Mobile broadband devices on shared data plans expected to skyrocket; Big River Broadband taps Alca-Lu for LTE network

> The number of mobile broadband devices sold globally on shared data plans is forecast to grow an average 89 percent, from 14.5 million this year to 186.8 million in 2015, according to study by Tekelec and Infonetics Research. Article

> Amped Wireless has unveiled two new high power, long-range wireless products that are designed to increase Wi-Fi range by up to 1.5 miles. Article

> The US regional service provider Big River Broadband has selected Alcatel-Lucent to build new regional LTE network. Operator plans to launch LTE service in seven Missouri counties in the first quarter of 2012. Alcatel-Lucent is providing its end-to-end LTE solution for broadband services. Article

> Verizon Wireless announced it is using mobile device management software from Motive, a division of Alcatel-Lucent to manage LTE smartphones and tablets on its LTE network. Release

And Finally... Officials in Kentucky are so keen to get rid of an obsolete but historic bridge on a rural stretch of highway that they are trying to give it away --and even offering to dismantle and deliver it to its new home for free. Article