RoW Short Takes

Redline Communications gets TPC funding Toronto-based Redline Communications Inc. has received a $4.6-million infusion of cash from the federal government’s Technology Partnerships Canada program. The repayable loan will help Redline address last-mile delivery challenges associated with residential and commercial access to high-speed networks. Redline develops broadband wireless network access gear that operates in the 5.8 GHz band. Wi-LAN signs SoC development agreement with FujitsuWi-LAN Inc. has signed a major system-on-a-chip (SoC) development agreement with Fujitsu Microelectronics America Inc. The two companies will work together to co-develop a SoC for broadband wireless access, subscriber-station devices for both the consumer and business market. Wi-LAN’s wideband orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (W-OFDM) technology will be combined with Fujitsu’s chip design capabilities to integrate embedded processors and mixed signal technology into systems-on-a-chip. Under the non-exclusive agreement, the chips will be built around the 802.16a draft standard. In other Wi-LAN news, the Calgary-based firm has signed a reciprocal consulting services subcontracting agreement with International Networks Services Inc. Under terms of the deal, either company may act as the prime contractor in a project and obtain subcontractor services from the other within the U.S. and Canada for a period of two years. Wi-LAN has also been named as a co-defendant in two lawsuits for allegedly not delivering certain common share certificates in a timely manner. C-COM introduces new high-speed servicesC-COM Satellite Systems Inc. has unveiled two new high-speed Internet services for the large-, medium- and small-business markets. The Ottawa-based company provides its services using Hughes Network Systems DIRECWAY broadband-by-satellite system. The first service is being made available through the DW4020 satellite terminal, which offers high-speed Internet access to all levels of enterprises. The company is also introducing a new private satellite network service, which allows enterprises to customize the specifications of their network needs such as upload and download data rates. R&D spending increasesR&D investment was up nearly five per cent in Canada last year despite a decline in revenue of almost three per cent, according to a report published by Research Infosource Inc. Canada’s Top Corporate R&D Spenders Report 2002, which tracked R&D spending by 581 companies, reported that these companies invested $13.3 billion. Companies in Ontario led the list accounting for 73% of the total, while Quebec, British Columbia and the Prairies trailed with 15%, 7% and 4%, respectively. Wysdom joins alliance to develop common data standardsToronto-based Wysdom has joined the Open Mobile Alliance to help promote and accelerate the implementation of a common approach to mobile data services. By joining the organization, it reinforces the company’s commitment to interoperability and enables it to take a lead in driving standards that are critical to the development of new enhanced mobile data applications and services, according to the company. IDC launches three new product familiesInternational Datacasting Corp., Ottawa, has introduced three new satellite terminal product lines: the SRA2100 satellite router appliances, the SFX2100 multimedia server appliances, and the Datacast XD content distribution software. These latest series of products are all part of the company’s SuperFlex broadband multimedia datacasting network system. The launch of these products expands IDC’s service offerings to include media-on-demand, caching, digital cinema, computer-based training, inventory management and more. Mobile Knowledge unveils new customers, new productsThe president and CEO of Ottawa-based Mobile Knowledge Inc., David Levy, says that refocusing efforts have finally begun to pay off as the company will soon announce new major customer wins and new products for the taxi and transit markets. Details of the new products will be unveiled at the Taxicab, Limousine & Paratransit Association annual convention and trade show October 16-20 in Phoenix AZ. Customer commitments for the new products will generate approximately $1.5 million in revenue for the company, with a potential $1.8 million more later. RAMTelecom uses WaveRider gear in NunavutRAMTelecom has completed the first phase of a network deployment in Baker Lake, Nunavut using WaveRider Communications Inc.’s Last Mile Solution product line. RAMTelecom is one of the country’s major network providers to northern and remote communities, and with the deployment of WaveRider’s equipment, the company is stepping up its network expansion plans. "There’s an immediate and critical need for northern and rural communities to have reliable and affordable access to the Internet," RAMTelecom’s president Ralph Misener said in a news release. The company believes that by combining wireless with satellite, it will help speed the deployment of broadband services to First Nation, northern remote and remote Canadian communities. In other WaveRider news, the company has announced that Joink, an Indiana-based ISP, has deployed the company’s non-line-of-sight wireless access equipment. Joink now offers wireless Internet access in eight cities throughout the Illinois and Indiana regions. Roadpost unveils new international roaming serviceRoadpost Inc. has launched its wholesale international roaming service, which gives wireless network operators the ability to add international roaming services without having to absorb the cost of developing, implementing and supporting the service internally. Bell Mobility has recently completed the implementation of Roadpost’s international roaming service. The wireless operator continues to own the customer and billing relationship and will also be able to enjoy increased revenue from higher airtime charges. Bayly Communications completes work for RogersBayly Communications Inc. is completing the second phase of an 18-month GSM overlay project with Rogers Wireless Communications Inc. During the project, Bayly helped Rogers to make changes to its backhaul network through the implementation of its OMNIFlex platform.

RoW Short Takes

News | September 16, 2002

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