VoiceTech Communications Inc. announced it has been granted patent approval for its VoiceCue Directory Assistance Call Completion, an application that offers cellular customers fast, easy-to-use call completion from a single, multi-application platform. VoiceTech said the DACC provides direct connection to the regional Bell operating company’s directory assistance service. By building a shell around the RBOC 411 service and utilizing speech recognition technology to determine the dialing digits, the DACC system provides the support for the carrier to complete the call using its own switching equipment, said VoiceTech.
GTE Corp. announced its board of directors declared a dividend of 47 cents per share on the company’s common stock. GTE said the stock will be payable on July 1 to shareholders of record on May 22.
Rockwell Transportation Electronics announced Melton Trucklines Inc. has begun installation of the first of 350 Rockwell Multi-Mode communications systems in its trucks. The system combines land- and satellite-based communication and reduces messaging costs, Rockwell said.
Advanced Signal has provided its SIGNALpro to Glenayre Technologies Inc. for a test of the paging protocol ReFLEX25 with Glenayre’s GL3000 switches and C2000 controllers. SIGNALpro can decode and display ReFLEX25 data, according to Quincy, Ill.-based Advanced Signal. The company provides advanced tools for data and signal analysis, and channel management. Glenayre said it plans to use SIGNALpro in field technical offices around the world during the deployment of narrowband personal communications services.
MobiLink, the Chicago-based service development company owned by an alliance of wireless service providers, announced the launch of its Home Customer Care service by Ameritech Cellular Services, BellSouth Mobility and GTE Mobilnet. The launch follows a successful first office application which debuted in January for customers throughout Florida, MobiLink said. HCC was deployed there by BellSouth, GTE and Alltel Mobile Communications. MobiLink said the success of the Florida application, coupled with positive carrier feedback, have accelerated MobiLink’s plans to make the service available to carriers industry-wide. Roaming customers who have the service can dial their familiar customer service numbers to be connected with their home carrier when traveling in another participating carrier’s market.
Centerior Energy Corp. and AT&T Wireless Services Inc. announced Centerior will become a partner with an AT&T Wireless Services subsidiary recently formed to bring wireless communications technology to northeast Ohio. The new joint venture, AT&T PCS Cleveland L.L.C., is part of AT&T Wireless Services, which successfully bid last year for personal communications services licenses. One of the key licenses awarded was for northeast Ohio. Under the partnership, AT&T Wireless Services and Centerior will provide wireless services to that area, the companies said. The partnership also will allow Centerior to provide enhancements in electric service to its customers, improve data communications with its power plants and better control the flow of electricity through its power lines.
