Briefcase

Verizon’s 4G service coming to Spokane

Spokane-area Verizon customers will be able to start using the carrier’s advanced 4G wireless service on June 16, the company announced Monday.

Verizon claims the new service will download data, such as movies, TV shows or large files, at speeds up to 10 times faster than current wireless data options.

Other phone companies, such as Sprint and AT&T, are developing similar advanced wireless services.

The 4G service is available for users of enabled tablets, smartphones or wireless modems. It will cover most of Spokane County, including Airway Heights, Spokane Valley, Mead and Liberty Lake.

Users will have to sign up for a 4G data plan with rates varying by the volume of data used.

Tom Sowa

Spokane airport unveils master plan today

Spokane International Airport will unveil its master plan today at a three-hour open house that begins at 4 p.m. in the DoubleTree Hotel, Spokane City Center.

Airport officials and consultants will be on hand to explain displays, maps and other information on short-, medium- and long-terms plans that take development at the 5,400-acre West Plains site and associated structures out 30 years.

Passenger traffic is expected to double from 3 million in 2010 to 6 million by 2030. The plan considers how the airport will manage more passengers traveling longer distances, the timeline for new development, and potential funding sources.

The information will also be posted online at www.spokaneairports.net.

Validated parking will be available at the Spokane Convention Center Garage.

A second open house is scheduled for Aug. 9. A venue has not been selected.

Bert Caldwell

H&R Block faces fight over software firm buy

BOSTON – The Department of Justice is trying to halt H&R Block’s plans to acquire the creator of TaxACT software, saying the deal would leave just two major competitors in the do-it-yourself tax preparation market.

The agency on Monday filed an antitrust lawsuit arguing that the transaction would eliminate a strong rival of H&R Block Inc. and Intuit Inc., maker of such programs as Quicken and TurboTax.

Regulators say those two companies and TaxACT account for 90 percent of tax preparation software sales, with H&R Block and TaxACT second and third behind Intuit.

H&R Block Inc. announced plans in October to pay $287.5 million in cash to acquire 2SS Holdings Inc., the parent of 2nd Story Software, the privately held company that created TaxACT.

The Justice Department says the deal would create an opportunity for H&R Block to coordinate with Intuit on prices, quality and other business decisions.

As many as 40 million taxpayers use digital software products to file taxes.

Associated Press