Apple Inc.’s (AAPL) iPhone is finally reaching the hands of South Korean mobile users. The country’s telecom regulator Korea Communications Commission (“KCC") has granted Apple the license to sell the iconic handset in the domestic cell phone market. KCC has also lifted the restrictions that prohibited location-based services on smartphone devices such as the Google Maps application on iPhone.    South Korea’s second-largest wireless carrier KT Corp. (KTC) will start booking Internet order for iPhone (3G & 3GS) soon and begin selling it from Nov 28, 2009. The company targets to initially sell 150,000 units priced between KRW250,000 and KRW300,000 (US$216 and US$260). KT’s peer SK Telecom (SKM), the largest mobile operator in the country, is still negotiating with Apple for securing distribution rights.     South Korean wireless market is technologically advanced and relatively mature with roughly 47 million total subscribers, representing 96% penetration of

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Telus Corporation (TU) reported results for third-quarter 2009 with adjusted (excluding favorable tax related adjustments) earnings per ADS of 76 US cents (83 Canadian cents per share), missing the Zacks Consensus Estimate of 79 US cents. Adjusted earnings also declined from 86 US cents per ADS (89 Canadian cents per share) reported in the year-ago quarter.  Reported net income for the quarter registered C$280 million (US$209 million) or 87 Canadian cents a share (79 US cents per ADS), declining 2.1% year over year. Excluding the impact of tax-related adjustment of $14 million, net income declined 7% year over year. Telus remains challenged by the weakening Canadian economy, which is mostly affecting its wireline business.  The second largest Canadian telecom carrier reported revenues of C$2.4 billion (US$2.2 billion), down 1.6% year over year due to persistent decline in voice revenues. Consolidated EBITDA decreased 5.3% year over year ...

South Korea’s largest fixed-line carrier, KT Corp. (KTC), announced third quarter results with reported net income increasing 80% year over year to KRW351.4 billion (US$285 million) or KRW1,497 per share (70 cents per ADS). The annualized growth was driven by gains from wireless and a stronger Korean won versus the US dollar, which helped reduce the cost for foreign currency debt.   Revenues for the quarter increased 3.9% year over year to KRW4.82 triillion (US$1.97 billion), driven by growth in wireless data and subscriber base. However, operating profit declined 11.7% year over year to KRW413.1 billion (US$335 million) due to increase in depreciation and amortisation costs and higher marketing expenses resulting from intense competiion.   KT is battling with its Korean peers SK Telecom (SKM) and LG Dacom to win new customers in a highly matured domestic wireless market, represented by approximately 96% mobile penetration.   ...

The battle for supremacy in the global smart-phone market is getting intense by the day. Now the matter has entered the courtroom. Yesterday, the largest smart-phone maker in the world, Nokia Corp. (NOK) filed a complaint against Apple Inc. (AAPL) with the Federal District Court in Delaware, alleging that Apple's legendary iPhone has violated as many as ten Nokia patents from 2007.   These ten patents related to technologies fundamental to making mobile handsets, which are compatible with one or more of the GSM (2G), UMTS/WCDMA (3G) and wireless LAN ( for Wi-Fi connectivity) standards. Technically these patents cover wireless data, speech coding, security and encryption for smart-phones. Nokia said that the company spent more than $60 billion in the last two decades to develop the wireless industry's strongest and broadest IPR portfolios, consisting of 10,000 patents. So far the company has entered into patent licensing agreements ...

Telus Corp (TU), Canada’s second largest telecom carrier, has reportedly acquired Black’s Photo Corporation (Black’s), a leading imaging and digital retailer in Canada , for C$28 million (US$26 million). For nearly 80 years, Black’s has been a premier distributor of cameras, accessories, albums and printing services that are complementary to Telus’ wireless offerings.  Telus’ wireless devices will feature in Black’s nationwide retail outlets, addressing the growing demand for mobile handsets embedded with high quality photo and video capability. Telus remains the industry leader in offering the broadest assortment of smartphones in Canada. Strong smartphone adoption and the associated increase in data service usage continue to catalyze wireless data revenue growth.  Telus contends with a weakening Canadian economy and domestic competition, which would intensify with the entry of new wireless players (including Globalive Communications and Quebecor Inc) in late 2009 and early 2010. The company continues to ...

Novatel Wireless Inc. (NVTL), a leading provider of wireless data access cards and embedded solutions, has launched its MiFi Web server Common Gateway Interface (CGI) for the MiFi Developer Program. MiFi line of products, the industry’s first Intelligent Mobile Hotspot, is getting increasing market traction.

MiFi is an ultra-portable wireless device, creating an environment of high-speed internet connectivity that can be easily shared by multiple users using up to five Wi-Fi devices. Novatel has developed MiFi for both EV-DO and HSPA standards.   The release of this interface will enable software developers to use MiFi’s open CGI to access the on-board processing capabilities of this intelligent mobile hotspot. Novatel has decided to develop an open platform ecosystem based on MiFi technology for applications and services delivery.

The company is working with Alcatel-Lucent (ALU) to integrate its Nonstop Laptop Guardian platform on the HSPA version of MiFi. Novatel is also commercializing

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The MiFi line of products, the industry’s first Intelligent Mobile Hotspot, is getting increasing market traction. This product has been developed by Novatel Wireless Inc (NVTL), a leading provider of wireless data access cards and embedded solutions.

Yesterday, Novatel entered into an agreement with Moblix to sell MiFi products in Central & Eastern Europe and the Middle East using Moblix’s reseller channel. 3G mobile broadband networks are being increasingly deployed in these regions by several telecom carriers.

MiFi is an ultra-portable wireless device, creating an environment of high-speed internet connectivity that can be easily shared by multiple users using up to five Wi-Fi devices. Novatel has developed MiFi for both EV-DO and HSPA standards and has also begun shipment to Verizon Wireless (VZ) and Telefonica SA (TEF). Another major U.S. carrier, Sprint-Nextel (S) has also announced a deal with Novatel to launch MiFi.

According to our assessment, diversification into

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We upgrade our rating to Buy for Novatel Wireless Inc. (NVTL), a leading provider of wireless data access cards and embedded solutions. This follows an assessment of recently reported first quarter 2009 financial results above our estimates, along with increased demand for embedded products together with effective cost-control measures.The recently launched series of next-generation products, particularly the MiFi line of intelligent mobile hotspots, are likely to further improve overall financials. In addition, the company has a strong balance sheet and financial guidance provided by management is considered encouraging.We believe the recently launched MiFi product line, and expected commercialization of several new 3G USB modems, may improve Novatel's overall revenue opportunities. Efficient management of the company's cost structure is also likely to benefit earnings power in future reporting periods. Read the full analyst report on "NVTL"Zacks Investment Research

We maintain a Buy rating for Telus Corporation (TU), the second-largest telecommunications provider in Canada. The company registered record net wireless subscriber additions for the most recent quarter, coupled with growth in broadband, which more than offset declines in legacy fixed-line business. Additionally, increased demand for smartphones and associated usage continues to bolster wireless data revenue.

We are encouraged by Telus wireless business prospects given its strong brand value, expanding product/service portfolio and ongoing technology upgrade initiatives. Although Telus modestly trimmed its outlook for the remainder of unreported 2008, the company committed to continued share buyback programs and increased dividend payouts.

We also assess that the company's ARPU [average revenue per user] trend may still have upside potential as Telus new wireless data offering is only subscribed to by approximately 10% of their wireless customer base. We believe that the company has an opportunity to drive further data usage which would

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Novatel Wireless, Inc. (NVTL), a leading provider of wireless data access cards and embedded solutions, reported challenges associated with business execution, delays in next-generation product shipment due to technical issues, and reduced financial resources due to an audit committeeÂ’s ongoing accounting review.

We believe these factors will continue to impact the company throughout the remainder of this fiscal year. Novatel did not provide any specific time frame, or visibility, when improved opportunities from its new products can be derived. In addition, the market for wireless data access equipment has recently become more competitive as several large vendors launched innovative products with attractive pricing.

NovatelÂ’s second quarter 2008 preliminary earnings results were significantly below our estimates. We downgrade our recommendation to a Sell as we assess appropriate signs for improved conditions. Novatel is trading at 38.9x our estimated 2008 earnings, which represents a significant premium to both the S&P 500

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