ROW Short Takes

Tira extends support to Brew-based applicationsTira Wireless has announced that it has enhanced its Tira Jump Product Suite to support mobile content and applications based on Qualcomm Inc.’s Brew platform. This latest version of Tira’s mobile content deployment technology allows content developers and publishers to efficiently adapt and manage Brew applications for wireless operators. "Tira Wireless is committed to accelerating wireless data revenues by supporting Brew solutions’ ability to drive the discovery and delivery of advanced data services and growing the market for Brew content," Tira Wireless senior VP of product strategy Randy Busch said in a news release. "Our goal is to support their initiatives by ensuring operators with Brew-based services have access to a range of high-quality applications for the latest handsets." Cell-Loc completes Brazilian location networkCalgary-based Cell-Loc Location Technologies Inc. has completed the rollout of a location network in Sao Paulo, Brazil, the company announced at the end of last month. Cell-Loc’s subsidiary X3 Telecomunicacoes e Equipamentos Ltda. spent approximately $5.4 million deploying the network in the world’s fifth largest city, which under went a series of reliability tests. As a result of successfully achieving the requisite standards, the company has entered into a new five-year contract with Itau Seguros, a Brazilian insurance company, under which the Cell-Loc subsidiary is guaranteed a minimum of $4.6 million in annual revenue during the first two years of the agreement. "Pursuant to this agreement, the company’s network is responsible for providing real-time location of stolen vehicles, and if required, remote immobilization by shutting off the fuel supply. The network is now entering its commercial stage, with devices being installed in vehicles commencing in early June," reads a news release. Redline starts Phase II of WiMAX product strategyRedline Communications Inc. has kicked off the second phase of its WiMAX product and network evolution strategy, dubbed RedPath, with the introduction of the RedMAX indoor subscriber unit. The strategy is designed to accelerate WiMAX network deployment and revenue growth for service providers. The subscriber unit will be commercially available in the second-half of this year. Aliant launches EvDO in major Atlantic marketsAtlantic Canada’s incumbent telephone company and mobile operator has introduced EvDO in a number of new and major urban markets in the region. Aliant has introduced the high-speed wireless network in Saint-John, Moncton and Fredericton in New Brunswick, Charlottetown in Prince Edward Island and in St. John’s Newfoundland and Labrador. EvDO service is already available in Halifax. Aliant is investing $20 million to deploy the service throughout the region. By the end of next year, 60% of the Atlantic Canadians will be able to get the service. Sierra inks distribution agreement with BrightstarSierra Wireless Inc. has secured a distribution agreement with Brightstar Corp. for the sale, marketing and distribution of Sierra’s AirCard product family. Under terms of the agreement, Brightstar will distribute the 850 and 860 PC cards for HSDPA networks, the 775 card for EDGE networks and the 595 and 580 for EvDO networks. "This collaboration represents a significant step for Sierra Wireless. Brightstar has extensive reach through national and global channels, and a solid reputation for delivering integrated technology products," Sierra Wireless’ senior VP of worldwide sales Dan Schieler said in a news release. "This agreement will assist us in driving demand for our AirCard products to a wider customer base that is looking for effective, reliable, high-performing, mobile data products to meet the needs of mobile professionals." Virgin Mobile gets ARPU lift from Zi technologyVirgin Mobile in the United Kingdom has realized a 33% increase in average revenue per user (ARPU) from subscribers involved in a trial of Zi Corp.’s search and discovery engine. Virgin Mobile started the trial of Zi’s Qix technology last summer and has experienced a minimum 33% ARPU lift from the beginning of the trial until the end of April 2006. The trial with Virgin Mobile has shown that Qix can deliver on increasing ARPU, reducing churn and improve the adoption of new services, ZI’s COO Milos Djokovic said. "Users are finding mobile phones increasingly difficult to navigate, but Qix cuts through the complexity, encouraging users to discover the latest services available," he added in a news release. Intrynsic speeds development of new handheldsIntrynsic Software International Inc. has demonstrated that its Windows Mobile development tools can deliver more than just advanced cell phones. The company recently announced the completion of a customized product development project for TVcompass Inc. under which a new remote control for a variety of entertainment equipment was created. The WiFi Smart Remote is a programmable universal remote incorporating Wi-Fi wireless connectivity and a mobile phone-style LCD screen that is capable of controlling a minimum of 24 entertainment components. "The WiFi Smart Remote control is a great example of the successful application of Intrynsic’s expert mobile and embedded development skills," Intrynsic’s executive VP of customer programs David Manuel said in a news release. Fido and Rogers debut new caller ID applicationRogers Wireless and Fido have introduced a new caller ID application that allows subscribers to see who is calling even if that person isn’t in the cell phone’s address book. Dubbed Name Display, it builds on a popular and common wireline application, but extends it to the wireless space. "Name Display will be popular with Fido customers who are typically urbanites and often completely wireless. With services advancements like Name Display, now it’s even easier to become completely wireless," Fido’s VP of marketing Karim Salabi said in a news release. Bell introduces new mobile news video clip serviceBell Mobility in conjunction with CTV Inc. has introduced a new mobile video service for its subscribers. Customers can now access CTV News and Report on Business Television (ROBTv) video clips any time, anywhere. "The mandate of the CTV News division is to deliver meaningful and comprehensive news reports in a timely fashion. With Bell Mobility, we now have a mobile strategy that showcases our leading news services and ensures Canadians can stay connected to the critical news of the day," Robert Hurst, president of CTV News, said in a news release.

ROW Short Takes

News | June 15, 2006

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