Washington has the third-highest gasoline prices in the nation, after Hawaii and California, according to AAA. The organization said the average prices of a gallon of gas in the state was up to $3.10 Friday, while the average in Seattle-Bellevue-Everett area was $3.08. The national average stood at $2.82.
Sprint Nextel offers to unlock phones
Wireless subscribers of Sprint Nextel Corp. may no longer have to buy a new phone if they jump to a new carrier. As part of a proposed class-action settlement, the Reston, Va.-based provider has agreed to provide departing Sprint PCS customers with the code necessary to unlock their phones’ software. That would allow them to operate on any network using code division multiple access technology, or CDMA.
Nintendo won’t cut price of popular Wii
Fresh off bumper earnings, Nintendo Co. ruled out a price cut for its smash-hit Wii video game console. Nintendo President Satoru Iwata also unveiled a feature that allows users to send each other games over the Internet. Profits at Nintendo have surged on the success of the Wii and the portable Nintendo DS, forcing rivals to slash prices. The Wii sells for $249.99, less than Sony’s PlayStation 3 or Microsoft’s Xbox 360.
Merrill Lynch CEO may be on way out
Merrill Lynch &Co. Chief Executive Stan O’Neal faces the potential loss of his job over questions about his leadership of the world’s largest brokerage. The company’s shares had their largest jump in five years Friday as speculation swirled that his job was in danger. Earlier in the week, Merrill posted a $2.24 billion third-quarter loss — the biggest in its 93-year history.
Wendy’s reports smaller profit
Wendy’s International Inc. said changes at its eateries are paying off, but a decision about the possible sale of the nation’s third-largest hamburger chain is taking longer than expected. Wendy’s reported third-quarter earnings fell 57 percent from last year, before it spun off the Tim Hortons doughnut shop chain. Wendy’s made $30 million, or 34 cents a share.
Alltel’s buyout gets approval from FCC
The Federal Communications Commission has approved a $24.7 billion buyout of Alltel Corp., the nation’s fifth-largest wireless carrier, to a private investment group. The agency approved the transfer of Alltel’s licenses to Atlantis Holdings LLC, a holding company consisting of TPG Capital and a subsidiary of Goldman Sachs. Arkansas-based Alltel serves 12 million customers in 36 states.
From Herald staff
and news services
Talk to us
> Give us your news tips.
> Send us a letter to the editor.
> More Herald contact information.
