NEWS BRIEFS

Nextlink Communications Inc. said it is beginning field trials in Boston and Dallas of consecutive-point broadband wireless access technology that is expected to be used to extend Nextlink’s local fiber networks. Consecutive-point technology essentially forms wireless sub-rings within the 20- to 40-square-mile area that encompasses the local network of most metropolitan areas, Nextlink said. The company said it selected Triton Network Systems Inc. to participate in the trials.

The Personal Communications Industry Association elected Gary Cuccio chairman of the association’s board of directors. Cuccio is president and chief executive officer of LHS Group Inc.

The Cellular Telecommunications Industry Association said proposed rules to implement telecommunications relay services mistakenly assume functions of a wireless network that may not be available. “Whether or not a [commercial mobile radio services] carrier uses SS7 signalling to route calls from their switches to a wireline carrier depends on the capability of the local exchange carrier local network and the carriers’ respective needs,” CTIA said. TRS is a telephone transmission service where a person with hearing difficulties can call a center using a text telephone device. An operator then places a voice call to a hearing person and acts as a mediator between the two people.

Strategy Analytics Inc. unveiled its Wireless Solutions Group designed to meet the planning and information needs of its clients. According to the company, the new group will provide a coordinated effort combining wireless consulting expertise and syndicated research.

Simple Communications L.L.C., a prepaid wireless service provider, is expanding into the Dallas/Fort Worth, Texas, market. “We have experienced tremendous success and exceeded our goals in the Houston market and are now expanding into other markets as planned,” said Scott Behuniak, chief executive officer of Simple. The company noted it has surpassed sales of more than 4,000 phones since launching service March 1 and has plans for more than 250 third-party retailers in the Dallas/Fort Worth area.

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