Trucking Technology Report - Dec. 1
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Both the online report and e-mail are sponsored by @Track Communications, a supplier of wireless communications and dispatch services.
Today's Technology Headlines:
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Wireless Web's Vast Promises Still Unkept in U.S.
Despite staggering predictions for future demand of wireless Web technologies and services, only a small percentage of current mobile subscribers use such services. Only 2%, or 300,000, of AT&T Wireless' (AWE) subscribers use their cell phones for Internet access. At Sprint (FON), only 9%, or 720,000, of its subscriber base has signed up for wireless Web services.
Tom Trinneer, AT&T Wireless Services' vice president of portal development, says some wireless companies have mistakenly marketed wireless Web services as an equivalent to fixed-line Internet services. Trinneer adds that this strategy often makes consumers feel they have been misled since the wireless Web is still early in its development.
In choosing a service, U.S. users have to worry about the lack of a national standard, which has also slowed the technological development of the wireless industry. But despite these obstacles, companies continue to devote major resources to mobile Internet technologies.
Industry observers expect voice to become the most popular application for future wireless Web users. And companies including Impulsity are working on applications that combine voice and data capabilities. Impulsity is developing a wireless service to allow users to check in at airports via their cell phones. Wall Street Journal (12/01/00) P. B1; Petersen, Andrea; Harris, Nicole
Nokia Signs U.S. GPRS Network Deal With AT&T
Nokia announced today that it is has agreed to deliver high-speed networks for mobile Internet access to AT&T Wireless (AWE). According to the agreement, the networks will be designed to work with GPRS technology. Nokia said the systems will be added to AT&T Wireless' North American network operations.The first stage of network deployment is set to begin the first half of next year and will provide high-speed data capabilities for cell phone users, along with always-on wireless Web connections. Nokia also said it will support AT&T Wireless' future adoption of 3G services. Reuters (11/30/00)
Nortel Wins Pact From AT&T Wireless for U.S. Network
AT&T Wireless (AWE) has chosen Nortel Networks (NT) to supply core networking for the wireless operator's planned next-eneration national network.NTT DoCoMo provided AT&T Wireless with the funding for the network deployment, which calls for AT&T to use three other telecom-equipment suppliers. Lucent Technologies (LU), Nokia, and Ericsson were chosen to provide equipment and services for the network's base stations. But the deal with Nortel is especially important because it moves Nortel into Lucent territory, according to Adams, Harkness & Hill analyst Jim Kedersha.
Lucent has been AT&T's wireless equipment provider, but Nortel has moved in by providing equipment in the western United States.
AT&T Wireless is deploying a GSM network, which enables broadband data transmission to a variety of wireless devices. But the network is expected to be upgraded to UMTS, which will allow for bandwidth-intensive applications, including Web browsing and downloading music.
Nortel will provide technology it acquired with the purchases of Shasta Networks and Alteon WebSystems, according to Frank Plastina, president of the wireless Internet division at Nortel. Wall Street Journal (12/01/00) P. B2; Heinzl, Mark
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