T-Mobile allows agents to handle business accounts; Microsoft reportedly prepping 1,000 job cuts in Finland

Quick news from around the Web.

> BlackBerry today announced BlackBerry Assistant, the company's answer to speech-recognition services like Apple's Siri and Google Now. Article

> Amazon is reportedly testing a "Kindle Unlimited" ebook subscription service for $9.99 per month. Article

> Microsoft is reportedly preparing to cut 1,000 jobs in Finland. Article

> Google is offering an online Android app development training course. Post

> T-Mobile US confirmed it will allow its customers to use a monthly payment plan to pay for accessories costing $69 to $250. Article

> T-Mobile announced its new Channel Partner Program, which the carrier said will allow its business customers to maintain their relationship to T-Mobile master agents and their sub-agents by giving those agents reoccurring payments and access to online sales tools. Release

> AT&T Mobility said it will sell the HTC Desire 610 Android smartphone for $199.99 without a contract starting July 25. Post

> The FCC is creating a "strike force" to combat USF and E-Rate fraud. Article

> Microsoft isn't allowing some Lumia users to set Google as their default search provider. Article

> The FCC cited "overwhelming" traffic as the reason it extended the deadline for net neutrality comments. Article

> Google appointed Ford's Alan Mulally to its board of directors. Release

> Samsung announced the U.S. availability of its new "Samsung Level" portfolio of "premium mobile audio products." Release

> Samsung could be planning a partnership with Under Armour  for wearable devices. Article

> According to eMarketer, Microsoft will surpass Yahoo in market share in the global digital ad business. Article

Online Video News

> In a document spanning more than 25 pages, Netflix exhorted the FCC to revamp its latest version of the Open Internet order, saying that it needed to adopt clear and enforceable rules for the last mile that prevented discrimination and blocking. Article

> Akamai recorded previously unheard-of traffic spikes during the World Cup. On June 24, the combined matches between the U.S. and Germany, and between Portugal and Ghana, resulted in a historic traffic spike of 6.84 Tbps. Editor's Corner

Telecom News

> Frontier Communications and the Communications Workers of America (CWA) Nebraska Local 1471 have ratified a new labor agreement for customer service-focused employees who work in Kearney and Columbus, Neb. Article

Cable News

> Sling Media has announced a couple new Slingbox streaming devices including a lower priced entry-level model and an improved interface for its high-end unit. Article

> In a probable bellwether of pending merger activity among entertainment conglomerates, Time Warner Inc. has rejected an $80 billion cash and stock acquisition offer from 21st Century Fox. Article

European Wireless News

> As expected, Portugal Telecom and Oi have been forced to revise the terms of their merger and have signed a new memorandum of understanding that will see PT hold a smaller stake in the merged company of 25.6 per cent. Article

> How should mobile operators manage expectations? Editor's Corner

> América Móvil revealed it will own 50.8 per cent of Telekom Austria following the completion of its offer for shares in the Austrian operator that it does not already own. Article

And finally… On its new "Fact Check" blog, BlackBerry blasted the CEOs of Good Technology and MobileIron. Post