Japanese technology giant Softbank's $20 billion takeover of Sprint is already proving to be an uphill battle. Sprint reported that it lost 423,000 U.S. subscribers from July 1 to Sept. 30, while only gaining 19,000 non-contract subscribers, the smallest number in over three years. That churn contributed to Sprint losing $767 million in the quarter, compared to a $301 million loss for the same period a year ago.

The downward spiral for Sprint was even more obvious in comparison to its two main competitors, Verizon Wireless, which added 1.8 million subscribers, and AT&T, which added 228,000 subscribers. In addition, Verizon Wireless and AT&T saw a spike in iPhone 5 sales while Sprint's activation of iPhones in Q3 was flat. Ironically, the 2012 American Customer Satisfaction Index ranked Sprint first among all national carriers in customer satisfaction and most improved, across all 47 U.S. industries, during the last four years.

In an attempt to shore up its flagging business, Sprint is acquiring PCS broadband spectrum and customers in parts of Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Missouri and Ohio from smaller wireless competitor U.S. Cellular for $480 million. Sprint CEO Dan Hesse stated that "Acquiring this spectrum will significantly increase Sprint's network capacity and improve the customer experience in several important Midwest markets including Chicago and St. Louis." Even though U.S. Cellular is exiting the Chicago market, its brand name will remain on the city's U.S. Cellular Field stadium and it will maintain its corporate headquarters in the market.

Being acquired by Softbank means Sprint, meanwhile, will officially shed the Nextel part of its corporate name.Continue reading...

Three companies that announced they're culling their brands today:

• Chrysler is killing off the Jeep Compass and its Town and Country minivan, formerly the bestselling minivan in America.

• Microsoft is phasing out the Zune brand in favor of Xbox-branded media and apps‎.

• Sprint is shutting down Nextel iDEN network next year‎.

Apple "iPhone 5 in October" rumors heat up and cases appear, while Samsung sues to pre-emptively block the device in Korea.

Netflix's Qwikster spin-off proves a turn-off to observers, subscribers and Wall Street.

Tyson Foods releases social campaign for Feeding America, and settles 12-year legal battle with employees with $32M settlement.

AT&T faces tough battle with seven states backing DoJ suit.

Facebook and Time Warner's CNN and Cartoon Network team up on anti-bullying pledge app.

Jarritos Mexican soda appeals to non-Hispanic young men with new campaign.

Kenshoo expands relationship with Omnicom's Annalect.

Lego enhances augmented reality packaging.Continue reading...

Ford's Fiesta is the star of an upcoming Web series, ControlTV, a reality series where the twists and turns are crowdsourced.

The latest branded entertainment effort from from Digital Broadcasting Group, the series  is directed by actor Seth Green (of Robot Chicken fame on Adult Swim).

ControlTV follows an L.A.-based 20-something male whose every (almost) move will be audience-determined 18 hours per day, dictating what he eats, wears, dates, works and travels. It's not a new idea — David Perez, a junior exec at Leo Burnett, attempted a similar feat at the recent Cannes advertising festival, though unsponsored.

As a result of DBS sponsorship deals, the ControlTV social media puppet will not only be driving a Ford Fiesta but also shown using a Nextel smartphone (hopefully not at the same time).Continue reading...

By now, it's almost laughable to see every square inch of a NASCAR driver's racing uniform covered with sponsors' brand logos. But that's a testament to the popularity of the sport and the desire of marketers to be connected with it.

Indy drivers may soon be sporting IZOD apparel and nothing else, since the IndyCar Series has officially been renamed the IZOD IndyCar Series.

It has been eight years since the IndyCar Series took on a title sponsor, and it couldn't come at a better time. The once renowned Indianapolis 500 car race has lost traction against such competitors as NASCAR and the National Hot Rod Association.Continue reading...