News In Brief: Apple, China Telecom, Oracle, Vimpelcom, Alibaba Group, First Communications

Apple will expand its iPad range with a 9.7-inch unit running an ARM Cortex A9 processor in early 2011. The same processor will feature in a 7-inch version also slated to launch next year, Digitimes.com reports.
 
China Telecom has contracted Alcatel-Lucent to upgrade its domestic CDMA network. The deal covers 56 cities in nine provinces, with work due to be completed by the end of the year.
 
Oracle CEO Larry Ellison has lambasted HP’s board for removing Mark Hurd telling the New York Times the decision could prove as bad as Apple’s decision to fire Steve Jobs.
 
Russia's Vimpelcom has completed a mandatory squeeze-out of all shares and ADRs of OJSC Vimpelcom.
 
Alibaba Group, which controls Yahoo China, has bought a 16% stake in Chinese search engine, Sogou.
 
First Communications has contracted Nokia Siemens Networks to boost bandwidth for its customers in New Jersey and New York.