L.M. Ericsson on Jan. 1 plans to reorganize its five business areas into three: Telephones & Terminals, Mobile Systems and Infocom Systems. Telephones & Terminals will be responsible for consumer products, including mobile phones and cordless phones. Mobile Systems will be responsible for network solutions, products and services for licensed operators of public mobile telecommunications networks. Infocom Systems will support public telecommunications networks, dedicated network operators and business communication network operators. In addition, the company said it would implement measures to strengthen its customer support function.
The Wireless Data Division of AT&T Wireless Services Inc. said at least 65 companies have enrolled in its Early Access Program, the official beta test program for the PocketNet phone. PocketNet is an integrated cellular phone and wireless Internet appliance that will provide users with online information and e-mail using Cellular Digital Packet Data technology. “Because PocketNet phone applications and services operate on off-the-shelf Web servers and are compatible with existing Web applications, we have seen immense interest in our Early Access Program” said Kendra VanderMeulen, vice president and general manager of AT&T Wireless Services’ Wireless Data Division.
DSC Communications Corp. has signed an agreement with Airadigm Communications calling for the delivery of DSC’s digital cross-connect systems. Airadigm won 13 personal communications services licenses in the Federal Communications Commission’s C-block auction. DSC will deliver and install systems in two Airadigm markets to be constructed this year with others to follow through 1998.
Digital Ocean Inc. announced an agreement with NovAtel Wireless Inc. to integrate NWI’s NRM-6812 modem into its Seahorse handheld computer. Digital Ocean said the modem will provide the computer with Cellular Digital Packet Data functionality. Seahorse is the newest member of Digital Ocean’s rugged, backlit, handheld computer family.
Motorola Inc.’s Derivative Technologies Division, part of the Paging Products Group, announced it now is offering the RSVP pager through Ritz Camera Centers. The product is available in all 560 nationwide Ritz Camera Centers with Metrocall Inc. acting as the service provider. The RSVP pager is built into a cellular phone battery housing and can be used with any Motorola flip-phone in place of a regular battery.
Cellular One has introduced Internet service in the Chicago area. Internet by Cellular One is designed to make it easier for the company’s customers to get online. Customers can use the service to order service, install software, receive bills and access customer support. The service costs $20 per month and includes unlimited access to the Internet.
