ToW Short Takes

Telus plans to appeal denied R&V on contributionTelus Corp. plans to appeal last week’s CRTC decision denying the company’s review and vary application of the contribution decision and the rebanding ruling (Decision CRTC 2000-745 and 2001-238). In a news release, the company highlighted its disappointment noting that the commission’s decision (Telecom Decision 2002-67) to use a one-size-fits-all costs methodology calculation is inconsistent with the government’s telecommunications policy framework. "This decision, if allowed to stand, has far-reaching negative implications for telecommunications service providers, especially those serving rural and remote areas of Canada," Jim Peters, Telus’ executive VP and general counsel said in a news release. "Given the far ranging implications of this decision, Telus fully expects to file an appeal to the federal Cabinet in due course." Bell launches wireless LAN services for businessesBell Canada is entering the wireless local area network (LAN) market and is working with Symbol Technologies and Cisco Systems to roll out the necessary hardware, software and services to the enterprise market. Bell will work to provide enterprise LAN access wirelessly in areas where its wireline infrastructure is limited or unavailable. Cell phone tower issue lands in "Anne’s Land"Residents in a small Prince Edward Island community put up some stiff opposition to a Rogers Wireless Inc. proposal to erect two cell phone towers. While Montague residents cited health concerns over the effects of radiation, they were angrier that Rogers didn’t inform them of their intentions until after the application was filed with Industry Canada. There appears to be significant opposition to the two towers, but the company has at least one supporter. Premier Pat Binns says lack of sufficient cell phone coverage has had a negative impact on tourism. "I’m not saying this is a good reason, but I’ve actually had tourists write to me about this. This is not a government position, but I’ve come to the conclusion that I’m probably more at risk from the clock radio beside my bed than I am from a hand-held cellular telephone," he said in an interview with a daily newspaper from the region. Unique Broadband acquires assets from BroadTel Unique Broadband Systems Inc. has acquired point-to-multipoint assets from California-based BroadTel Communications Inc. BroadTel’s system is based on the DOCSIS transmission protocol and operates in the bands ranging from 1.5 GHz to 10.5 GHz. This is the latest acquisition for UBS, which recently purchased assets from SierraCom. The Concord ON company has also entered into an agreement with Look Communications Inc. under which UBS will take a significant stake in the company (RoW, Aug. 19/02). CSI Wireless delivers new telematics offeringCalgary-based CSI Wireless Inc. has unveiled a new telematics product that offers both traditional GPS-based location services as well as enhanced security, data transfer and voice communications. The combined voice and telematics offering is the next step in providing advanced communications capabilities to fleet managers around the world, according to company president and CEO Stephen Verhoeff. Microcell Telecom offers interactive replenishmentMicrocell Telecommunications Inc. is offering its pre-paid customers an easier way to refill their accounts. The Montreal-based wireless operator is now enabling its customers to refill their accounts through an interactive transaction on their handset. InstantRefill is a SMS-based payment service that alerts pre-paid customers when their account is low and allows them to replenish the account through the click of a button. ETRI and Wi-LAN work on next-gen wireless networkWi-LAN Inc. and Korea’s Electronics and Telecommunications Research Institute (ETRI) are working together to define new specifications for ultra high-speed mobile wireless networks. The two organizations will collaborate to come up with the specs for future mobile wireless networks beyond IMT-2000 (3G) systems. Many industry leaders and analysts believe that future networks will combine the mobility aspect of 3G networks and the through-put rates of fixed wireless networks. Colligo adds Wi-Fi capability to collaboration toolsVancouver-based Colligo Networks Inc. has released Colligo Workgroup Edition, its latest "instant network" product portfolio that allows business users to create ad-hoc networks. Previous products have allowed Pocket PC and Palm devices to create networks using the Bluetooth wireless protocol. But the company’s latest offering extends that functionality to devices using 802.11b or Wi-Fi protocols. CML and Motorola sign expanded outsourcing pactCML Emergency Services of Gatineau QC and Motorola Inc. have signed a multi-year outsourcing agreement under which CML will design hardware and software, assemble and package Motorola’s new MCC 5500 mobile radio dispatch consoles. The MCC 5500 meets specification of the Project 25 conventional radio systems and is part of the company’s portfolio of products and services for the public safety and security markets. These new products are scheduled for shipping in the spring of 2003. Infowave enables wireless data for enterprise marketInfowave Software Inc. has launched its Mobile Application Gateway, which allows wireless network operators to capitalize on offering wireless access to corporate information such as email and calendar applications. According to the company, wireless carriers can use the Mobile Application Gateway to leverage their existing resources to capitalize on the growth of wireless data in the enterprise market. DragonWave lands third-round financing from U.S. VC firmDragonWave Inc. has landed third-round financing of $13.2 million led by Enterprise Partners. To date, the millimetre wave radio maker has now tallied $39 million in funding. Venture Coaches participated again in this round and was joined by B.E.S.T. Enterprise Partners managing director Naser Partovi said he was impressed by the company’s "proven management team, disruptive technology and comprehensive understanding of market drivers and trends." With the additional money, DragonWave will be able to increase revenue and address new markets. Look launches high-speed Internet in OttawaLook Communications Inc. has launched wireless high-speed Internet in the Ottawa region. Look’s UltraFast wireless Internet access service is available to small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the Ottawa Valley and Outaouais markets. Look offers two levels of service, 750 kbps and 1.5 Mbps. Both offer burstable rates up to 1.5 Mbps and 3 Mbps respectively. The company’s UltraFast service now reaches more than 250,000 SMEs in the Ontario and Quebec markets. Look offers wireless Internet access in Ontario and Quebec.

ToW Short Takes

News | October 28, 2002

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