News of Note—VIP buys AWI, Qualcomm’s 5G test program, Samsung’s profits, and more

Here are the stories we’re chasing today:

> VIP Wireless, a Boost Mobile master agent, announced it will purchase AWI and the company’s 700 Boost Mobile locations. Release

> Research firm Dell’Oro predicted that worldwide carrier capex would grow 1% through 2020. In the U.S. market, that figure would reach 2%, the firm said. RCR Wireless News article

> Qualcomm said its new “5G Test Ready Program” for its 5G New Radio is now open to its partners “to help them expedite the commercial launches of Snapdragon X50 powered devices in 2019.” Post

> Samsung reported an increase in profits largely due to sales of its chips. Bloomberg article

> LG reported sluggish device sales but an increase in profit overall. Mobile World Live article

> Small cell company ip.access said it has a new CEO. IPv6 article

> Research firm CCS Insight predicted that Europe will fall behind the United States in the race to 5G. Telecoms article