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Nokia, Siemens set opening date for joint venture
Nokia and Siemens are moving forward with their previously announced joint venture, which will now open its doors for business April 1. The 50-50 deal was set for a January launch, but investigations into some of Siemens' financial practices caused the delay. Forbes/AFX News Limited (3/15)

Business & Industry Watch

Hutchison Essar to be renamed Vodafone Essar
Vodafone Group and Essar Group came to terms on how to run Hutchison Essar, with Vodafone assuming operational control over the mobile operator and Essar's 33% stake affording it representation on the board. The renamed Vodafone Essar will be marketed as a Vodafone brand. The Wall Street Journal/Dow Jones Newswires/Associated Press (3/15)

• India's telecom market totals 203 million subscribers: Wireless and wireline networks combined, India ranks as the third-largest telecom network in the world, according to Indian officials. The Financial Express (India) (3/15)

Ericsson eyes multimedia with IP-messaging firm buy
Ericsson increased its ownership to 100% in wireless and fixed-line IP-messaging firm Mobeon. Although terms were not disclosed, the purchase is part of Ericsson's overall push to strengthen its presence in the multimedia space. Forbes/AFX News Limited (3/15)

SureWest attracts more broadband business
SureWest Communications calculates that its broadband business jumped 18% during the fourth quarter and that broadband-generated revenue now accounts for 27% of its total revenue purse. The telecom operator experienced a fourth-quarter profit dip, but it expects the sale of its directory business to bring in $50 million during the first quarter. The Sacramento Bee (Calif.) (free registration) (3/15)

Disney, T-Com connect on VOD deal
Disney's Buena Vista International Television reached a multiyear VOD movie-rental agreement with Deutsche Telekom's T-Com. T-Com's online VOD offering will give subscribers access to Disney movies via their TVs and PCs. World Screen News (3/14)

Amdocs inks upgrade deal with French telecom
Amdocs signed on to deliver its Service Mediation Manager platforms to Neuf Cegetel. Amdocs did not reveal the value of the agreement with the French broadband provider. Globes (Israel) (3/15)

Microsoft buys Tellme

Microsoft has announced that it will buy voice-recognition company Tellme Networks for an undisclosed amount. Tellme applications are currently used by American Airlines' computerized phone line that lets travelers check flight information, as well as the voice-recognition system that lets callers order a pizza from Domino's without speaking to a person.  Bloomberg1/ClipSyndicate (3/14) Los Angeles Times/Associated Press (3/15)

Technology Trends

Motorola unveils wireless router for Vonage customers
The Motorola VT2542 Internet Phone Adapter & Wireless Router is designed to enable Vonage customers to connect up to two Vonage lines through a high-speed cable or DSL connection. The router features voice-over-data prioritization, which maintains the quality of the voice call while callers are simultaneously accessing the Internet. Wireless IQ (3/14)

Will Apple TV kill the 30-second spot?
The new Apple TV device, which allows users to download shows without TV commercials from iTunes and transmit them to their TVs, is one of the factors likely to spur the end of the 30-second spot, perhaps within the next 10 years, according to Jeff Binder, senior director for connected home solutions with Motorola. As a result, he said, "almost all advertising a decade from now will be addressable." CNNMoney.com (3/14)

Broadcom, Qualcomm forge patent settlement
Qualcomm and Broadcom have settled another patent dispute, this time over infringement claims related to power control in a wireless phone. The companies are entangled in several patent disputes against each other and are set for a U.S. International Trade Commission hearing next week. Los Angeles Times/Bloomberg (3/15)

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Regulatory & Legislative

FCC commissioners appear before House telecom panel
During their first appearance before the committee in three years, FCC Chairman Kevin Martin and his fellow commissioners faced tough questions from lawmakers on a wide range of topics. The Wall Street Journal (3/14) The Washington Post/Associated Press (3/14) NYTimes.com/CNET (3/14)

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