Year in review: A roller-coaster ride for wireless

#rb_bodyWrap .left_content h2{font-family:Georgia, serif;} #right_content .topics ul.topics_list{padding-right:4px;} #rb_bodyWrap div#right_content td,#rb_bodyWrap div#right_content tr,#rb_bodyWrap div#right_content tbody,#rb_bodyWrap div#right_content table, #rb_bodyWrap ul.topics_list, ul.topics_list li {vertical-align:top;} #rb_bodyWrap div#right_content td{padding:4px;} #rb_bodyWrap #right_content h4{font-family:Georgia, serif;color:#990000;} div#storyMeta{font-size:115%;} #contentMain a:hover{color:#990000;} #rb_bodyWrap #right_content table{font-size:105%} Wireless PageVars.set('title', escape("Year in review: A roller-coaster ride for wireless")); PageVars.set('description', escape("From a record-breaking FCC wireless auction to the launch of the new iPhone 3G to the death of citywide Wi-Fi, 2008 was full of peaks and valleys.")); PageVars.set('href', "http://news.cnet.com/2009-1033_3-6248328.html"); A roller-coaster ride for wireless By Marguerite Reardon Staff Writer, CNET News Published: December 20, 2008, 11:00 AM PST Print E-mail Share cnet_news406:http%3A%2F%2Fnews.cnet.com%2F2009-1033_3-6248328.html The wireless industry had its share of ups and downs in 2008. The year started off with a bang as the Federal Communications Commission held its most successful wireless spectrum auction ever, for licenses in the 700MHz band of spectrum. The auction, which , reallocated wireless spectrum that will be freed up when TV broadcasters stop transmitting analog TV signals over the airwaves in February 2009. Verizon Communications , snagging nationwide coverage in the C-Block of the 700MHz spectrum auction. But it was pressure from Google's to ensure that the open-access rule Google had lobbied for would take effect. After the 700MHz auction, Google joined other tech companies like Microsoft, in lobbying to free broadcast TV spectrum called "white space" for unlicensed use. In May, Google co-founder Larry Page spectrum. But TV broadcasters . Despite opposition, the FCC that would open up the spectrum for unlicensed use. Credit: Sarah Tew/CNET Networks In September, T-Mobile and HTC launched the G1, the first cell phone to use Google's Android operating system. It was also a big year for smartphones, which are now considered the fastest-growing product category in the mobile handset market. In mid-July, Apple introduced the highly anticipated 3G version of the iPhone. With a faster network connection and subsidized $199 price tag for the 8GB model, iPhone 3Gs have been selling like hotcakes. On the heels of the iPhone launch, T-Mobile and HTC launched the world's first Google phone in September. The new is the first cell phone to use Google's Android operating system. In November, Research In Motion , a touch-screen phone that uses technology called sure-press that requires users to press down on the screen as if they're pushing a button. The Storm is exclusively sold on Verizon Wireless' network, finally sold by AT&T. Fourth-generation wireless also took its first baby steps in 2008. About six months after Sprint Nextel to build a nationwide 4G wireless network, Sprint in October. Other markets, like Philadelphia and Chicago, are soon to follow. The Sprint/Clearwire deal--which has , finally closed in November--creating the new company called Clearwire. Also in 2008, Verizon , which when complete will make Verizon Wireless the largest wireless operator in the country, unseating current title holder AT&T. Cell phone subscribers made some headway in their legal battles with wireless operators over early termination fees. In July, Verizon Wireless filed by customers who claimed the company's early termination fees are excessive and unfair. Later that month, a judge in Alameda County, Calif., ruled that the . Sprint is appealing the decision. But the company has that already prorate early termination fees. While 2008 was filled with several high notes, there were also some low notes. Early in the year, EarthLink, which had championed the citywide Wi-Fi cause, . Citywide Wi-Fi wasn't the only piece of the wireless industry to take a hit in 2008. The weakening U.S. and global economies affected the wireless industry in the third quarter. By November and December, handset manufacturers, including and , were reporting a slowdown in sales. In early December, AT&T was the first phone company to announce major layoffs. The company said it will . Economic troubles are likely to follow the wireless industry into the new year. But there are also likely to be some bright spots, including some cool phones. Word has it that Sony Ericsson is working on a Google Android phone for summer 2009, and HTC, the maker of the G1, will introduce an entire portfolio of Android devices. And there's always a possibility that Apple will come out with a new version of the iPhone midyear to set everyone in a frenzy. 2008 Highlights The Internet service provider is hoping to find a buyer for its drastically scaled back--and doomed?--municipal Wi-Fi business, the CEO announces. February 8, 2008 Wireless-service provider beats out Google for licenses in the C-Block of the federal communications agency's 700MHz spectrum auction. March 20, 2008 more highlights below Mobile operator to create a joint venture with Clearwire that is backed by Comcast, Time Warner Cable, Bright House Networks, Google, and Intel. May 6, 2008 The Google co-founder is trying to convince lawmakers and the FCC open up unused spectrum for wireless devices. May 22, 2008 Verizon Wireless intends to acquire Alltel in a deal worth $28.1 billion, creating the largest cell phone company in the country. June 5, 2008 If you're considering buying an iPhone 3G, there are several things you should know before July 11. Here's a full list. June 11, 2008 Verizon Wireless agrees to pay $21 million to settle a case filed by customers who claim the company's early termination fees are excessive and unfair. July 10, 2008 Sprint Nextel suffered a heavy legal blow earlier this week when a judge in Alameda County, Calif., ruled the fees it charges customers for ditching their service early were illegal. July 31, 2008 A month after the launch of the iPhone 3G, reception problems continue to plague owners with dropped calls, poor networking speeds, and frustrating customer service experiences. August 11, 2008 The new T-Mobile G1 may be no beauty, but its software creates a mobile Web surfing experience that beats much of the competition. September 23, 2008 Once the locale of HBO's The Wire, Baltimore now hosts the flagship network for a new "unwired" broadband initiative. October 8, 2008 Motorola, the company that invented the cell phone, is on the brink of disaster, but can the company "pull an Apple" and make a comeback? October 30, 2008 The FCC unanimously approves rules that will open unused broadcast TV spectrum known as "white space" for unlicensed use. November 4, 2008 The new BlackBerry Storm could be the first phone offered by Verizon Wireless that truly challenges Apple's iPhone offered on AT&T's network. November 19, 2008 For the second time in a month, Nokia revises its forecast and tells investors that a slumping economy will hurt sales in the fourth quarter. December 4, 2008 Additional headlines