American Alpha Dispatch Services Inc. said it formed an alliance with Intellisoft Corp. to create an online system for the alphanumeric dispatch industry. Intellisoft Alpha-OnLine, which can be accessed from any communications software, offers the ability to activate and deactivate pagers and change customer information, such as answer phrases, said AADS. The service also provides real-time billing information, including total account information, payment history, balances and pro-rate information.
Applied Cellular Technology Inc. signed an agreement to acquire Commstar Ltd., a public Canadian communications company founded in 1988, for approximately $9.6 million in stock. City Dial Network, the operating subsidiary of Canadian Network Service that recently was acquired by Applied Cellular, will be managed under Commstar Ltd.’s umbrella, said Applied Cellular. “Commstar is the only national voice messaging and call center company in Canada and we see room to consolidate this market by acquiring other regional service providers,” said Donald H. Swift, chairman and chief executive officer of Commstar. Both companies’ boards of directors have approved the purchase agreement, which now awaits final approval by Commstar’s shareholders. Commstar recently acquired 11 call centers, which increased its subscriber base to more than 23,000.
Enhanced-directory-assistance provider Metro One Telecommunications Inc. said it extended its contracts with U S West NewVector Group Inc., which provides wireless communications service under the brand name AirTouch Cellular. The contracts covering the Phoenix, Seattle, Denver, Minneapolis and other Western-region markets have been extended into 1999, Metro One said.
WinStar Communications Inc. announced plans to raise $500 million in notes and preferred stock through institutional private placements. The company intends to use the proceeds to expand its telecom operations and for general corporate purposes. The offering will consist of $200 million of senior subordinated notes, $150 million of senior subordinated deferred interest notes and $150 million of senior cumulative convertible preferred stock.
