More wireless news from across the Web:
> Sony appears to be overhauling its U.S. smartphone business with a new CEO and layoffs. Re/code article
> According to a new report, ZTE plans to announce a new management team. Reuters article
> Samsung will release a foldable smartphone next year, according to a new report. Article
> BlackBerry is offering some of the privacy features on its BBM messaging service for free, after previously charging users for them. Engadget article
> Sprint hired two former Verizon executives to lead some of its regional operations. Wireless Week article
Telecom News
> CenturyLink, Frontier Communications and TDS are amongst a growing group of service providers that are considering partnering with local communities to build out and upgrade their networks to support higher speed residential and business services. Article
Wireless Tech News
> Another Dish Network affiliate, this time Northstar Wireless, is asking the FCC to carefully consider "complications" as it considers Ligado Networks' proposal to use the 1675-1680 MHz band for terrestrial mobile downlink transmissions. Article
> Google is seeking an experimental license from the FCC to perform tests in the 2.5 GHz band near its California headquarters, supplementing experiments already done in the 3.5 GHz band in Kansas City. Article
European Wireless News
> Mobile operators in the UK are selling customers contracts that cost on average 130 per cent more than they need to, according to a "mystery shop" report commissioned by consumer group Citizens Advice. Article
Cable News
> TiVo says no major broadcast or cable network will run commercials for its Bolt DVR because of its ad-skipping "SkipMode" feature. Article
> Dish Network has signed separate multi-year agreements with Nielsen and comScore to provide the research companies with data from its network of pay-TV set-tops. Article
And finally… Electronics manufacturers in India are rallying around opposition to Apple's plan to sell used phones in the country. Article