NEW YORK-U S West Inc. reportedly is in merger talks with Global Crossing Ltd., the independent global fiber-optic network operator that recently announced plans to purchase Frontier Corp.Published reports indicate any deal between U S West and Global Crossing could face regulatory hurdles because...
CHICAGO-U.S. Cellular introduced the Community Action Life Line program in Mason City, Iowa, a national community policing program that provides wireless phones to people frequently out in neighborhoods-like postal workers and crossing guards-so they can report unusual activities or emergencies.In Mason City, postal carriers...
In the wake of the deadly tornadoes earlier this month that ripped through Oklahoma and Kansas, the idea of using wireless technology as a warning system for natural disasters is receiving renewed attention.Douglas "Bud" Weiser, who heads a volunteer organization dedicated to establishing emergency...
DEVON, Pa.-Transport International Pool announced it will launch a satellite-based trailer tracking system developed by Vantage Tracking Solutions, a division of low-earth-orbit satellite operator Orbcomm Global L.P.The system will be designed to track TIP's trailers, as well as collect data such as trailer-tractor connection,...
HELSINKI-Nokia Inc. bought the research and development units of the TeamWare Group in Tampere, Finland, as well as a small team in Helsinki, said the company.According to the agreement, approximately 70 people will join Nokia. The deal also includes certain TeamWare wireless information management...
WASHINGTON-Thomas Sugrue, wireless czar at the Federal Communications Commission, said he will propose shortly that a new rule making be initiated to fully address prickly issues stifling competitive wireless access to multi-tenant buildings.Even if the FCC moves forward, it appears Congress may be forced...
WETHERSFIELD, Conn.-Shared Technologies Cellular Inc. and the Home Shopping Network announced the intent to offer HSN members a branded prepaid cellular phone program, set to launch on or about May 21.HSN members will be able to purchase Philips' Isis handsets and initial and ongoing...
SAN DIEGO-Canada's Bell Mobility announced it will begin formally testing the Revolv service from Wireless Knowledge L.L.C., the joint venture created by Microsoft Corp. and Qualcomm Inc.The announcement makes Bell Mobility the first carrier to begin testing Revolv, the first service offering from Wireless...
SAN DIEGO-Qualcomm Inc. said the U.S. Justice Department has reviewed L.M. Ericsson's pending acquisition of the company's infrastructure division and the two company's intellectual-property-right settlement. Qualcomm said it expects the transaction with Ericsson to be completed on or about May 24.Qualcomm said about 94...
WASHINGTON-The Department of Justice has reminded the computer industry that, notwithstanding a recent appeals court ruling, restrictions on the export of encryption technology still are in place."The regulations controlling the export of encryption products currently remain in full effect ... If the government asks...
JACKSON, Miss.-SkyTel Communications Inc. announced it has joined forces with online trading company eBay to create a wireless person-to-person online trading service that will extend auction updates and bids to wireless devices.The solution will allow eBay users to receive notification when they have been...
WASHINGTON-Everyone who makes a phone call-either wireless or wireline-soon could see a tax cut if Rep. Billy Tauzin (R-La.) has his way.Last week, Tauzin, chairman of the House telecom subcommittee, re-introduced a bill to eliminate two-thirds of the 3-percent excise tax on all telephone...
In the May 10 issue of RCR, the device used with American Mobile Satellite Corp.'s new eLink service should have been identified as the RIM 850 from Research In Motion Ltd.RIM makes both the 950 Interactive Pager and the 850, essentially the same device...
ATLANTA-Cellemetry L.L.C. announced an agreement that will extend its Cellemetry Data Services throughout the 17-state area covered by Western Wireless Corp.With the agreement, Cellemetry said it now covers 92 percent of the U.S. population.
WASHINGTON-The leaders of the four telecommunications trade associations, which are suing the Department of Justice over implementation of the digital wiretap act, met with Assistant Attorney General Stephen Colgate on May 7."The coalition hopes this meeting laid the groundwork for further discussions and information...
WASHINGTON-A new treaty to curb bribery of public officials should help U.S. wireless firms become more competitive in the emerging global telecom marketplace.The accord, signed by the United States and 28 other members of the Paris-based Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development and by...
NEW YORK-Electric Fuel Corp. said it now is selling its Zinc-Air disposable batteries for cellular phones through the company's Web site.The Motorola Inc. MicroTAC series 2900 mAh disposable battery is available in a single pack for $20, a two-pack for $35 and a three-pack...
ST. LOUIS-Amdocs Ltd., a provider of billing and related information systems to telecommunications carriers, has registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission for a secondary offering of 20 million shares of its common stock, which trades on the New York Stock Exchange.Of the total...
WASHINGTON-A federal district court in California handed AirTouch Paging of California a victory when it granted summary judgment in an interconnection case against Pacific Bell. Pacific Bell must offer AirTouch the same agreement it arbitrated with Cook Telecom, Inc., said the U. S. District...
AT&T Corp. last week signed a definitive merger agreement with cable company MediaOne Group after cutting a deal with rival bidder Comcast Corp., which agreed not to try to outbid AT&T's offer.Comcast and AT&T agreed to exchange various cable systems, giving Comcast about 750,000...
Mobile phones have become commonplace in our society, but they aren't welcome every place.People increasingly have become annoyed listening to others' ringing phones and loud conversations in restaurants, on trains and even in movie theaters. And many business owners have had enough, deciding to...
The market for broadband access services is on the verge of dramatic growth, and fixed terrestrial wireless systems are expected to play a big role, according to a new Strategis Group report titled, "World Wireless Broadband: LMDS, MMDS and Broadband WLL 1999-2008."Broadband wireless access systems...
Western Wireless Corp. appears to have a long struggle ahead as it attempts to offer fixed wireless service in rural America.The South Dakota Public Utilities Commission denied Western's application requesting eligible telecommunications carrier status in the state. ETC status allows telephone carriers in states...
