Wireless Watch 601

Key Issues:
US operators embark on density programs, but ROI is uncertain 2

• Chinese OEMs seize US opportunity as carriers back off smartphones 11
• Verizon mobile-first Go90 OTT service due in October 13

Honeymoon period for ALU/Nokia but Huawei is the real Q2 star 15

Comment:

• Embedded SIM set to erode MNO power, from next year 25
• Nokia makes surprise move as mobile VR battle heats up 28
• NFV provides chance for vendors to disrupt network status quo 32
• Microsoft takes retro approach to W10, with PC-focused launch 33
• From drones to sensors – the mobile vendors flee smartphones 35

M&A Watch:
Qualcomm could join M&A wave, or even be target itself 37
5G Watch:
Ericsson and SK Telecom work on network slicing 38
IoT Watch:

• GE and NTT Docomo form Japanese IoT alliance 39
• Standards Watch:
• IBM boosts OIC, AllSeen hints at convergence with its rival 40

WiFi Watch:

• Cellcos’ cash and spectrum shortage should boost WiFi in India; Almost two-thirds of homes have problems with WiFi networks 41

• SFR and Orange raise hopes that French market is stabilizing 44

Devices and Components:
Freescale brings its network edge strengths to ARM family; BlackBerry may launch just one handset a year 46