Recession creates new opportunities

The mobile and wireless communications industry is reportedly going through a rough patch in Europe because of the ongoing economic slowdown, says TMCNet.

While the mobile network operators (MNO) struggle to retain their market and establish new ones, they are constantly being challenged by the new entrants in the field, says Frost & Sullivan.

As subscribers look to spend as little as possible, MNOs are caught in the never-ending battle of price cuts and freebies to attract customers, which opens the chance for newcomers as customers are likely to go with any service provider that provides more for less.

Cox Communications continues to plough forward with its plans to build a cellular network, but the cable company may have a hard time standing out in the crowded field, according to InformationWeek.

Cox spent more than $300 million to acquire portions of the 700MHz spectrum, and will be using this to roll out its wireless service.

The move would let the cable company offer a 'quadruple play', meaning it can offer cable TV, home phone and Internet services, and wireless calling capabilities.

Clearwire is planning to create a WiMax Innovation Network in Silicon Valley, California, according to TMCNet.

Clearwire says its WiMax Innovation Network will initially cover more than 20 square miles in Silicon Valley and bring 4G wireless service to campuses of Google and Intel.

Cisco Systems says it will provide core IP next-generation network infrastructure equipment in support of the WiMax Innovation Network.