ROW Short Takes

Nortel selected for 1xEV-DO network deploymentSmartcom, a wireless operator in Chile has deployed 1xEV-DO wireless equipment from Nortel Networks Corp. to boost its network capacity and expand service offerings in the Greater Santiago area. The network upgrade allows Smartcom to offer advanced mobile broadband services such as high-speed Internet access, virtual office services, real-time video and other data and multimedia services. The wireless operators plans to the make the service available immediately, allowing subscribers to access the Internet through 3G handsets, other wireless handheld devices and laptop computers equipped with wireless network interface cards. In other Nortel news, the company inked an agreement with Speednet to deploy broadband wireless equipment in Belize. Nortel will immediately begin deploying CDMA2000 1X wireless gear, enabling Speednet to offer a suite of new applications including web browsing, email, photo sharing, video and music downloads, games, ringtones, location-based services and push-to-talk capabilities. Zi Corp. announces availability of new predictive text softwareCalgary-based Zi Corp. has released a new and updated version of its eZiTap front end processor (FEP). The new version is available and accessible through Handago and its more than 100 portals. Version two comes complete with new unique features to make text entry even faster. It is also available in seven new languages and operates on Sony Ericsson’s feature-rich P800 and P900 series of smart phones. FEP is a downloadable version of the company’s predictive text software. Treo 600 now available from Bell MobilityBell Mobility and palmOne have announced the availability of the Treo 600 smartphone for Bell customers. The Treo 600 operates on Bell’s CDMA 1X network, the first time any palmOne device has been deployed over a 1X network in Canada. The Treo 600 retails for $549 when purchased with a three-year voice and data contract, $574 with a two-year service agreement, $649 with a one-year deal and $699 without any contract. The device is immediately available through Bell channels, value-added resellers and online. Infowave and Visto agree to settle legal disputeInfowave Software Inc. and Visto Corp. have reached an agreement that ends litigation between the two companies. As part of the deal, Infowave has acknowledged the validity of Visto’s patent portfolio, and Visto has granted Infowave a royalty bearing licence to those patents. Further details of the agreement were not disclosed. The heads of both companies downplayed the agreement noting only that it was in the best interests of both companies. SkyWave Mobile gets 15-year licence from FCCThe Federal Communications Commission has granted Ottawa-based SkyWave Mobile Communications Inc. a 15-year licence extension to sell D+ satellite terminals in the U.S. market. The company offers both D+ satellite terminals and network airtime, allowing customers in the marine, land mobile and fixed site industries to acquire asset intelligence anywhere anytime. SkyWave was the first Inmarsat D+ provider to receive approval to operate in the United States. "Gaining an FCC extension to commercially sell our satellite terminals and network airtime in the United States will allow SkyWave to expand its market in asset tracking and management to a larger customer base," Pui-Ling Stanley Chan, CEO and managing director of SkyWave, said in a news release. CSI Wireless teams with Freescale for new phoneCalgary-based CSI Wireless Inc. has teamed up with Freescale Semiconductor to build a new fixed wireless phone based on the GSM/GPRS protocol. CSI recently released its new 410 Series of fixed wireless handsets that allows carriers to overcome expensive or non-existent landline infrastructure. The handset can be deployed in both developing and developed countries. Microcell introduces new airtime packageMicrocell Solutions Inc. has officially launched its Unlimited Local Calls Anywhere in Canada package, allowing subscribers to receive calls from anywhere in the country without having to pay long distance charges. For $70 per month, subscribers can receive an unlimited number of calls, but outgoing minutes max out at 850 and are only valid for calls within Canada or the United States. Report on Wireless will have more on this in an upcoming issue. eXI Wireless to offer RFID tags to OEM marketRichmond BC-based eXI Wireless has announced the availability of its RFIID technology and services to OEM vendors, which are looking to deliver wireless identification solutions to market in a fast and cost-effective manner. Market opportunities in RFID are expected to continue to increase, with the Venture Development Corp. projecting a 34% compounded annual growth rate between 2004 and 2007. Agilent Technologies improves UWB design guideAgilent Technologies Inc. has made enhancements to its Ultra-Wideband (UWB) DesignGuide incorporating multiband orthogonal frequency division multiplexing technology. The company’s UWB design guide helps speed up product development and can now ensure new products meet specifications for emerging applications. SR Telecom reaches settlement with SolectronMontreal-based SR Telecom Inc. has reached an agreement with Solectron California Corp. regarding arbitration Solectron had filed against Netro Corp., a company since acquired by SR Telecom. Solectron claimed that in 2000 it had purchased materials on the basis of Netro’s sales forecasts, and was subsequently left with excess inventory. Under terms of the agreement, SR Telecom has agreed to acquire the excess materials for approximately US$3 million. It has also agreed to make an additional payment to Solectron of US$1 million. Wireless consumers want number directoryA majority of wireless subscribers want a directory of phone numbers, according to a new study. The Pierz Group found that 52% of Americans plan to opt-in when a wireless 411 directory becomes available. While privacy considerations would have to be dealt with, a surprisingly high percentage of consumers would opt-in without privacy protection. Multiband OFDM group to form new SIGThe Multiband OFDM Alliance (MBOA) is set to announce the formation of the MBOA special interest group next week at the Intel Developers Forum. The group plans to publish specifications in the hopes of spurring adoption of ultra wide band technology in consumer electronics and other devices. Wi-Fi Alliance to certify multimedia capabilitiesThe Wi-Fi Alliance announced this week that it is now certifying a new capability that is expected to set the stage for the adoption of wireless communications in consumer electronics devices such as DVD players and television. Dubbed WMM for Wi-Fi Multimedia, it is designed to improve the user experience for audio, video and voice applications over Wi-Fi networks.

ROW Short Takes

News | 09/09/2004 4:00 am EDT

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