RadioMail Corp. announced the availability of its RadioMailer wireless Internet access solution for Cellular Digital Packet Data networks. Service previously was limited to Mobitex and DataTAC packet radio systems.
“By extending our service to operate on CDPD and cellular networks, we are the only company to offer Internet services across all major wireless data networks in the country,” said Bruce Walter, RadioMail’s president and chief executive officer.
“Unlike recently announced smart phones and two-way paging products, the RadioMail solution is available today … No special customization is required by carriers or their corporate customers,” he added.
RadioMailer service is available for Hewlett Packard Co.’s 200LX Palmtop PC equipped with Motorola Inc.’s new Personal Messenger 100C modem.
Mark Elderkin, director of marketing, said RadioMail signed up Ameritech Cellular Services as its first CDPD customer. An availability date and pricing have not been announced.
RadioMail is offering the solution to CDPD carriers on a turn-key basis. Carriers then can resell the service for about $12 a month-RadioMail’s price to the operator-or add a markup to help replace declining per subscriber revenue from their voice services, Elderkin said.
The service fee includes an Internet e-mail mailbox with unlimited message transfers and storage, access to a variety of information and communication management services such as news and stock quotes, and complete operation and maintenance of the Internet server platform.
The company said it also can provide billing, customer support and program management.
Elderkin noted that a turn-key solution helps carriers quickly differentiate their service package and attract new subscribers with minimal capital expenditure or risk.
The Ameritech deal marks the culmination of a strategic redirection for San Mateo, Calif.-based RadioMail that began last year.
The company’s new business model emphasizes partnering with wireless carriers that can act as primary distribution channels for its solutions rather than RadioMail acting as a reseller of carrier airtime, Elderkin said.
“They’re better at it because they’re in the best position to reach the customer. They have more feet on the street,” he said. “Their expertise is selling and marketing. Ours is on the Internet server side.”
