Quick news from across the Web
@FierceWireless: RT @electronistaweb: HTC Thunderbolt cleared to ship to Verizon at last? Article | Follow @FierceWireless
> HTC debuted the HTC Merge, the company's first Android-based CDMA world phone. The smartphone will be available through North American operators this spring. Release
> Sprint is offering a service that will let users remotely lock or wipe their lost Android or Blackberry smartphones. Article
> It looks like HTC's Trophy smartphone is headed to Verizon Wireless. The phone was spotted with a Verizon logo. Article
Mobile Content News
> Nokia is offering a beta version of its Ovi Browser for its Series 40 platform. Article
> China Unicom's parent China United Network Communications Group unveiled Wophone, a new mobile OS for smartphones and tablets. Article
> AT&T is joining forces with Placecast to introduce ShopAlerts, which delivers offers, rewards and coupons based on each opt-in subscriber's geographic location. Article
Broadband Wireless News
> Operators that have embraced the data offload concept are having difficulty quantifying its ability to reduce 3G network congestion or solidly demonstrate its cost advantages. Commentary
> The Rural Cellular Association has issued a new report that claims 38,500 jobs could be created and another 78,500 saved in rural areas if wireless broadband were deployed in the 700 MHz band. Article
> A report by Broadcast Engineering said broadcasters who don't give up their spectrum for FCC auction and wireless reallocation could get hit with $4.8 billion in user fees. Article
European Wireless News
> Is the customer being ignored when it comes to machine-to-machine connections? Commentary
> Nokia customers said they prefer Symbian and MeeGo to WP7. Article
> Several leading handset makers have agreed technical details for the LTE-Advanced standard. Article
> Telefónica reported a 30.8 percent increase in full-year 2011 net profit, helped by strong subscriber growth in its wireless businesses. Article
And finally... Nokia received high markets from GoodGuide for its "green" phones. Article