RESTON, Va.-Nextel Communications Inc. reported a partnership with Air-Trak Inc. to provide a dual-mode GPS tracking and communications service combining satellite and cellular communications. The service will use Nextel’s iDEN network and GPS and Java-equipped handsets as well as Air-Trak’s vehicle-mounted tracking units and SatCom Upgrade to wirelessly manage and communicate with mobile workers throughout North America.
Nextel noted that the SatCom Upgrade is an add-on module that consists of a satellite transceiver equipped with an omni-directional antenna and onboard intelligence that automatically redirects communications to the satellite network when cellular service is unavailable. Nextel claims the service provides 100-percent coverage throughout the United States, Canada, Mexico, Central America, Puerto Rico and parts of South America.
The service also allows business customers to track workers and manage mobile resources using Air-Trak’s Cloudberry desktop software or Web-based map display.
Equipment and service pricing were not released.
