RoW International Short Takes

Comarco releases new cell phone test systemComarco Wireless Test Solutions has introduced a new mobile wireless test system that it claims is the industry’s first dual calling-module system. The Seven.Five Duo can easily switch from evaluating network performance in an in-building or pedestrian environment to drive testing of cellular networks. NextNet Wireless raises another round of financingMinneapolis-based NextNet Wireless Inc. has raised further financing allowing the company to expand into other markets. COM Holdings LLC, a company controlled by Craig McCaw, led the round, with investment also coming from existing investors DCM-Doll Capital Management, Green Ventures, Globespan Capital Partners and others. Terms were not disclosed. ITU launches ICT projectThe International Telecommunication Union has launched regional working parties on private-sector issues to work on regional issues to better cooperate, design, select and implement projects for information and communications technology (ICT) development. With this goal, the ITU organized a forum, which took place in Dakar, Senegal from July 29-31, on partnerships with public and private sectors for ICT development in Africa. Wi-Fi roaming capabilities needed for footprint expansionThe CEO of Pronto Networks Jasbir Singh says that roaming between disparate Wi-Fi networks is required to ensure its success. "Roaming is definitely important in the early stages of the public WLAN market - as of now, only a patchwork of hotspots are available. The only way to provide footprint to end-users is, in fact, through roaming relationships, as no player today has a vast footprint. In the future, however, we will see roaming settlement clearinghouses emerge, as they did in the cellular industry," he said. Pronto offers inter wireless Internet service provider roaming that enables its operator customers to offer bi-lateral roaming. Telenor introduces data service for in-flight transmissionsTelenor Satellite Services has unveiled its swift mobile packet data service (MPDS), which provides customers with a tool for conducting business during flights. According to the company, MPDS is valuable for customers using global Internet applications including web access, file transfer, email and remote monitoring. The service, based on Inmarsat’s Swift64 technology, provides for an efficient method of data communications while on a plane. Carriers done with dumb pipe, says DunsbyWireless operators are no longer satisfied with providing a "dumb pipe" for the transmission of voice and data services, according to Martin Dunsby, VP of operations for inCode. Wireless carriers are beginning to get smart about developing customized applications and services as an example that enhance the wireless experience. He notes the AT&T Wireless marketing project in conjunction with the highly popular TV show American Idol. Dunsby believes the success of this initiative illustrated the growing demand for data services. While he believes that camera phones will be particularly interesting in the future, success of data services rests on carriers’ ability to make them simple. Nokia requests binding arbitration with InterDigitalNokia Corp. has requested binding arbitration with the International Court of Arbitration regarding its royalty payment obligations under an existing patent licence agreement with InterDigital Technology Corp. Nokia’s request relates to InterDigital’s claim that patent licence agreements it signed with Ericsson and Sony Ericsson in March 2003 defined the financial terms of Nokia’s royalty payment obligations. Nokia is seeking a determination that it has no royalty payment obligations to InterDigital based on the licensing of Ericsson and Sony Ericsson.

RoW International Short Takes

News | July 31, 2003

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