ROW Short Takes

Bell Canada pilots phone service in Montreal subwayBell Canada is extending its digital 1X network coverage underground to five subway stations in Montreal as part of a pilot project that will allow people to use their cell phones while they commute. Bell subscribers can use their cell phones in the indoor areas, including tunnels and platforms, of the following subway stations: Berri-UQAM, Saint-Laurent, Place-des-Arts, McGill and Peel. These five stations are used by 88% of Montreal subway commuters. As part of the pilot project, Bell will assess the different methods available to provide coverage and access to the 1X digital network inside the tunnels and in the stations. Data on the types of wireless usage by passengers will also be compiled. In a recent Bell survey, 84% of subway riders noted that mobile phone service in the subway would be beneficial. "This innovative project demonstrates Bell Canada’s leadership in developing to deliver more extensive access to the most advanced wireless network in the country," Pierre Blouin, group president of consumer markets at Bell Canada, said in an April 28 media release. In fact, Bell was the first company to develop Montreal’s underground city nearly 10 years ago, installing its network over 12 kilometers of tunnels and underground spaces downtown and in the surrounding areas. M-Comm selects Atlas Telecom as text messaging partnerM-Comm Marketing Inc., Toronto, has chosen Atlas Telecom Mobile (ATM) as its technology partner in offering its clientele promotional campaigns using text messaging. The ATM technology will support the creation and development of mobile marketing campaigns. "Mobile marketing is an effective tool that complements the traditional communications media, and which integrates perfectly to offer a targeted and successful campaign," said M-Comm president Nada Kayal. Rogers Wireless adds text messaging to 411 serviceRogers Wireless Inc. on April 22 announced the addition of text message delivery to its directory assistance (411) service. Customers can now dial 411 on their Rogers Wireless phone, request a listed phone number and receive the complete listing instantly by text message to their wireless device at no additional cost. "Rogers Wireless customers will now have convenient access to backup text records of every listing they request through 411, which they can quickly and easily store in the address book of their wireless phone," Karen Webb, VP of product management at Rogers Wireless, said in an April 22 media release. Currently, when Rogers Wireless customers request a number, they receive it by voice and the system automatically connects the call. There are no changes to applicable existing charges associated with calls to 411 or applicable airtime and long-distance charges on the connected call. WebTech announces new features to mapping interfaceWebTech Wireless announced on April 22 that it has added new features to its Quadrant mapping and reporting interface. The new enhancements include a landmark-to-landmark drive time report, which provides fleet operators with accurate drive-time reports for driver deliveries. "By measuring routes, as set by dispatcher-assigned landmarks, operators can now accurately forecast the time required for each delivery, resulting in minimized manpower discrepancies and greatly reduced operating costs," said Lindsay Ryerson, VP of sales and marketing at WebTech Wireless. Samsung, Rogers Wireless announce release of new phoneSamsung Telecommunications America and Rogers Wireless Inc. have introduced the Samsung SGH-x426 wireless phone. The phone is slim enough to fit into pockets, weighs only 2.8 ounces, features Java technology and allows users to download advanced games and graphics. A 128x160 pixel Ultra Fine Bright (UFB) display featuring 65,000 colours lets users enjoy games and graphics in colour. It operates exclusively in Canada on the Rogers Wireless 850/1900 MHz GSM/GPRS network. The phone is priced at $129.99 and comes with a two-year service agreement. Future Shop, Best Buy to carry new AOL Wireless softwareAOL Canada Inc. has signed a distribution agreement with Best Buy Canada Ltd. to have AOL Broadband sold in Future Shop and Best Buy stores. AOL Broadband with integrated wireless home networking is an all-in-one, high-speed Internet in a box. The software includes everything customers need to set up a fast wireless home network, including a high-speed Internet connection and the AOL online service. This new wireless-enabled product allows family members to simultaneously access a high-speed Internet connection throughout their home without the need for additional cabling. The stores are also selling AOL Max Internet software. Mitec introduces groundbreaking RF technologyMitec Telecom Inc. announced April 30 that it has developed new RF technology that delivers significantly improved price performance for RF front ends used in wireless networks. The technology involves using heat flow management architecture to produce high-power RF components from advanced polymer composites and plastics, rather than traditional metal alloys and precious metals. "The design evolution sets an entirely new standard for RF components, and will generate immediate benefits for OEM integrators. I am very enthused by the initial responses of our customer base, and we anticipate that this new core technology will accelerate our momentum in fiscal 2005," said Mitec president and CEO Rajiv Pancholy. Roadpost introduces new international airtime bundles Roadpost Inc. has introduced new simplified airtime bundles that the company states will save travelers more than 80% on other communication options. The new pricing schedules include extended base rate coverage on rental packages up to 30 days, flat rate fees for all international-based calls and simplified zone rates for rental and subscription services. The options include oneRoam Country, which is designed for the single-country traveler. Incoming calls from the selected country are free, and outgoing local and international calls are charged at a single per minute rate starting at CDN$1.59. The OneRoam World plan has airtime rates for international calls that start at CDN$1.99 a minute. Bell Canada works with Dexit on prepayment serviceBell Canada announced April 29 that it has joined with Toronto-based Dexit Inc. to introduce a new electronic prepaid payment service that allows consumers to pay for items like coffee, newspapers or quick service meals. Under the deal between the two companies, Bell Canada has the exclusive marketing rights to implement and sell Dexit low-value payment services to merchants. With the system, money is deducted from a customer’s prepaid Dexit account and moved to the merchant’s account. The system is supported by Bell’s IP-based national network. The service will initially be available to merchants in the 416 and 905 area codes. "Bell Canada is excited to enter into this agreement with Dexit, as it reaffirms our commitment to providing our Enterprise customers with innovative business solutions that help them be more competitive in the markets they are serving," John Hall, senior VP of marketing and enterprise markets at Bell Canada, said in a media release. "The solution will reduce cash handling costs for merchants, while at the same time making it a lot simpler for their customers to purchase a variety of items." The Dexit system was introduced in September 2003 and is currently used at more than 225 merchant locations by 25,000 customers. Phone site provides forum on major cellular newsCell-Phone-Plans.net is a location where interested cellular phone shoppers, wireless telecom developers and mobile gaming enthusiasts can connect with each other. "Our PDA and cell phone forums are the ideal place to post your views, or look for guidance on the questions and issues that matter to mobile consumers and developers," said Brendon Turner, senior editor/owner of Cell-Phone-Plans.net. "When people go out to shop for a new cell phone they have many concerns. They want immediate answers and that’s where we come in." Cell-Phone-Plans.net aims to provide in-depth news coverage of all major cellular carrier networks in both the United States and Canada. There are also product reviews from manufacturers, such as Nokia, Audiovox, Siemens, Sony Ericsson and others. Rogers Wireless Inc. Key MetricsRogers Wireless Inc. released its first-quarter 2004 financials on April 20. BCE Inc., TELUS Corp. and Microcell Telecommunications Inc. will release their respective Q1 results on May 5.

ROW Short Takes

News | May 4, 2004

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