Engadget claims that US operator Verizon Wireless is to launch its 'Wireless Network Extender' femtocell on 25 January for US$249.99.

South Korean car and electronics giant Hyundai is launching its nascent mobile handset business in the UK, reports Mobile Today.

The Financial Times (FT) reports that Sony Ericsson - the world's third-largest handset vendor - does not expect to post a profit this full-year and has confirmed a change of strategy by focusing on making higher-priced mobile devices.

Bahrain Telecommunications (Batelco) has become the latest international operator to enter the Indian market.

Nokia has hit back at recent concern over the success of its high-profile Comes With Music service by increasing investment in the product and announcing plans to launch in two new Asian markets this quarter.

TeleGeography notes ZDNet is reporting that UK regulator Ofcom is aiming to begin the auction process for spectrum in the 2.6GHz band by the end of March 2009.

Cellular News notes that UAE-based Etisalat - which recently took a 45 percent stake in Indian operator Swan Telecom - is reported to be in talks with India's Reliance over a network infrastructure sharing agreement for the company's towers.