BEDMINSTER, N.J.-Bell Atlantic Nynex Mobile has been contracted to deploy in New Jersey what it says is the largest application of cellular digital packet data technology to date.
Under a five-year contract, more than 750 field workers for the Public Service Electric & Gas Co. will use pen-based computers to send and receive real-time information on repair requests and customer orders over the Bell Atlantic Nynex Mobile cellular network.
The company offers the CDPD service under the AirBridge Packet name. PSE&G will phase in the system, which is expected to be completed next September. Training and installation will begin later this year and service specialists are expected to start using the system in February.
Previously, field workers wrote information and transmitted the facts by radio to regional dispatchers. The new system lets field personnel directly receive real-time information, and once a job is completed, send new information back to the database.
“No other wireless carrier can match the coverage and utility of our CDPD network,” said Lonnie Lauer, Bell Atlantic Nynex Mobile vice president. “For a relatively new technology, CDPD has proven itself a viable industrial-strength service that has widespread potential. Utility companies throughout our region and across the nation will be watching this system-and following in PSE&G’s footsteps,” Lauer said.
Newark-based PSE&G is New Jersey’s largest power utility, with 2.2 million customers.
