Comsat Personal Communications, a business unit of Comsat Corp., has chosen International Telecommunication Data Systems Inc. as its strategic information systems supplier. Comsat Personal Communications plans to provide personal satellite communications services globally via its Planet 1 service and the Inmarsat satellite network. ITDS will supply its ITDS 10X billing and management information system, ITDS 10X companion product and ITDS 10X Point of Sale. The ITDS 10X Point of Sale incorporates the entire sales process into an online function.
Ardis and Rockwell International said more than 8,200 Pro2000SL Multi-Mode Communications Systems have been ordered by 47 truckload carriers around the country. The system integrates Ardis’ national coverage in metropolitan areas with the satellite communications links from Rockwell, and is a combination of land-based and satellite communications that provides truckload carriers complete coverage virtually anywhere in the United States, said the companies.
Powertel Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of InterCel Inc., announced it has signed an agreement with Nokia Corp. to purchase Global System for Mobile communications personal communications services handsets. The contract calls for commercial shipments to begin in August and extend through 1998, said Powertel. The company will launch its PCS service during the fourth quarter in the Jacksonville, Fla., Memphis and Birmingham, Ala., major trading areas. Introduction of Powertel PCS service in the Atlanta MTA is scheduled for late 1997.
Nextel Communications Inc. has acquired certain specialized mobile radio assets from Speed-Net, announced Daniels & Associates. The transaction represents SMR systems in Virginia and North Carolina. Daniels & Associates represented the seller.
United Airlines has chosen Shared Technologies Cellular Inc. of Wethersfield, Conn., as the exclusive provider for cellular phone rental services to passengers entering the United States. Under the agreement, STC will provide toll-free access to STC’s reservation operations. Customers will be charged a flat, per-minute rate for local and domestic long-distance cellular calls with a three-minute daily usage charge. The company also will furnish a telephone calling card that users can activate when dialing international calls. Service is expected to start Sept. 1.
AirTouch Communications Inc. and Cellular Communications Inc. have begun mailing a proxy statement-prosepctus for the CCI stockholders’ meeting scheduled Aug. 16 relating to the proposed acquisition of CCI by AirTouch. The companies said AirTouch will purchase the company with a combination of cash and preferred stock.
