ROW Update

WNP two years awayImplementation of wireless number portability has been set for September 2007, the Canadian Wireless Telecommunications Association (CWTA) has announced. The time frame, still subject to a number of outstanding issues, was recommended by PricewaterhouseCoopers after the CWTA contracted the company to come up with a timeline for WNP implementation. A pilot trial is scheduled for mid-2007. "The implementation timeline we are announcing today is aggressive given the complexities of introducing WNP, but Canada’s wireless industry is confident in its ability to deliver this new service to Canadians," CWTA president and CEO Peter Barnes said in a news release. Report on Wireless will have more on this important announcement in an upcoming issue. Comments regarding spectrum policy framework consultation publishedMobilexchange Spectrum Inc. is recommending that Industry Canada grant greater spectrum leasing flexibility to licensees in its comments to DGTP-001-05, Consultation on a Renewed Spectrum Policy Framework for Canada. This is only one comment from Mobilexchange among a number of others. Report on Wireless will present more detailed information regarding the consultation in an upcoming issue. Industry Canada to make RFID easierIndustry Canada has adopted new rules regarding RFID (RSS-210), making it easier for the deployment of RFID equipment in both Canada and the United States. The rule changes involve the 13.11-14.01 MHz and the 433.5-434.5 MHz frequency ranges. "These modifications to RSS-210 will align the technical standards currently in force in the U.S., and will permit the development of RFID devices which can operate in other countries," reads a notice from Industry Canada. Phantom Fiber secures deal with CaribSportsPhantom Fiber continues to grow the reach of its wireless gaming software, inking an agreement with Carib International Ltd. to wirelessly enable its sports wagering and horse racing service. Jeff Halloran, president and CEO of Phantom Fiber, says there are a number of other new and existing clients that are going to integrate the company’s wireless platform into their wagering services. "Due to the exponential growth in the mobile sector, gaming operators are now demanding the speed, security, and functionality which our advanced wireless platform delivers," he adds. SAMSys simplifies RFID reader managementToronto-based SAMSys Technologies Inc. has introduced RFID Application Programming Interface for Developers (RAPID), a platform that simplifies RFID reader management through the use of Java and Microsoft .Net programming environments and replaces the proprietary programming language previously required to manage SAMSys readers. Supply chain management software provider Tecsys says this new platform was a must-have for a recent deployment. "Without RAPID, the project would have taken us weeks if not months. Since RAPID was designed to be easy to use, we were ready to go in just days," Tecsys application developer Gord Thibault said in a news release. Rogers Wireless to offer Apple-Motorola iTunes handsetApple and Motorola introduced the E1 ROKR last week, an iTunes handset to be available exclusively through Rogers Wireless in Canada. The device, pronounced "rocker," is expected to be available in mid- to late-September. "The Motorola ROKR represents the ultimate convergence of mobile communications and music. Fusing iTunes with your always-with-you mobile phone, we’re revolutionizing the way the world experiences mobile self-expression and entertainment," Ed Zander, chair and CEO of Motorola, said in a news release. INTERNATIONAL Wireline displacement by wireless taking hold in U.S.New research from The Yankee Group concludes that high wireless minutes of use could translate into significant wireline displacement by wireless in the United States. Keith Mallinson, global wireless practice leader for The Yankee Group, says there are a number of factors driving greater wireless usage, including low prices, in-network calling and family plans. He adds this is an "unstoppable trend." "Carriers should aim to capitalize on the movement toward personal communications through one device on an anywhere, anytime basis rather than resist the inevitable shift away from wireline communications," he says. PayPal to be available from BangoMobile content provider Bango is making it easier for wireless subscribers to pay for mobile content by allowing them to make payments with their PayPal accounts. Existing PayPal users can activate their accounts for mobile purchases by visiting the www.bango.net web site. Gartner Inc. research analyst Tuong Nguyen said, "Providing consumers with different billing options will help spur the growth of mobile entertainment services (gaming, ringtones, wallpapers, etc.); especially in regions like North America, where most consumers are on networks that are still closed to off-portal content and billing."

ROW Update

News | September 13, 2005

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Telus says Bell reselling fibre in western Canada will bring ‘net benefit’

Quebecor disappointed in federal budget’s lack of support for TV broadcasters

Numbers up for Bell in Q3, wholesale fibre launch for western Canada expected in January

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