Socket Communications Inc. and Motorola Inc.’s Messaging Systems Products Group announced an agreement to develop and support software that will allow FLEX-enabled palmtop computers powered by the Windows CE operating system to receive personal, group and broadcast wireless messages. The agreement combines Socket’s data paging software, Motorola’s FLEX protocol and Microsoft Corp.’s Windows CE system to allow for such applications as personal paging, wireless e-mail and scheduling equipment control.
HighwayMaster Corp. expanded its product offerings for the long-haul trucking industry with the Series 3000, which offers nationwide wireless voice communications for a flat rate of 53 cents per minute, including all roaming and long-distance charges, said HighwayMaster. The system is powered by the vehicle’s cigarette lighter, and includes a clip-on microphone for hands-free use and a cellular handset that can mount to the driver or passenger seat.
Nippon Telegraph and Telephone Corp.’s $1 billion, 6-percent global notes, due 2008 were assigned a rating of Aaa by Moody’s Investors Service. The rating considers Nippon’s “dominant position in Japan’s expanding telecommunications market, its excellent research-and-development capacity, and its vital ongoing role in providing the infrastructure for Japan’s transition to a more service-oriented economy,” Moody’s said.
Orbcomm Global L.P. announced it opened the European gateway that provides the terrestrial link allowing its low-earth orbit satellite constellation to service subscribers in 42 countries across Europe. The European gateway is comprised of one gateway earth station in southern Italy at Telespazio Matera Space Center and a Gateway Control Center in northern Italy at Telespazio Lario Space Center.
