Trucking Technology Report - Jan. 5
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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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FCC Proposal Would Free Frequencies
The FCC has revealed its suggestions for the government to reallocate spectrum in preparation for the launch of third-generation and other mobile services. According to the agency, the government should make the 1710-1755 megahertz band available for 3G services. The government currently uses the band for commercial endeavors.
Cell-Loc Cuts 47 Jobs to Reduce Costs
Cell-Loc, a developer of wireless tracking technology, has decided to reduce its workforce by 47 employees. An overwhelming majority of the job cuts will take place at the firm's head office in Calgary. Cell-Loc said the move was necessary to cut operating costs.The company is in the midst of a restructuring to eliminate non-essential business operations, according to Cell-Loc's president, Michel Fattouche. Cell-Loc has been struggling to generate revenues recently. The company's last financial report indicated that it had suffered a $6.9 million net loss and no additional sales for the three month period ended Sept. 30.
Cell-Loc has been focusing on deploying a mobile network to track the locations of wireless devices and had originally planned to offer its location technology to telecom companies. But telecom companies have shown little interest and now Cell-Loc faces additional competition from satellite technologies able to perform the same functions. Cell-Loc's ambitions have also been harmed by the FCC's decision to delay portions of its requirements for cell phone tracking technologies. Ottawa Citizen Online (01/05/01)
FCC Gives Wireless Spectrum Victory to Sprint, WorldCom
The FCC has provided WorldCom (WCOM) and Sprint (FON) with a win over competitors seeking access to their airwaves for wireless Web services.The agency rejected the Satellite Industry Association's push for access to a significant portion of the spectrum that WorldCom and Sprint employ for fixed-wireless broadband Internet service. The spectrum would be used to provide wireless satellite services. Satellite Industry Association Executive Director Clayton Mowry said he does not know whether the FCC's decision will be appealed.
The FCC is being urged to open spectrum for wireless Internet services. The agency will conduct ongoing reviews of Sprint's and WorldCom's spectrum for prospective wireless Internet access. However, the FCC suggested that attention be focused to bands being switched from government to private use, as well as another segment of spectrum dedicated to several kinds of fixed and wireless services. Wall Street Journal (01/05/01) P. B8
So You've Got a Cyberstore - Now What?
E-logistics are an integral component of an e-store's Web site development. Without strong logistics, it is impossible to build a loyal customer base. E-commerce stores all aim to take advantage of the Internet's broad reach, but should be able to deliver on their promises once the expected customers are attained. Great furor arose over the 1999 e-commerce season because online companies were not ready on the back-end for the orders.By analyzing a company's vendors and their willingness to be flexible, executives can effectively check the scalability of their supply chain. The entire supply-side of the firm should not only be able to respond to spikes in orders, but also anticipate them by working with the marketing team.
Because e-logistics is complex and must adapt to the face-paced nature of the Internet, it may be necessary to outsource parts of the supply chain. This route requires more careful consideration than with offline logistics services because there are no standards in this area yet. But whatever fulfillment solutions a company adopts, it must also be prepared to pacify the inevitable dissatisfied customer. World Trade (01/01) Vol. 14, No. 1, P. 56; Carter, Todd
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