Trucking Technology Report - June 6

Strigl made his comments Monday at the Supercomm 2001 trade show in Atlanta. He also expressed optimism that U.S. wireless service providers will have more opportunity for growth than their European counterparts. But so far, cell phone users have shown little interest in wireless Web services.

Cingular Wireless CEO Stephen M. Carter, who also attended the trade show, said the industry threw its support too quickly behind standards, such as WAP, that failed to live up to expectations. Carter also noted that the U.S. wireless industry has access to roughly half the amount of spectrum available to European carriers. Dallas Morning News Online (06/05/01); Bajaj, Vikas

However, the surveys also uncovered a disconnect between what consumers deem to be important to them and what manufacturers and retailers think is important to consumers, as well as a lack of collaboration between manufacturers and retailers.

Although IRI's study provides some encouraging news for consumer packaged goods firms--23% of online shoppers have purchased CPGs online and 99% plan to buy more online over the next year--it also points to some problem areas. For example, 68% of consumers list delivery costs as a key deterrent to their spending more money online for CPGs, while only 22% CPG manufacturers and retailers thought such costs were a problem. Also, 57% of consumers thought the inability to review products in person when online is a limiting factor, while only 18% of the executives identified this as a problem in the minds of consumers.

In a separate study, Jupiter Media Metrix reports that future online grocery sales, which it predicts will reach $11.3 billion by 2006, depend in part on CPG manufacturers and retailers getting a better handle on the online portion of their business. CyberAtlas (06/01/01); Pastore, Michael

According to the deal, the companies will collaborate to provide Nextel customers with e-mail retrieval capabilities, calendar applications, and contact information. The agreement covers both voice and text delivery. The new service, which is already available, can also provide security for access to messages and other information on Microsoft Outlook and Lotus Notes.

To access the service, Nextel customers have to subscribe to the company's Online Plus Wireless Web service. Reuters (06/06/01)

The telecom carrier said it is reducing capital spending for 2001 to between $8.88 billion and $9 billion, compared to its previous forecast of $9.2 billion. The company predicted a drop in capital spending to $8 billion next year.

Qwest made the forecasts in its submission to the Securities and Exchange Commission. The company, which is also embarking upon measures to reduce costs and boost cash flow, previously reduced its capital spending from $9.5 billion to $9.2 billion. Qwest CEO Joseph P. Nacchio said the company is sticking with its forecast for revenue growth of 12% to 13% for the second quarter over pro forma revenue in last year's second quarter. Wall Street Journal (06/06/01) P. A16