Nokia Networks launches its third consecutive Open Innovation Challenge in Espoo, Finland and the focus of this year’s challenge is on the Internet of Things (IoT) domain. Nokia invites innovative ideas, technologies, or business models addressing opportunities in the IoT domain.

U.S. carrier Sprint announced the availability of Sprint Spark in six new markets. The newly added markets are Austin, Dallas, Fort Worth, Houston, San Antonio and Fort Lauderdale. Sprint Spark is designed to accommodate all of Sprint’s spectrum bands on a single device.

Nokia Networks has expanded its LTE network in a box (NIB) solution by integrating the BeOn communications suite offered by its public safety partner Harris Corporation.

O2 (Telefónica UK) has selected Nokia Siemens Networks to prepare its LTE network across London and the South East of England. The UK operator is anticipating a rapid launch of 4G following Ofcom’s spectrum auctions scheduled for early 2013.

Ascom Network Testing has enhanced its TEMS LTE Offerings with additional LTE products and functionality.

South Korean carrier SK Telecom has started using Multi Carrier (MC) technology in its LTE network commercially to offer faster LTE services. Operator plans to cover the whole Seoul area within 2012 and 23 other major cities by early 2013.

Russian mobile service provider Scartel has implemented VoLTE (voice over LTE) with SRVCC (Single Radio Voice Call Continuity) using Huawei's solution. Following implementation of the solution, Scartel is now technologically capable of supporting voice calls on its LTE network.