SECAUCUS, N.J.-As part of its “Technician of the Future” initiative, SBC Communications Inc. said it plans to deploy 21,000 Panasonic Computer Solutions Co. Toughbook 29 notebook personal computers designed to connect to Cingular Wireless L.L.C.’s nationwide EDGE network to its field technicians. SBC owns 60 percent of Cingular.
The notebooks will replace existing Panasonic devices that SBC said initially were deployed in 2000.
“Our Technician of the Future program has led to substantial improvements in our ability to provide efficient and effective customer service, and to maximize the productivity of our technicians in the field,” said Lloyd Kelley, vice president of SBC’s network services. “Our deployment of new notebook computers will ensure that we are keeping the latest technology and tools in our technicians’ hands on a continual basis.”
Sony Electronics Corp. announced last month that it would begin embedding EDGE modems designed to work on Cingular’s network into select laptop computers.
