Trucking Technology Report - Nov. 13
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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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Sprint to Set up Unit for Internet Services for Business Clients
Sprint (FON) is set to reveal Monday that it established a new division to concentrate on Internet services for corporate users. The company is moving to attract high-margin customers via bundles of Internet services, and is moving away from its concentration on consumer long-distance operations.
To be named Sprint e-Solutions, the new division will offer Web hosting, high-speed Internet access, and secure electronic commerce. Sprint expects to generate $2 billion in sales from the division next year and $5 billion by the close of 2003. Wall Street Journal (11/13/00) P. A4
FTC Delays AOL-Time Warner Deal
The Federal Trade Commission made a unanimous decision for an up to three-week postponement of any activities on America Online's planned $127 billion purchase of Time Warner. During the postponement, the companies will be allowed to present proposals to address competition issues. The two companies said they will introduce new proposals.They may be forced to provide rival ISPs with open access to Time Warner's cable network. Investor's Business Daily (11/13/00) P. A2
Florida Law Requiring AT&T to Open Lines Is Invalidated by Court
A federal judge for the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida decided that a county mandate forcing AT&T (T) to open its broadband cable lines to rivals is invalid. The judge ruled that the Broward County ordinance is in conflict with the First Amendment. The decision said forced access like that required by the Broward County ordinance requires cable operators to amend their content to follow other companies' plans.
While AT&T said it wants to provide its subscribers with several Internet providers, it does not believe government officials should force it to do so. The company has delayed plans to provide broadband Internet service in Broward County, but announced Friday it would start offering broadband cable service that covers 10,000 residences by today. Wall Street Journal (11/13/00) P. B14
Software Maker NextLinx Partners With nPassage
nPassage, a transportation software company, has partnered with NextLinx, combining Internet-based freight shipment management with NextLinx's Global TradeManager and Global Knowledge products.Customers of nPassage will be able to access information on various countries' export rules, and take advantage of a tariff schedule wizard and total landed cost quotes. Alan Van Boven, CEO of nPassage, says the partnership will make buying and selling easier. Journal of Commerce Online (11/09/00)
FedEx Custom Critical Introduces Customer Survey on Website
FedEx Custom Critical has started an online customer satisfaction survey on www.fedexcustomcritical.com as part of Shipping Toolkit. Customers can critique FedEx any time using the new application. The survey asks about delivery time, appropriateness of trucks, and satisfaction with the service. Joel Childs, vice president of marketing, says the survey helps form new services and improves current ones Journal of Commerce Online (11/09/00)
Wireless Tech Comes to Business Travelers' Aid
Wireless technology is helping business travelers make plans in less time. For instance, Travelocity has a Web site that allows users of Web-enabled cell phones and PDAs to book flights. Biztravel.com allows travelers to rent cars and reserve hotel rooms when arriving in different cities.Most travel Web sites accessed by wireless device users can also give updates in case of flight or gate changes. In the next couple of years, even more services are expected to be introduced. Bluetooth-equipped wireless devices will be able to link with airline computers to automatically confirm the passenger's arrival, eliminating the need to check in at the gate. Location-specific information will be transmitted to phones with Global Positioning System chips.
Wireless devices themselves are also expected to improve dramatically. Many telecom equipment makers, including Palm (PALM) and Motorola (MOT), are collaborating to develop smarter cell phones with capabilities identical to handheld computers. But so far, Web phones have had limited popularity in the United States, with only 8% of phones being Web-enabled.
AT&T (T) PocketNet and Nextel Online provide access to various travel sites, including Travelocity and Expedia. PDA users can receive access to Internet travel sites from Omnisky, GoAmerica, and Palm.net. Newsweek (10/30/00) Vol. 136, No. 18, P. 100; Kuchment, Anna
Clinton Pushes for Frequencies to Support Wideband
President Clinton ordered the U.S. Department of Commerce and the FCC to complete a report by Nov. 15 on the possibility of shifting current users of spectrum needed for 3G services to other frequencies. In addition, Clinton directed the two agencies to devise a plan to allot spectrum for 3G services.While wireless operators applauded Clinton's order, fixed-wireless carriers using the frequencies in question have expressed dissatisfaction with the possibility of having to exchange spectrum. The 189 MHz of bandwidth has been allotted to wireless service providers. But Greg Rhode, assistant secretary of commerce for communications and information, says the government still needs to free up another 160 MHz for providers of broadband cellular services.
Any reallocation of spectrum could significantly affect Sprint (FON) and MCI WorldCom (WCOM), which offer fixed-wireless services on a spectrum block that is being considered for 3G services. Computerworld (10/30/00) Vol. 34, No. 44, P. 74; Brewin, Bob
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