The European Commission plans to remove limits on how mobile operators can use their networks by scrapping the now outdated 1987 EU directive that restricts access to lower band (900Mhz) of the radio spectrum to traditional mobile communications. The idea behind this is to allow carriers to use their existing 2G networks to run the new 3G services, and to bring modern mobile services like video calling and mobile TV to the still uncovered-by-3G rural areas.

The problem is that mobile operators already paid heavily for their 3G licences, with UK’s five networks spending way over 20 billion pounds to secure the place in the world of 3G communications. And as we know, take-up has so far been slow. To put it in other words — if the 2G spectrum is opened for 3G services, will governments have to pay a refund to the carriers?

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At the recent SINOCES 2007 event in China, not that known company Hantel showcased its latest candybar-shaped TV-capable handset. No, I’m not talking this phone supports DVB-H nor DMB-T mobile TV standard, rather it does analog TV! One wonders if this is the right way to start with TV on a mobile phone — after all, that would use the existing programming already available in virtually all countries. On the other hand, there ARE reasons for companies pushing the proper mobile TV standards. Nevertheless, Hantel’s baby will certainly find its public in China – especially when you consider that it boasts the large touchscreen that is ideal for watch TV on the go, a camera and some sort of navigational wheel on the keypad. I doubt will see it exported outside of the world’s fastest growing economy, though.

[Via: uberphones]

Beside adding Pantech C150 candybar, AT&T (NYSE: T) – also known as the “iPhone carrier” – added Samsung SGH-A117 to its offering, targeting people looking for simple low-end clamshell-shaped device. There’s absolutely nothing special about the A117 – there are two screens (internal and external), speakerphone, WAP browser and the support for downloadable ringtones and wallpapers.

And… that’s it. This phone doesn’t even have a camera. I guess AT&T had to cover the low end of the spectrum with such device. But, what the hack — it’s a GoPhone (Pay As You Go) with a price tag of $60, making it a perfect easy-to-use entry level device.

[Via: PhoneArena]

Helio’s iPhone-fighting Ocean handset just got another weapon in its arsenal – Exchange ActiveSync support! Contacts, calendar, and email (as long as you have the support of an Outlook Exchange server) are all synced on your Helio Ocean. And, the new Helio file Viewer makes viewing all those Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and PDF file attachments that much easier.

The best part? Helio is offering their Exchange ActiveSync and File Viewer service for FREE! Well kind of. Helio plans on hooking you into using their product by giving you 60 fee-free days of service, but, on that 61st day, Helio’s going to hit you with a $10 per month fee.

If you’ve got an Outlook Exchange server handy (oh, and a Helio Ocean, of course) this sounds like a pretty good deal to us. We’ll just conveniently forget the fact that our Windows Mobile-packin’ HTC TyTn has built-in Exchange support.

[Via: Engadget Mobile]

That’s right! Following in the tradition of Windows Mobile devices getting their WM6 fix through “independent” means, the Palm (NSDQ: PALM) Treo 750 is now in the Windows Mobile 6.0 game. Thanks to the always-helpful Xda-developers forum users, all you Treo 750 owners can kick it up a notch with not-exactly-official WM6 ROM.As is par for this course, getting that coveted WM6 logo onto you Treo’s startup splash screen comes with the risk of turning your expensively precious handset into a wallet-busting paperweight – and don’t expect Palm or AT&T (NYSE: T) to lend a sympathetic ear if the worst should happen. Still, we think it’s worth the risk. Head on over to the xda-developers.com and search-up of that “Treo” of yours, we’re sure you’ll find what you’re looking for (cough…750…cough)

[Via: Xda-developers]

Everyone needs additional storage space these days. Yeah, hard drives are cheap as never before, but having some of your stuff online gives you that edge of mobility, many of us are looking for. So it doesn’t surprises online storage providers are having more and more users every day.

One of the most popular such services, Box.net
, recently added support for Apple (NSDQ: AAPL)’s handset. Located at “i.box.net“, the optimized interface allows iPhone users to easily access their files from everywhere. Box.net already had a mobile-optimized version, but this one is (as expected) more slicker to suit that uber-cool style Apple is pushing.

Suddenly your 4 or 8 GB iPhone could store more than you imagined… Also to check – SeeFile.com’s iPhone storage service.

[Via: Cellphone9]

Again, while we’re still waiting for some serious WQVGA screen equipped phones from the major handset makers, Chinese have produced yet another such handset! I’m aware this phone lacks many things, including the standard-shaped numerical keypad, but there’s a huge 3″ touchscreen, 1.3 MP camera, microSD expansion slot, media player and even the NES emulator preloaded on it. C’mon Motorolas, Nokias and Sony Ericssons of the world – show us some wide love, be sure we’ll respond well.

In the meantime, I’ll only add this phone measures 106×52.5×16.5 mm and weighs 83 grams. Demo video of the device follows after the break.

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In case you thought Apple (NSDQ: AAPL)’s virtual keyboard is better than the one installed on Nokia (NYSE: NOK) N800, here’s your chance to give it a try. Guys behind the “Gustavo Sverzut Barbieri” blog, made the Python application which mimics iPhone’s virtual keyboard on Nokia’s Internet Tablet device. It is free to download and what follows next is the short video featuring live demo of iPhone’s keyboard working on the N800. Enjoy!

Who needs an iPhone indeed. For all you Windows Mobile fans out there that either hate the iPhone or just don’t want to make the switch, the good folks at WhoNeedsAniPhone.com have released their application launcher, in “alpha” guise.

Windows Mobile 5 and 6 users with a touchscreen device will be pleased to hear that the launcher is now available for free. If you’re one a “Smartphone” or “Standard” device, then its SOL-street for you guys.

The app-launcher is basically an interface overlay that mimics the look and feel of the iPhone’s icon-based homescreen. It’s pretty trick and it’s available for free download. Combine this with WhoNeedsAniPhone.com’s “Locker App” (which mimics the iPhone’s “Slide to Unlock” feature) and the “Weather App” (no real description necessary), and you have a Windows Mobile device that has a very iPhone-esque feel to it. These guys are working hard to bring more apps and features to the Windows Mobile WNAI camp, so keep checking the site for updates.

Head on over to the WNAI forums and take a peek at the progress that they’re making.

Source

In their push to introduce a CDMA equivalent to Nextel’s iDEN-based Push-To-Talk feature, Sprint (NYSE: S) has announced the first cross-network walkie-talkie call last week. The call connected a CDMA and iDEN phone, and represents a major advancement in Sprint’s efforts to integrate the walkie-talkie feature on the CDMA Rev. A network. The tricky part is emulating the functionality of a feature that was built into the iDEN network (from the ground up) on Sprint’s mobile broadband network.

If all goes as planned, and this latest test is a good sign, Sprint will be launching their new mobile broadband service in 2008. Once complete, CDMA and iDEN users alike will be able to get their “chirp” on.

[Via: Phonescoop]