> Sprint and Samsung announced the Conquer 4G, a lower-end Android phone designed for Sprint's WiMAX-based 4G network. The phone, which goes on sale Aug. 21, features a 3.5-inch touchscreen, 3.2 megapixel rear-facing and 1.3 megapixel front-facing cameras, and will sell for $99 after a $50 rebate. Article
> Alcatel-Lucent's patent portfolio could be worth more than the company's current market valuation. Article
> Loans recently made to small telcos by the Rural Utilities Service would no longer be "financially feasible" if the FCC caps the Universal Service fund, according to data filed by the RUS with the FCC last week. Article
And finally... Some busy Starbucks coffee shops in New York City have started blocking electrical outlets to discourage laptop users from using up space, and to free up seats for other customers. Article