systems appointed Sir Julian Horn-Smith to its board as a non-executive director. Horn-Smith was one of the founding members of Vodafone Group Plc and played an integral role in building Vodafone into a successful international brand and business.  He retired from the Vodafone board in July 2006 when he held the title of deputy chief executive officer.

• BroadSoft appointed Leslie Ferry to vice president of marketing. Ferry brings more than 19 years of experience in brand management and product marketing in the telecom, Internet and recruitment industries.

• Playphone joined forces with London-based Pitch Entertainment Group in a deal that fortifies PlayPhone’s existing business and leverages Pitch Entertainment’s presence in more than 20 countries across Africa, Asia and Europe for global  delivery of PlayPhone-powered mobile entertainment. This combination allows PlayPhone to offer expanded distribution for its top-tier content partners, which, in North America, currently include Sony BMG, EMI Group, Cartoon Network, SEGA, Bandai, Disney, Glu Mobile, Konami, Vivendi Universal, Sony Pictures Entertainment, ABC Television and Platinum Studios. It will also allow PlayPhone to extend its network of mobile content destinations to Europe and Asia. PlayPhone is based in San Jose, Calif., and is funded by top venture firms Menlo Ventures, Cardinal Venture Capital and Scale Venture Partners.

• mShopper named Dave Skinner, former technology executive from LeftHand Networks, Sun Microsystems and Fujitsu, as senior vice president of engineering and operations.