RoW Short Takes

Stream introduces new wireless-in-a-box broadband technologyStream Intelligent Networks Corp, Toronto, has launched its wireless-in-a-box broadband product that allows carriers to rapidly deploy carrier-class, high-speed data network services. Once operational, the product becomes part of the carrier’s existing network and can be used as an alternative or temporary network solution. IT can also provide high-speed point-to-point connections where fibre would be uneconomical or impossible to deploy. Telus Mobility launches i-Web data servicesCalgary-based Telus Mobility has introduced i-Web data services using 3COM Corp’s 2G CDMA interworking function. The new services enable users to access a wireless Internet portal to retrieve relevant local content and provide Internet connectivity. Local content such as the weather, directory listing, news, movies among other information is formatted for direct display on digital mobile phones. Commercial users can also access corporate resources and send and receive email. Colubris Networks joins wireless Ethernet allianceColubris Networks Inc, Laval QC, has joined the Wireless Ethernet Compatibility Alliance (WECA) to promote the use of Wi-Fi (IEEE 802.11b high rate industry standard) wireless LAN solution. The company has submitted its CN 1000 router products to WECA for certification. Colubris boasts that its products offer high security and built-in encryption for VPN and firewall support. Paradigm closes deal on patent acquisitionParadigm Advanced Technologies Inc, Toronto, has finalized a deal to acquire the rights to US Patent #B1 5,043,736 from Eastern Investments LLC. The purchase was paid in an undisclosed number of Paradigm shares. The broad-based wireless location patent covers the apparatus and method of transmitting position information from GPS and other navigational satellites over cellular systems to a base unit, displaying the location of a person or object. Paradigm owns all rights to the patented system outside of criminal justice applications. Look completes purchase of InterPacific onlineToronto-based Look Communications Inc has finalized the purchase of InterPacific Online Inc, an Internet service provider in Richmond Hill ON. InterPacific has more than 7,300 residential and business subscribers and is one of the largest ISPs for the Chinese community in the Greater Toronto Area. This is the third acquisition of an ISP in the last several months as part of the company’s strategy to expand its subscriber base. TMI signs multi-year agreement with ComtechTMI Communications, Ottawa, has signed a five-year capacity leasing agreement with Comtech Mobile Datacom Corp, Germantown MA. According to terms of the deal, Comtech will lease network capacity on TMI’s MSAT-1 satellite to provide mobile packet data communications systems and services to its customers in the U.S. military and general transportation and utility industries. Comtech executives say that TMI had the experience and the right tools to enable the company to provide a high-level of reliable service that its customers require. Unique Broadband acquires European DVB playerConcord ON-based Unique Broadband Systems Inc has signed a definitive agreement to acquire ProTelevision Technologies A/S for about US$6.75 million, with almost half in cash and the rest in UBS shares. ProTelevision, a privately held firm based in Brondy Denmark, is a pioneer and provider of studio and transmission products to the television and broadcast transmission industries. The acquisition adds another piece of the puzzle to its strategic initiative to provide complete end-to-end wireless solutions for the entire broadcast transmission market. Stratos invests in wireless software developerStratos Global Corp of Toronto has made a strategic investment in Telesis North Inc, a developer of wireless connectivity software that improves the throughput and reliability of wireless Internet Protocol (IP) communications. The investment enables Stratos to improve on its strategy of providing turnkey wireless IP services. It will also enable the company to target a much broader customer base than previously possible. Sierra signs agreement with HyComm for wireless dataSierra Wireless Inc has signed a major supply agreement with China-based HyComm Technology Company Ltd. The Vancouver-based company will supply HyComm with a wide range of wireless data products including its award-winning AirCard 300. In addition, Sierra Wireless will provide extensive training on wireless technologies to HyComm and its value-added resellers. The two companies will also work closely together to deploy wireless data solutions throughout Greater China, including Hong Kong. The agreement will allow HyComm customers to use the AirCard 300 on its cellular digital packet data network that covers southern China and Hong Kong. Trials in Hong Kong are scheduled to begin this month. MDSI provides online management to SimplyDoneMDSI Mobile Data Solutions Inc, Richmond BC, has been selected by SimplyDone Business Solutions to provide the online scheduling and management component of an ecommerce systems for service providers. By integrating the system, SimplyDone gains the ability to give service providers a way to increase revenue and manage their businesses more effectively. With the end-to-end solution, service transactions can be researched, committed to, scheduled and optimally assigned online. A mobile worker can be alerted wirelessly and then tracked by both the service provider and the consumer. NBTel Mobility launches digital service in FrederictonNBTel Mobility has officially launched digital service in the New Brunswick capital as part of the company’s aggressive digital network expansion. End-users in Fredericton will be able to enjoy all of the benefits that digital technology brings such as call display, enhanced privacy, longer battery life and per second billing. Wal-Mart to carry Rogers’ wireless products and servicesRogers AT&T Wireless Inc has announced that consumers can purchase and get information about its products and services at more than 165 Wal-Mart Canada locations. Services to be sold include the popular Pay As You Go. The newly introduced Ericsson A1228d phone will also be available. Communications technologies to be major focus of DND’s new research agencyThe Department of National Defence (DND) is promising faster response times when working with the private sector now that it’s research activities have been moved into a new special operating agency. Last week DND launched the new Defence Research and Development Canada as a separate agency reporting to an advisory board and the department’s deputy minister. The new structure should give the Canadian Forces better control over its own intellectual property, as well as streamline the hiring of scientific and technical personnel.The Forces conduct research into a broad range of new technologies, but communications are expected to play an important part in the new agency’s activities says John Leggat, ADM for science and technology for DND and the new CEO of the organization. Defence has worked closely with the Communications Research Centre (CRC) in past, notably on the Joint Warfare Interoperability Demonstration (JWID) held each year which showcases efforts to launch the Internet in sea-combat situations (RoW, August 3/98). The CRC and its private sector partners will not only work closely with the new agency, but will act at its landlord. CRC president Gerry Turcotte told Report on Wireless that formal arrangements have been put in place for research partnerships.The agency will have a budget of about $190 million to spend on new research and partnerships, and will use revenues from those activities to fund further research. It will have a staff of 1100, equally divided between scientists, engineers and technologists, and administrative and technical support staff. Besides research into communications technologies, the agency will also examine areas such as sensors and information technology, combat systems and human factors such as training, protection and operational medicine. Defence Researchand Development CanadaDr. John Leggat, CEO(613) 995-8022http://www.drdc-rddc.dnd.ca

RoW Short Takes

News | 09/18/2000 4:00 am EDT

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