Wireless chip revenue slumps

iSuppli says sales of wireless semiconductors worldwide are expected to fall this year to the lowest level since 2003, because of the recession and excess inventory, according to The Wall Street Journal.

However, "normal seasonality and growth" are expected to return in the second half and continue into 2010 and beyond, the research firm says.

A range of chip makers, from giant Intel to Europe's largest, STMicroelectronics, have raised their outlooks recently as demand has picked up.

The Rural Cellular Association (RCA) says the changes Verizon Wireless made to its exclusive deals regarding handset concessions don't go far enough and smaller carriers complain that Verizon will retain exclusive access to popular handsets such as the BlackBerry Storm, reports InformationWeek.

Facing increased government pressure, Verizon said last week it would allow any carrier with fewer than 500 000 subscribers to offer devices it sells after a six-month exclusivity window.

The RCA says the major flaw with this deal is that it only affects future handsets, and it excludes popular devices like the Verizon-exclusive BlackBerry Storm.

Globalive Holdings says its plans to introduce a mobile phone network in Canada are back on track after the CRTC agreed to quicken a review of the company's ownership structure, reports CBCNews.

Globalive chairman, Anthony Lacavera, says the company might have to delay plans to launch its wireless network till the end of the year after the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) said it would hold a two-day hearing in September to review the complex corporate structure and financial arrangements of Globalive.

At issue for Globalive was the CRTC's original plan to follow the hearing with a decision within 120 days.