Trucking Technology Report - July 19
 |  |
ul>
NHTSA Asks States to Keep Data on High-Tech Driver Distractions
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is asking states to gather data on auto accidents involving the use of mobile phones. The NHTSA estimates that one-fourth of 6.3 million auto accidents occurring in the United States every yearre caused by driver distraction, but the agency does not have definitive statistics of how many involve drivers using cell phones.
The NHTSA is also asking the makers of mobile phones and other wireless equipment for in-vehicle use, such as navigational systems, to allow the agency access to their safety research and help in promoting awareness for the safe use of cell phones when driving. Mobile phone and automobile makers are strongly opposed to any restrictions that would curtail using mobile phones in cars.
Appeals Court Strikes Down FCC Telecom Pricing Rules
A federal appeals court yesterday rejected pricing guidelines that federal regulators hoped would spur competition in local telecom markets. The FCC, which had enacted the guidelines, could appeal to the Supreme Court. But if the decision remains intact, long-distance companies may have to pay millions of dollars in extra network connection fees.Yesterday's decision could spark an increase in fees that other companies pay for access to the networks of incumbent local telcos. William P. Barr, general counsel for Verizon, said yesterday that the ruling will result in higher network access fees. An AT&T officials said higher interconnection rates would make the lack of competition in the local market even worse.
The Telecom Act of 1996 calls for incumbent local companies to open their networks to rivals. To enforce such a requirement, the FCC devised a system to determine how much the incumbents could charge rivals for using key elements of their networks.
The FCC's system required that charges be based on the assumption that the incumbents use the most efficient, advanced communications equipment available. The system was intended to push incumbents to upgrade their networks. However, the incumbents, which do not always use the best equipment, contended that the rate system was unjust and that the prices they could charge sometimes fell below costs. The incumbents added that fees should be charged according to cost.
The United States Court of Appeals for the Eight Circuit in St. Louis sided with the incumbent locals. An FCC officials said the agency would decide whether to appeal the decision in the next few weeks. New York Times (07/19/00) P. C2; Schiesel, Seth
Internet-Enabled Server Aims at In-Cab Truck Uses
The FW-2000 Mobile Server from FieldWorks is an onboard server designed for the trucking industry that uses a pair of separate full-screen displays.One driver-oriented display handles such functions as routing and dispatching, maintenance, and providing traffic and weather information. It can also work with safety system and other vehicle data as well as other-driver information. The second display, which can go on the side of the dashboard opposite the driver or even in the sleeper berth, is for Internet functions.
The system can imitate the truck's instrument panel, displaying gauges and messages as requested by the driver; future versions will allow specific messages to be displayed on command or when certain events take place.
Another system from FieldWorks is the SBT, which stands for service bay tool; this is a diagnostic system designed to work with the truck's computers. Commercial Carrier Journal (06/00) Vol. 157, No. 6, P. 66
Sales of Logistics Products Boost EMS Technologies Results
EMS Technologies, Inc. reports second quarter earnings of $1.6 million, on revenues of $77 million. The company's wireless products line for logistics and transportation exceeded sales exceeded revenue expectations. The company announced during the second quarter its first major contract to supply packet data terminals to a North American provider of mobile satellite services, helping to provide a reliable, cost-effective solution for over-the-road data communications for trucking companies. PR Newswire (07/18/00)EverTrac, RoyalTek Partner for Locator Service
EverTrac, Inc. and RoyalTek have announced a strategic partnership to jointly develop and deliver geography-enabled mobile eBusiness solutions. The joint effort plans to help organizations advance their eBusiness model to a global, geography- and location-aware business platform. The arrangement should help companies know where their assets are anywhere and anytime. RoyalTek delivers market-specific black box technologies for GPS and communications. M2 Presswire (07/18/00)© copyright 2000 INFORMATION, INC. Terms of Service
| ||||
