As part of a holiday promotion, Powertel Inc. is offering unlimited local calling within its entire coverage area for $50 per month for all of next year. Customers who sign up before Jan. 18 will become “Prestige Partners” and will receive priority offerings for new services. “Powertel’s Prestige Partner plan creates a great opportunity for us to reach new customers that may have steered clear of wireless due to horror stories of runaway phone bills and stolen phone numbers,” said James Murrell, the company’s vice president of corporate marketing. “The fear factor is now history.”
AT&T Wireless Services Inc. and Comcast Cellular Communications Inc. signed an intercarrier agreement for customers using their wireless data networks. The agreement will allow AT&T customers access to Comcast’s Cellular Digital Packet Data networks in New Jersey, eastern Pennsylvania and Delaware. Comcast customers will have access to data coverage in AT&T markets adjacent to Comcast’s coverage areas. The interconnection will be completed during the first quarter of next year.
Two new Cellular City locations were opened in North San Diego County. Cellular City has 15 locations. “We’re fortunate to now have the capability to better serve our customers throughout the entire country,” said Michelle Danner, vice president of Cellular City stores. “We’re striving to continue providing the convenience of accessibility for the consumer by having 15 stores strategically located.”
Qualcomm Inc. will equip 200 of Pacific Gas and Electric Co.’s field service vehicles with its OmniTracs communications and tracking system. Pacific Gas will use messaging services directly from Qualcomm. MDSI Mobile Data Solutions Inc. will provide software and system integration services for the project and will provide the interface to Qualcomm’s OmniTracs network management center. “We recognize that to remain competitive in today’s marketplace, we must offer superior customer service,” said Tony Durante, project manager for Pacific Gas. “Using the OmniTracs system, in conjunction with MDSI, ensures that any PG&E customer, whether located in a metropolitan area, such as San Francisco, or in a more rural area, such as the Sierra foothills, will receive timelier service.” Installation of the equipment will be completed next year, the company said.
Open Development Corp. completed a $12 million private placement offering. The funds will be used for capital purchases such as a new customer service center and customer education center, product development, enlargement of the sales force and future expansion into global markets. The customer service center, which will provide 24-hour support, is slated to be completed in January. “We sought the infusion of outside capital for the first time in our existence to meet the financial needs brought about by our strong growth,” said Randy Laughlin, Open Development’s president.
