2006: A year for M&As
Merger-and-acquisition activity has totaled $1.53 trillion thus far in 2006, with several types of companies participating in deals, including several technology companies. In the mobile space, for instance, RealNetworks snapped up WiderThan and Sprint Nextel Corp. purchased Nextel Partners. The Seattle Times (12/25)  
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2007 to bring heightened competition between telecoms and cable
Telecoms in 2007 will continue to make a push into video and broadband -- and telecoms already are signing up more first-time broadband users than cable companies. The big players in telecom and cable are expected to face competition from smaller companies looking to attract customers with new communications services. The Seattle Times/Associated Press (12/25)
Ads to appear on Verizon mobile phones
Verizon Wireless early next year will allow the placement of banner ads on news, weather, sports and other Web sites users access on their phones. Advertisers are expected to spend $150 million on such advertising in 2006, and that figure could reach $1.3 billion by 2010, Ovum Research predicts. The New York Times (12/26)
Analysis: The rise and rise of Leap Wireless
Niche carrier Leap Wireless International has signed up 2 million subscribers and now offers service in 50 markets by targeting young, low-income and ethnic customers. The company's stock is up 58% this year, and analysts say they believe its fast-paced growth can continue if it keeps costs down and continues to add markets. The Wall Street Journal (12/26)
SK Telecom to cut mobile Internet rate
South Korean operator SK Telecom said it would lower its rate for data service 30% because of an order from the government. Mobile carriers KTF and LG Telecom said they would follow suit. The Korea Times (12/26)
Verizon plans BlackJack-like device
Verizon Wireless is expected to introduce the Samsung i760, a BlackJack-like device, in the second quarter of next year. The Windows Mobile smartphone will feature a slide-out keyboard and will support Wi-Fi and 1xEV-DO. MobileMag.com (12/23)
Net growth poses '07 challenge for media
The challenge for big media in the new year will be finding the right strategy -- whether through acquisitions, enhancements of existing businesses or creating new entities -- to maximize revenue from their online business. SeattlePI.com/Associated Press (12/26)
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| Top five news stories selected by USTelecom dailyLead readers in the past week. | |
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Mobile momentum set to continue
Developing markets, such as India and China, are expected to help fuel worldwide sales of more than 1 billion handsets in 2007. Convergence and advanced devices will help drive uptake in more mature markets. BBC (12/23)
FCC ruling may help Verizon's FiOS rollout
The FCC's ruling last week that requires local governments to decide on franchises within 90 days for companies that have rights of way access may help Verizon Communications expand its FiOS TV service in Long Island, N.Y. The telecom already offers its FiOS service in nine Long Island villages and 36 communities. Newsday (Long Island, N.Y.) (12/26)
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