Wireless Application Service Provider 2Roam Inc. announced strategic alliances with AdForce, MediaPlex, eCoupons and iQ.com to deliver advertising, coupon and e-marketing services to mobile consumers.
Arch Communications Group Inc. said it has been named a preferred messaging provider of paging and messaging services for BellSouth Corp.
In the latest of a string of executive-level departures from the wireless world, BellSouth Wireless Data L.P. announced the departure of President and Chief Executive William Lenahan, who has left to serve as CEO of KMC Telecom in Bedminster N.J. The company named J.D. Gardner as interim president and CEO while it conducts an internal and external search for a permanent successor. Gardner’s role becomes effective May 8. He currently is chief financial officer at BSWD.
Google Inc., an Internet search engine, announced beta testing of a search engine optimized for wireless phone and handheld computer users via Wireless Application Protocol technology. The search engine allows users to search all Web sites, written in both Wireless Markup Language and Hypertext Markup Language. The company then translates any requested HTML page into WML for view on WAP-enabled phones.
Nokia Corp. signed an agreement with VIAG EuroPlattform AG to supply a third-generation network solution including advanced Wideband Code Division Multiple Access 3G radio access network equipment, commercial General Packet Radio Service core network solutions and a Global System for Mobile communications 1800 network. Nokia expects the complete GSM 1800 network, including switching and base stations covering Furstentum, Liechtenstein, to be ready for commercial use during the second quarter.
Reuters said it is in talks to acquire Yankee Group Research, a telecommunications consultancy, from financial information publisher Primark. Yankee was acquired by Primark in 1996 for $34 million, with plans to spin off 40 percent of the company in an initial public offering this year. The deal is expected to close this week.
