Technology Briefs - Nov. 4 - Nov. 10
The Latest Headlines:
- More Truck Stops to Get Wireless Internet Access
- Device That Changes Traffic Signals Raises Safety Concerns
- XM Posts Net Loss in 3Q
- Terion Names New CFO
- XM Posts Net Loss in 3Q
More Truck Stops to Get Wireless Internet Access
Sprint Corp. said Thursday it was teaming with Truckstop.net to build wireless Internet "hot spots" in 3,000 truck stops nationwide over the next three years.Using wireless fidelity technology, or Wi-Fi, the service would allow truckers access to a high-speed Internet link without leaving their trucks.
Drivers can buy access to the service online or at participating truck stops, the Kansas City Star reported. The user will need a laptop computer and a wireless network card or a Wi-Fi enabled personal digital assistant.
Device That Changes Traffic Signals Raises Safety Concerns
Safety advocates are outraged motorists can now purchase dashboard devices that changes red traffic lights to green at the touch of a button, the Washington Post reported.The device works on lights that have been fitted with infrared sensors. It is only supposed to be used by fire trucks, ambulances and police cars, but new technology has lowered the cost and made it easier for ordinary motorists to obtain the device.
A U.S. Department of Transportation survey of the nation's 78 largest metropolitan areas last year found them at about 26,500 intersections across the nation, the Associated Press reported.
In Michigan, a story about the devices in a local newspaper prompted state Sen. Tony Stamas to promise that he would introduce legislation to make it illegal to possess such equipment, the Post said. Transport Topics
XM Posts Net Loss in 3Q
XM Satellite Radio Holdings Inc. said Thursday its net loss for the third quarter was $133.4 million or $1.12 per share, compared with $109.6 million or $1.26 a year earlier. The company had an average of 129.7 million shares in the quarter, compared with 91.2 million shares a year earlier.XM also said in its statement it reached 1 million clients during October. It expects to have at least 1.2 million subscribers by the end of the year and be "cash-flow breakeven" by the end of 2004.
The company's sales rose to $26.9 million from $5.6 million. Transport Topics
Terion Names New CFO
Terion, a provider of trailer management systems, said Tuesday it named James Hajek as its new chief financial officer.Hajek was most recently vice president of finance for Marconi Global Services.
Terion also named Eldon Prax the new vice president of operations and engineering. Transport Topics
