Verizon's New 3G Market Opportunities

With United States' largest mobile network operator, Verizon Wireless, moving its customers to their Long Term Evolution (LTE) network, their 3G airwaves will perhaps soon be left unoccupied and obsolete.

Fortunately, Verizon found a way of making this 3G airwaves useful by launching two new prepaid phone plans last Friday, February 1, 2013. These said plans include unlimited voice minutes and messaging. With the limitation that these plans run only on 3G phones (10 times slower than LTE devices), they offer 500 MB of mobile data for $60, and another $10 to boost the broadband bucket to 2GB per month. The plans do not involve a contract.

The plans highlight its budget-friendly pricing. "So, when it comes time to think about the important task of keeping in touch with friends and family, taking time to investigate wallet-friendly options can mean a few extra dollars for weekend fun or paying down those holiday bills," said Verizon in a post in their website.

"With an affordable prepaid plan, and some creativity, you can stay in touch with friends and family and save a few dollars along the way."

See Also: Apple Tops U.S.’s Phone Market in 2012′s Q4

KCET and Link TV merging

One of California’s major community TV networks announced a merger with Link TV, an open broadcast channel operated by Link Media. According to KCET CEO Al Jerome, the development will bring together the two companies to form KCETLink. Al Jerome will become Chief Executive of the new entity while Link President, Paul S. Mason will be the Chief Strategy Officer.

KCET has long been a flagship of PBS Network in the Los Angeles Area. The merger however, will create, according to the press release “a new independent public transmedia company that acquires, produces and distributes provocative global programming targeted to a national audience across multiple media platforms”. It will also increase the reach of the network to almost 33 million homes across the country.

Jerome also expressed his high-expectations for the new media outlet to thrive in a the budding digital ave thanks to the combined resources. Since KCET left PBS, the network had been struggling with declining viewership. Link TV’s technology will help the outlet expand its reach across the nation, and create new business opportunities.

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Orbcomm prototype deorbits, falls to Earth

After an anomaly during the October 7 launch where one of the engines of the SpaceX Falco 9 failed to work, Orbcomm’s prototype satellite, the OG2, has been declared a total loss. The announcement came after the spacecraft failed to reach its designated International Space Station (ISS) safety gate for the second burn. As a result the OG2 found itself in a lower orbit. 

Orbcomm engineers studied plans to use the satellite’s propulsion mechanism to push the vessel into its intended orbit. However, the plans for a second burn was scrapped due to safety reasons. Many attribute the failure to the satellite being relegated to a secondary payload. Had it been the primary payload on the Space X mission, it would have reached its desired orbit. 

Orbcomm officials explained that despite the loss of the OG2, the vessel’s critical systems were tested and worked perfectly as it was designed. The telemetry and command capability of the satellite was also established, and various communications payloads of the OG2 were verified by engineers to have worked. 

Despite the setback, the company will still work with SpaceX for future launches of its second-generation satellites. Orbcomm remains confident in the American space transport company.

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