PCS Development Corp. has changed its name to Conxus Communications. The company believes the new name will better reflect its voice and messaging business.
Conxus-pronounced connects us-plans to provide a range of portable voice and data messaging products and services on its narrowband personal communications services network starting next year. The company won regional licenses in each of five regions to build a nationwide network.
Company President Bill deKay said the Conxus name conveys high-tech business. “Consumers know immediately that `connects us’ means we’re in the business of connecting people.”
“The change of our name to Conxus also marks our transition from a development stage company to an operating company,” added deKay.
Conxus also announced its new product trademarks, Pocketalk and Pocketext, for the company’s voice and messaging products. Customers can guess what the names represent even if they are not familiar with stored voice and data messaging and mobile voice service, explained Harry Latham, Conxus’ senior vice president of sales and marketing. “These are the kind of brand names that our distribution partners will be able to take into the field and sell,” added Latham. Conxus has signed agreements with a number of paging companies to market its two-way services.
Conxus conducted research that included focus groups and telephone surveys regarding the name change. Results from the research showed the company’s target audience felt the name Conxus suggests a human connection and other positive attributes. Conxus voice paging service will operate using Motorola Inc.’s InFLEXion protocol.
The company is testing its narrowband PCS networks using Motorola equipment in Atlanta and using equipment supplied by Glenayre Technologies Inc. in Boston. Conxus placed initial orders for about $75 million in infrastructure equipment from Glenayre and $50 million in infrastructure and subscriber equipment from Motorola.
Conxus was formed about two years ago by a handful of one-way paging providers, including Arch Communications Group Inc. and A+ Network Inc. The company received initial financing of $37.2 million from strategic and financial investors. Conxus also raised about $55.5 million through a private equity offering with Lehman Brothers.
