Cox Communications announced the hiring of two executives in its wireless business unit as it prepares to launch mobile-phone services in 2009.
The operator last fall announced plans to introduce wireless services initially in partnership with Sprint Nextel and eventually through 3G CDMA networks the MSO is building using its own spectrum.
The new hires are Raj Beri, vice president of wireless product operations, and Dane Dickie, executive director of wireless product development. Both report to Stephen Bye, Cox's vice president of wireless.
Beri previously headed North American services for Nokia Siemens Networks and spent 10 years in various positions at AT&T Wireless. At Cox, Beri will be responsible for the long-term operational processes for the forthcoming wireless product, including the overall direction, management and coordination of the launch and deployment of wireless products and services.
Dickie will be responsible for directing and managing the development of devices and services within Cox's wireless business unit. He was formerly general manager of carrier operations at Hughes Telematics and worked at BellSouth International overseeing various wireless, broadband and software products.
As part of its wireless strategy, Cox is testing Long Term Evolution technology, a higher-capacity 4G standard being adopted by AT&T and Verizon Wireless in the U.S.
