Geotek Communications Inc. has launched the data portion of its network, hoping to satisfy higher-than-expected demand for data and low subscriber numbers.
“We introduced with voice service, but data was what they really wanted,” said Randy Miller, a Geotek spokeswoman.
Only about 2,000 subscribers use the seven U.S. networks Geotek has launched this year. The packet systems operate at 900 MHz, using Frequency Hopping Multiple Access spread spectrum technology.
Geotek expected about 50 percent of its potential customers would be interested in voice service. But the company’s sales staff found only about 15 percent of customers were seeking a new solution for voice, and 85 percent wanted data, Miller said.
“They wouldn’t switch to us until we had data, but they don’t want data alone, either. And we can supply them with mobile data and voice.”
Montvale, N.J.-based Geotek is targeting small- and medium-size businesses with vehicle fleets. Nextel Communications Inc. offers a similar service via Motorola Inc.’s integrated Dispatch Enhanced Network technology. It is operating commercially in fewer than a half dozen Nextel markets. Also a packet-based network, iDEN offers voice and circuit data today, with plans to commercially launch packet data at the end of 1997.
Despite Geotek’s promotions about what the service can eventually offer, the following is a list of what Geotek actually can offer at this time.
Basic telephony and dispatch, beginning at $39 a month. Windows-based packet data solutions include:
Data dispatching-delivers orders to fleet drivers, transmits progress reports, is more sophisticated than two-way messaging at $10 per month.
Mobile messaging-text messages with confirm receipt of full-size messages at $10 per month.
Voice manager-which creates a PC dispatching station from a Pentium-based computer hooked up to the radio network. It manages half-duplex group calls, full-duplex telephony with a connection into the public switched network, full-duplex Geotek mobile-to-Geotek mobile using seven-digit phone numbers.
Automatic vehicle location-uses global positioning satellites and digital mapping technology at $20 per month.
