verizon

Verizon became the second wireless carrier (after Sprint) to offer the new Motorola RAZR2 V9m, with AT&T and Alltel still to follow. You can either purchase the phone right now at the company's website, or wait until next week when you will be able to buy it in a local Verizon store.

Verizon Wireless plans to launch an updated version of the once popular LG VX8300 smartphone in September. The new model is marked VX8350, and comes with the following features:

 

• Internal antenna
• MicroSD slot (up to 4GB)
• External Display: 262K color TFT
• Internal Display: 176x220 262K color TFT
• Built-in camera: 1.

Verizon and LG have a new olive (dark green) color scheme for their VX9900 enV handset, following the standard silver and black colors, and the wild orange flavor. Release date is yet unknown.

Verizon Wireless in a partnership with Rhapsody America (MTV's and RealNetworks' joint venture) came up with a new digital music service allowing V CAST users to have access to Rhapsody content, including album art, music, ringtone and videos, available directly from the mobile phone. Additionally, Verizon plans to release a bunch of 8GB and 16GB phone models in the coming months.

According to some rumors, the Motorola Q9m, mentioned earlier, will be available from Verizon this month, probably on August 22nd.

The prices will vary depending on the contract:

• $300 with a 2-year and a $50 rebate;
• $400 for a 1-year customer agreement and a $50 rebate;
• $470 without a contract.

Verizon Wireless and Sierra Wireless have just released the new Sierra Wireless AirCard(R) 595U USB modem for use with Verizon Wireless' BroadbandAccess service. The device is easily connected to a PC via USB port, and uses Verizon Wireless' EV-DO Rev. A network providing average download/upload speeds of 600-1433/500-800Kbps.

Verizon Wireless customers can now enjoy the renewed USA TODAY Mobile service thanks to the latest improvements in the Mobile Web 2.0. that give it a new look and feel.

The information available on USA TODAY includes:

• NEWS: breaking news and Top stories
• MONEY: Stocks, financial and company news, market reports
• SPORTS: Top scores and results
• LIFE: Entertainment and celebrity news, movies, music, tv and more
• TECH: product reviews, expert quotes
• TRAVEL: Travel news, City Guides
• WEATHER: Forecasts, current local conditions by city

Access to Mobile Web 2.

Verizon Wireless has expanded its coverage area by purchasing Ramcell, a regional cellular operator providing coverage in Kentucky and Oregon. The company plans to upgrade Ramcell's TDMA network to CDMA with EVDO Rev. A. Same goes to Ramcell's CDMA network in Oregon.

Both upgrades are scheduled to be completed by the middle of 2008.

Verizon Wireless has expanded its coverage by purchasing Rural Cellular, a regional cellular operator, for $2.67 billion. Rural Cellular has 716,000 subscribers in several regions of the country and operates both CDMA and GSM networks.

Verizon plans to switch Rural's GSM customers to CDMA network, but it will keep GSM networks operational to help provide roaming coverage to other GSM carriers.

Verizon Wireless has set a new record in text messaging. In June its subscribers sent and received more than 10 billion text messages (SMS). This is not just a company record but also the highest reported total of any other American WSP. In addition, more than 200 million multimedia messages (MMS) have been sent in June. Verizon's rates are rapidly growing, having made almost 100% from September 2006.