ROW Short Takes

Glentel inks distribution agreement for AMR systemGlentel Inc. has signed a memorandum of understanding with Hyundai Digital Technology (HDT), granting Glentel the exclusive rights to market and distribute HDT’s automatic meter reading (AMR) system. HDT’s AMR system is used in both the residential and commercial segments of the electricity, gas and water utility meter markets. "Today, the ability to effectively, efficiently and accurately read and manage utility meters is paramount. Consumers demand a confidence in their utility provider’s ability to consistently provide timely and accurate billings. The Hyundai solution meets this need," Glentel’s VP of operations for the wireless business division Dan Lowndes said in a news release. NovAtel unveils dual-mode GPS-Galileo receiverNovAtel Inc. has announced the successful demonstration of a dual-mode GPS-Galileo satellite receiver to the Canadian Space Agency. The device was developed under a contract awarded to NovAtel in September 2004. The Galileo satellite constellation is the European version of the GPS constellation. The receivers are expected to be ready to accept signals from the initial Galileo satellites, which are scheduled for launch in early 2006. The entire constellation of up to 30 satellites is expected to be fully operational by the 2010-2012 time frame. "We believe the technology we are creating here is unique, and will enable NovAtel to provide GPS/Galileo receiver solutions worldwide, and hopefully, in the ground infrastructure of the Galileo system itself," NovAtel’s VP of business development Tony Murfin said in a news release. Roadpost expands reach of wireless Internet serviceRoadpost Inc. has inked an agreement with iPass to expand the reach of its wireless Internet services to more than 150 countries. IPass is one of the world’s leading connectivity providers with a virtual network covering more than 300 providers. "By partnering with iPass, Roadpost is delivering an entirely new level of connectivity and flexibility to our international travelers by offering the most comprehensive selection of worldwide Internet services available today," Roadpost president and CEO Morris Shawn said in a news release. Digital Dispatch secures new contracts in EuropeDigital Dispatch Systems Inc. has signed two new contracts in Europe. The first is with TAXA 4x35 of Copenhagen, Denmark and the second is with Taxis G7 of Paris, France. Both companies will be purchasing additional mobile data terminals from Digital Dispatch. TAXA 4x35 also plans to purchase SmartPrint mobile printers and other communications products in addition to the iPilot 8000 mobile computers. These two contracts as well as other new products will provide Digital Dispatch with about $1 million in new contracts for the week of May 23 alone. AirIQ gets extension on payout for AirceptAirIQ Inc. has reached an agreement with ACP LLC to delay the payout of US$4.25 million it is owed following the purchase of Aircept by AirIQ in June 2004. The first payout is now due no earlier than January 2006. Telesat launches two-way Internet via satelliteTelesat Canada has introduced its new two-way satellite broadband Internet service, which is made possible through spot beam technology on the company’s Anik F2 satellite. The technology allows for always-on, always-ready high-speed connectivity anywhere in Canada. Telesat will be offering multiple tiers of service with speeds reaching as fast as 2 Mbps for downloads and 500 kbps for uploads. The service will be available through a variety of distributors including Barrett Xplore Inc., Infosat Communications, and others. Barrett is expected to unveil a national service within the next few weeks. SAMSys to provide RFID readers to the U.S. governmentTwo valued added resellers of SAMSys Technology Inc. have been awarded blanket purchase agreements from the U.S. government. This means that SAMSys’ new MP9320 v2.8 RFID reader can be used by the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD). The agreements are expected to result in the sale of a minimum of 700 fixed RFID readers from multiple vendors over the next year during the first-phase of a long-term initiative to implement RFID technology throughout DoD’s supply chain. Telus Mobility debuts new PTT handsetTelus Mobility has introduced the LG 4750, a new clamshell style push-to-talk handset from LG Electronics. The device operates over the company’s PCS network as a "light-duty" walkie talkie service, dubbed Instant Talk. In other Telus Mobility news, the company has introduced its multi-network data access solution, a reliable way for public safety and business clients to access critical data wirelessly. The solution is built on IBM’s WebSphere Everyplace Connection Manager, which allows customers to pass from one network to another without losing connection. The multi-network data access system also meets stringent security standards set out by Industry Canada. The solution is also certified to the FIPS 140-2 standard required for all IT products by the U.S. government. CSI subsidiary allows for greater GPS functionalityHemisphere GPS, a subsidiary of Calgary-based CSI Wireless Inc., has introduced new chip level technology that enables greater functionality for GPS receivers. The integrated circuit breakthrough will be used in Hemisphere’s latest line of GPS receivers, which will be offered under the Crescent brand name. "By developing our own ASIC technology, we have eliminated the limitations imposed by using off-the-shelf chipsets, and positioned ourselves to offer customers a wider variety of products with improved performance and expanded functionality," Rick Heiniger, president of Hemisphere GPS, said in a news release. Aliant Telecom improves pre-paid servicesAliant Telecom Inc. has made enhancements to its pre-paid cellular service resulting in greater functionality and improved features and services for its customers. Upgrades to the infrastructure will now allow pre-paid customers to send and receive text and picture messages, download ringtones, screensavers, and games. Also, customers will be able to forward calls, do three-way calling, and have call waiting and directory assistance. The enhancements were made possible by the migration to the pre-paid platform by Alcatel. Network enhancements are part of the company’s $350-million investment it will make by the end of this year. Radio hot commodity over mobile phones: researchCommercial radio services and music downloads to mobile phones are the two most interesting advanced mobile services to young adults, according to new consumer research from Management Network Group. The survey also revealed that youth are more interested in free ad-supported mobile video services than a subscription video service such as that offered by Verizon Wireless. According to the data, about 40% of 1,000 phone users between 13 and 34 would be very interested in commercial-free radio over their mobile phone. Nearly 35% were interested in wireless music downloads. The survey also revealed that survey respondents preferred the idea of paying US$0.99 per song rather than a flat fee of US$19.99 for 30 downloads. Ringtone outsells Coldplay tune in U.K.For the first time in history, a ringtone has landed on top of the music charts in the United Kingdom when Crazy Frog Axel F outsold a new single by the band Coldplay by a margin of nearly four to one. The ringtone is based on a song that was recorded in Sweden nearly 10 years ago.

ROW Short Takes

News | June 3, 2005

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