Trucking Technology Report - July 18
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Road Safety Agency Warns Against Using Navigation Devices While Driving
In a report drawn from a series of studies, the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration advises against operating computer-navigation systems while driving, since the distraction could pose a danger.According to one of the studies, nearly nine-tenths of the time drivers moved out of their lanes while attempting to operate a computer-navigation device. The report evaluated a proposed Society of Automotive Engineers rule advising against doing anything while driving that one would need more than 15 seconds to do while not driving. The report said it would often be just as safe if the margin were widened to 30 or 45 seconds. Wall Street Journal (07/18/00) P. A24
Cell Industry To Push Phone Makers To Disclose Radiation Levels
The Cellular Telecommunication Industry Association has passed a ruling that will push telecom equipment makers to reveal radiation levels generated from their mobile phones. The new requirement follows last month's decision by the Food and Drug Administration to lead an industry financed study for determining whether cell phone radiation is hazardous.
Prior to the CTIA ruling, consumers had to direct inquiries to the FCC regarding radiation levels produced from different cell phones. The FCC established its radiation guidelines in 1996 and has since made the data available on its Web site. The ruling will be instituted next month, with the new packaging information provided to consumers in three to six months, according to the CTIA.
The CTIA is the most powerful trade group in the wireless industry, with many of the leading mobile manufacturers counted in its membership. While the organization can provide substantial pressure for all cell makers to comply to the ruling, the group cannot require all global manufacturers to adhere to the new ruling. Wall Street Journal (07/18/00) P. B10; Harris, Nicole
Congressional Move May Solve Cell Phone Tax-Area Riddle
Opponents of taxing mobile phone-based sales over the Web received a blow last week when both houses of Congress approvedegislation that will require companies to tax callers according to the caller's "primary service area." The legislation will apply to both local and state taxes.
Cell phone users have been paying $4 billion to $7 billion annually in state and local mobile phone user taxes. Cell phone operators are responsible for the cumbersome task of tracing the origin of their customer's so taxes are applied to the appropriate jurisdiction, according to Cellular Telecommunications Industry Association Vice President Chris Putala.
For the majority of mobile phone users, the primary service area will be the address to where their bills are sent. But for some, the primary service area will be registered according to the area code. New York Times (07/18/00) P. C6; Johnston, David Cay
QUALCOMM Shares Surge on Patent Validation
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Shares for the company closed Monday at $69.81 on the Nasdaq stock market, up 10.7%.
Japan's patent office declared that QUALCOMM has exclusive patent rights regarding the Japanese version of its CDMA patent. Six companies, including Nokia, lobbied for the Japanese CDMA patent to be declined.
In two separate decisions, the European Patent Office declared that QUALCOMM will retain its patents involving wireless coverage and capacity technology for improved indoor reception, and an additional for its audio feedback feature. Dallas Morning News Online (07/18/00)
White House Warns U.S.-Japan Telecom Accord Remains Elusive
The White House said it could not forecast whether the telecom dispute between the United States and Japan would be settled by Thursday, when President Clinton and Japanese Prime Minister Yoshiro Mori are set to meet in Tokyo.U.S. and Japanese trade officials are involved in talks related to Nippon Telegraph and Telephone's interconnection fees charged to competing carriers. The officials had hoped to conclude discussions yesterday.
However, Lael Brainard, a top White House official who will be the president's personal representative at the Group of Eight summit this weekend in Okinawa, said it is not yet clear whether the discussions will be completed.
President Clinton is set to leave for Tokyo on Wednesday. Wall Street Journal (07/18/00) P. A14
eXit Source, Verizon to Deliver Wireless Web to Highway Travelers
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