ROW Short Takes

TenXc and Mitec ink broad development sales dealTenXc Wireless Inc. and Mitec Telecom Inc. have signed a broad development and sales agreement that will see the two companies work together to develop and commercialize intelligent antenna systems. Under the terms of the agreement, Mitec will contribute design and operations resources during TenXc’s product development phase. As well, the two companies will jointly define, promote and sell the family of intelligent antennas to wireless operators on a global basis. "…There is tremendous opportunity to create unique and compelling value propositions for wireless operators by combining Mitec’s leading edge, light-weight RF subsystems with TenXc’s unique architecture and proprietary digital beam forming technologies," Mitec’s executive VP of sales and marketing David Kennedy said in a news release. Vidéotron ltée introduces wireless routerVidéotron ltée has introduced a cable modem with integrated router and wireless adapters for home networks, allowing its high-speed Internet customers to create a high-speed wireless home network through which several computers can share a single Internet connection and use a shared printer. A laptop can be moved anywhere in the home and remain connected to the network. The wireless broadband router splits one Internet connection among all the computers in the home that are equipped with a wireless network adapter, avoiding indoor wiring costs. In a media release, the Quebec cableco cites a recent study that indicates that 35% of computer-owning North American households have more than one computer, and the proportion is expected to rise to 50% by 2007. "This means there is a growing need in many households for home networks that let family members share an Internet connection, play games on a network, and share resources such as a printer, other peripherals and video downloads," said Stephane Gendron, senior director of marketing, Internet products at Vidéotron. TalaMobility to launch own wireless calling servicesMontreal-based TalaMobility announced July 7 its plans to launch mobile voice and data services in Canada, using the tag line "It’s Possible." The company plans to focus on providing its private label wireless services and products, including wireless coverage in major urban centres, international calling to countries around the world, and roaming overseas, to niche markets and consumers looking for alternatives to current mainstream wireless offerings. It will initially target customers in Quebec and Ontario, and then expand to across Canada. TalaMobility’s One Nation One Plan allows customers to make calls nationwide and to the United States as a local call. The plan, which can be extended to 26 country landlines, costs $9.95 a month, including call forwarding, call waiting, call conferencing, 100 airtime minutes, at a rate of ten cents per additional minute. TalaMobility uses Microcell Solutions Inc.’s GSM network in Canada. Wi-LAN informs IEEE of intent to license patentsWi-LAN Inc. has filed a letter of assurance with the IEEE Standards Association (IEEE-SA) for the patents and patent applications recently acquired from Ensemble Communications Inc. The letter of assurance states that it is prepared to grant a licence for the patents and patent applications to an unrestricted number of applicants on a worldwide, non-discriminatory basis. "The acquisition of the Ensemble patent portfolio has strengthened our position within the 802.16 standard," said Wi-LAN executive director Hatim Zaghloul. "The acquisition of these patents is a significant enhancement to our WiMAX licensing strategy." Wi-LAN states in a July 13 media release that it believes its W-OFDM patents are relevant to all implementations of broadband wireless OFDM and is committed to supporting the ubiquitous implementation of OFDM in broadband wireless equipment and standards. SR T subsidiary to provide wireless services within ChileSR Telecom’s wireless subsidiary CTR has been granted a licence to provide wireless services in the cities of Tumuco, Talca, Los Angeles and Chillan. Also, it expects to soon obtain a similar licence for the cities of Osorno and Puerto Montt. Fido adds mobile game deck to its wireless device portfolioFido has added the Nokia N-GageTM QD, which is both a wireless phone and an ergonomic gaming console with an instant game launcher key, to its wireless device portfolio. "Basically, it’s the mobile answer to gaming with enough horsepower to keep even the most dedicated player going for hours. Serious gamers will appreciate the ability to connect to fellow players at close range through Bluetooth or around the world via Fido’s GPRS wireless data network," said Microcell Solutions Inc. VP of marketing Rene Bousquet. "No matter where they are, they can play against others, download games directly to their N-Gage QD game deck, check high scores, access message boards and get useful tips through the N-Gage Wireless Arena Web site." The pocket-sized device combines a colour screen and easy-to-use controls with advanced smart phone features, such as a personal information manager, an XHTML browser, and e-mail, text and multimedia messaging. Digital Dispatch on road to acquiring Maddocks SystemsDigital Dispatch Systems Inc. has entered into a non-binding letter of intent to purchase all outstanding shares of Maddocks Systems Inc. for $10 million, with $ 9 million payable upon closing and $1 million to be paid as an employment retention bonus over the next three years. At the option of Maddocks shareholders, up to $2 million of the consideration may be paid in Digital Dispatch common shares priced at $6 a share. The transaction is intended to be effective August 31, and is expected to close on September 17, or at a date mutually agreed by both parties. Maddocks provides solutions exclusively to the transportation and logistics industry and its client base represents an estimated 60,000 trucks, with about 25% of the trucks utilizing some form of wireless communications for automated dispatching. Michigan company chooses WaveRider’s Last Mile SolutionAir Advantage, a wireless Internet service provider in Michigan, has chosen WaveRider Communications Inc.’s Last Mile Solution to deliver broadband services to business and residents throughout its service area. Air Advantage currently offers high-speed communications services in 15 communities in Michigan’s Thumb Area via WaveRider’s non-line-of-sight wireless systems. "Many of our service areas in Michigan are heavily treed, which is desirable for residents but poses a challenge to many wireless systems," said Air Advantage president Scott Zimmer. "WaveRider’s wireless network has been proven to be the best solution for communities like ours because of its ability to transmit through the trees. The technology has also allowed us to quickly grow our networks to serve more customers, without having to re-invest in our infrastructure. The system will also enable us to offer more advanced communications services as new technologies become available." C-COM signs distribution agreement with StarbandC-COM Satellite Systems Inc. has signed a distribution agreement with StarBand Communications Inc. for its iNetVu Mobile antenna system. Under the deal, C-COM will integrate the iNetVu 750 with StarBand hardware, which will be marketed directly by StarBand to their dealers across the United States. The iNetVu Mobile antenna, which has been specifically modified by C-COM to work with StarBand equipment, will offer mobile customers operating from remote locations the same instant and secure communications available today to fixed users located in large metropolitan areas, according to C-COM president and CEO Leslie Klein. Microsoft announces new partners for RFIDMicrosoft Canada Co. has announced that the list of partner companies contributing to RFID systems based on its Windows platform continues to grow. The companies are working together to help Canadian manufacturers, distributors and retailers reduce human error in data collection, improve inventory visibility and provide better customer service. The growing list of partners was announced on July 5.

ROW Short Takes

News | July 15, 2004

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