Audiovox Corp. and Tendler Cellular introduced a system to provide location information for wireless 911 callers using a Global Positioning System receiver built into a cellular handset. Using FoneFinder, emergency calls go through to public-safety answering points just as any other 911 call would, said the company. The location information is verbally transmitted to the PSAP over the cellular network. Tendler said it has partnered with Oki Semiconductor for Oki’s MSM-66P54 speech chip, which is central to the FoneFinder system. FoneFinder also provides other location services including concierge services and directions to local restaurants.
Millitech Corp. announced it signed agreements with Newbridge Networks to develop and supply broadband wireless local loop equipment that will integrate into its broadband wireless solution. The agreements allow Newbridge to take advantage of Millitech’s capability for fast-paced radio product development in meeting various countries’ requirements for LMCS/LMDS markets worldwide. The agreements also allow Newbridge to resell Millitech’s broadband WLL equipment on a worldwide, non-exclusive basis.
L.M. Ericsson announced its official entry into the wireless local area network market with plans to offer a full range of WLAN products sourced from BreezeCom by the end of the year. Ericsson said it will enhance the product offering with complementary security solutions. The WLAN solutions will target the enterprise market as well as public “hot spots,” such as airports, said Ericsson. The company said wireless data communication is one of its priority areas. “Recent announcements, such as [the company’s] involvement in projects like Bluetooth and Symbian are proof of our interest and efforts,” said Sven-Christer Nilsson, chief executive officer of Ericsson.
Call Technologies Inc. announced it released Call Cadence, an automated system that alerts paging customers when a message has been left in their office voice mail. According to the company, the service works with any pager, service provider environment, messaging system and voice mail system, as it is a peripheral system of the provider’s network. Call Cadence runs on Call Technologies’ Call Builder software, available in Windows NT or UNIX.
