Dear friends of Wireless Messaging and Paging,

Here is an outline of this week's wireless topics:

• The FCC and the DOJ conditionally approve the Cingular Wireless and AT&T Wireless merger.
• Microsoft has finally come out with their "SPOT" wireless wristwatches. We have been following their entry into "Paging" for a couple of years now.
• TI is working on a new chip so we can watch TV on our cellphones.
• Intel's CEO blasts both political presidential candidates for their lack of attention to declining U.S. high-tech competitiveness.
• The Association of Public-safety Communications Officials (APCO) urges Congress to pass legislation that would clear the 700 MHz public-safety spectrum this year.
• Motorola wins long-standing suit against the Uzan family of Turkey.
• The "Big Mac" at VA Tech got even faster.
• SkyTel and Velocita (formerly Cingular Interactive) both announce encrypted text messaging devices.
• "Certified" Wi-Fi Capable PDA/Cell Phones (and other products) announced.
• Big Shake Up in Store for WiMax in 2005.
• San Francisco aims for free citywide Wi-Fi.
• Clearwire (Craig McCaw) partners with Intel on WiMAX networks.
• My report on some of the issues relating to the pending merger of Arch Wireless and Metrocall Wireless.

I found a new example of government "doublespeak" this week:

Apparently the details are only partially unanimous, according to an FCC official close to negotiations among commissioners.

My English teachers would be turning over in their graves if they could hear terms like "partially unanimous" being used.

I invite you to read and comment on this week's report on the Arch Wireless and Metrocall Wireless merger. This merger will be a significant event in the history of US Paging if it takes place. As far as I can tell, it probably will, but it's not a "done deal" yet. Opinions are divided into three camps:

1. It's a good thing
2. It's a bad thing
3. It doesn't matter

There are good points that have been made for both opinions 1 and 2—I don't agree with opinion 3 at all. My report follows below. Since I am just a sales and marketing guy with a little technical ability, I have not commented on the stock issues—I will leave that to others.

Don't miss the invitation from Space Data Corporation to the members of the AAPC and the PTC attending the meetings next week in Phoenix, Arizona at Pointe South Mountain Resort. This is one more good reason to attend. Now on to the Wireless Messaging news and views.

Promoting Wireless Messaging, Telemetry, and Paging.

A new issue of The Wireless Messaging Newsletter gets posted on the web each week. A notification goes out by e-mail to subscribers on most Fridays around noon Eastern US time. The notification message has a link to the actual newsletter on the Internet. That way it doesn't fill up your incoming e-mail account.

There is no charge for subscription and there are no membership restrictions. Readers are a very select group of wireless industry professionals, and include the senior managers of many of the world's major paging and wireless data companies. There is an even mix of operations managers, marketing people, and engineers, so I try to include items of interest to all three groups. It's all about staying up-to-date with business trends and technology.

I regularly get reader's comments, so this newsletter has become a community forum for the paging, and wireless data communities. You are welcome to contribute your ideas and opinions. Unless otherwise requested, all correspondence addressed to me is subject to publication in the newsletter and on my website.

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FCC Gives Mega Merger Approval

October 26, 2004

WASHINGTON—A somewhat divided FCC told Cingular Wireless and AT&T Wireless this morning they could proceed with their $41 billion merger, providing they divest some local wireless markets.

The companies will have to divest spectrum or operating units in 22 local markets before they can proceed. The FCC's requirements bumped up yesterday's recommendation by the Department of Justice (DOJ) that the companies should divest holdings in 13 local markets.

In 16 rural markets primarily in the Midwest and central southern United States, the commission said the merger would result in 'high market share for the merged entity and fewer competing carriers' and said AT&T Wireless' units operating in those areas should be divested along with their spectrum.

In two larger markets, Detroit and Dallas, the commission said the companies would have to divest 10 MHz of spectrum throughout those markets to allow competitors 'sufficient spectrum' to compete. In Detroit, the merged company can hold a maximum of 65 MHz and 70 MHz in Dallas.

The FCC said a 'management trustee' should be appointed by the two companies to manage the assets destined for divestiture day to day, but allowed the companies to retain legal control of the assets. That means the companies can oversee the marketing and selling of the assets to third-party buyers, while the management trustee is in day-to-day control of the assets, according to the FCC.

Analysts said the FCC's conditions and the conditions set by DOJ yesterday on the deal weren't stringent and give the wireless industry some needed guidelines for future mergers. 'The conditions imposed by the government were light. The DOJ required some kind of divestiture in a total of 13 local markets. The FCC required divestitures or ownership changes in a total of 22 local markets, some of them overlapping with DOJ's list. In addition, Cingular must divest 10 MHz of spectrum in Detroit, Dallas and Knoxville, Tenn., and may not participate in the planned January 2005 auction of the leftover NextWave spectrum in markets where Cingular would have in excess of 70 MHz of spectrum,' said a report this morning from Legg Mason Wood Walker. 

'This set of decisions from DOJ and the FCC will provide clarity of what to expect from government in wireless mergers,' said Phil Verveer, partner at Wilkie, Farr & Gallagher. Verveer worked as a trial lawyer in the DOJ's antitrust division in the 1970s and helped break up the Bell system. 'A lot of businesses are waiting' on those guidelines to go ahead with other mergers and competitive plans, he said. The approval and requirements will shape how those plans are implemented.

Source: Wireless Week

Microsoft, Swatch offer new data watches

Reuters October 20, 2004, 6:45 PM PT

Microsoft and watch maker Swatch are offering a new line of wireless data watches, the companies said on Wednesday, bringing the era of Dick Tracy wristwatch radios one step closer. The watches offer news, sports, weather and stock quotes, among other snippets of content, via Microsoft's MSN Direct wireless data service. The new watches also offer twice the number of information channels than were available on earlier Microsoft-based models.

Known as the "Paparazzi" line, the computerized Swatches also offer local entertainment updates through a deal with publisher Time Out, as well as a chance to meet celebrities. The watches come with three levels of service. Each comes free with local weather, news headlines and stock index levels. For $40 a year, users can receive more weather data, personalized news and sports scores, stock quotes, horoscopes and the like. For $60 annually, they can receive instant messages and calendar reminders from their PC if they use Microsoft Outlook software.

Microsoft and Swatch began work on watches three years ago. "This is a new way of getting information," Bill Gates, Microsoft's chairman and chief software architect, told a news conference. "It's glanceable information and it's a combination of the two things that I think people really care about—fashion, something that's fun and exiting, and technology that brings them personal information," he said.

Paparazzis retail for $150, or two to three times the cost of conventional watches sold by the Swiss watch maker. With the addition of Swatch, there will now be 12 Microsoft "wrist-top" watch models on sale for the holiday season. The first such watches were introduced at the start of this year. Other manufacturers include the youth-oriented watch maker Fossil, Finnish sports gear maker Suunto and luxury brand Tissot, another Swatch Group brand.

The existing watches range in price from $129 for a Fossil to $725 for a Tissot. All of the watches are bulky and masculine, a function of the need to embed a wireless antenna in the watch body or wristband. The watches utilize unused local FM radio channels to broadcast general content as well as personalized scheduling information to watches. Messages can also be delivered to the watches using Microsoft Messenger instant-messaging software. True two-way phone features like those used by Tracy, the iconic U.S. cartoon detective, would require stronger batteries and smaller chips than are now economical.

Newer models of the Microsoft watches are thinner and more stylish than the first versions of the computerized watches introduced a year ago. Microsoft has also overcome congestion problems that hampered wireless data delivery in the first few months of operation, a spokesman said. The watches are sold only in the United States and Canada so far, although the parties are eyeing European markets.

Source: ZD Net

Swatch's Paparazzi Watch Receives Wireless Information

October 22, 2004

Swatch has introduced the Paparazzi watch. The Paparazzi is a watch capable of displaying information it receives wirelessly through FM radio transmissions. Paparazzi users will be able to access free entertainment, news, weather, stock content and more. If a Paparazzi owner subscribes to MSN Direct, they will be able to receive personal messages via MSN Messenger and calendar appointment reminders from Microsoft Outlook. The MSN Direct service costs about $10 per month. The Swatch Paparazzi is available in 5 colors and costs around $150. Source: pdaBlast!

TI says chip will allow TV on cell phones

Posted 10/22/2004

DALLAS—Texas Instruments says it has developed a computer chip that will let television fans watch their favorite shows on cellular phones. The semiconductor maker said Thursday that this is the first digital TV on a single chip for cell phones and could be ready for testing in 2006 and for sale the next year.

Texas Instruments' digital TV on a single chip for cell phones will allow cell phone users to watch live broadcasts.

TV phones are being tested in Korea, and Texas Instruments officials said Asia and Europe are likely to adopt the technology ahead of the United States. The officials compared TV phones to camera phones, which initially were dismissed as a showy gadget but have proven popular.

Bill Krenik, an executive in Texas Instruments' wireless business, said the phones could even change Americans' TV-watching habits, shifting prime time from evenings to rush hour, with commuters hunching over their phone screens on the bus or subway.

Source: AP in USA Today

Bush, Kerry ignoring tech debate, says Intel's Barrett

October 20, 2004 (1:31 PM EDT)

SAN JOSE, Calif.—Craig Barrett, Intel Corp.'s chief executive, on Tuesday (Oct. 19) blasted the presidential candidates over their lack of attention to declining U.S. competitiveness, according to the Associated Press. Speaking at the Gartner Symposium ITXPO at Walt Disney World, Barrett said the United States is losing its edge over other nations in education, technology and research and development, according to the report. Barrett said, for example, well-educated engineers from China, India and Russia are competing with the United States for jobs, according to the report.

"This is what you don't see being debated by our two presidential candidates today," Barrett said in the report. "What we're debating about instead is how we're going to protect a textile worker in South Carolina. The future of the United States is not pillowcases." Barrett said the U.S. spends nearly $20 billion on agricultural subsidies. The funding, he said, could be better spent on education and research and development, according to the report.

"What do you think the industry of the 21st century is going to be? Agriculture?" he said in the report. "We're sending our workers into the marketplace with a disadvantage: their education."

Source: EETimes

Public safety urges Congress to accept 2007 DTV hard date

Oct 22, 2004

WASHINGTON—Public safety is urging lawmakers to accept the Senate language of the 9/11 Commission legislation that would allow public safety to have access to 700 MHz spectrum Jan. 1, 2008. "The public-safety spectrum provisions adopted by a unanimous Senate would establish a firm date by which public-safety agencies would be able to use this spectrum, while avoiding unnecessary dislocation of broadcast facilities prior to implementation of public-safety operations.

State and local governments need a firm date so they can proceed with planning, funding and construction of new radio systems, safe in the knowledge that the spectrum will be there when they need it," reads a memo sent to the conferees Monday . "The 'sense of Congress' language in the House bill contemplates future action to end the digital TV transition for all TV stations. While we support such future action, we urge Congress to act now to implement the recommendations of the 9/11 Commission."

The memo to the conferees on the 9/11 Commission bill-often referred to as the intelligence reform bill-was released by the Association of Public-safety Communications Officials Friday as part of a "Call to Action" to its members to get involved in the legislative process. "APCO is releasing this Call to Action to encourage the public-safety communications community to write, call and visit the offices of their elected officials and urge them to pass legislation that would clear the 700 MHz public-safety spectrum this year," said APCO.

Different versions of the intelligence reform bill passed each house before Congress recessed for the election. Currently, staff and some lawmakers are trying to work out the differences because each house must pass identical bills before the bill can be sent to the president for his signature. As it stands today, TV broadcasters must return the six megahertz of spectrum they were given to complete the DTV transition Jan. 1, 2007, or when 85 percent of the homes in their viewing areas are capable of receiving digital, whichever is later. Public-safety operators and commercial-wireless carriers both want access to the 700 MHz spectrum.

The Senate last month sacrificed commercial-spectrum users, requiring TV broadcasters on channels 63, 64, 68 and 69 to give back their spectrum once public-safety asks for it or Jan. 1, 2008, whichever is later. By contrast, the House of Representatives said in a "sense of the Congress" the DTV transition should end Dec. 31, 2006. The "sense of the Congress" does not eliminate the 85-percent threshold, but rather sends a signal that the House believes the DTV transition should come to a timely conclusion and should not be done piecemeal.

The DTV transition has received a lot of political clout because solving the public-safety interoperability crisis was recommended in the 9/11 Commission Report. Public safety is slated to receive 24 megahertz of spectrum in the 700 MHz band with some set aside for interoperability once the transition to DTV is complete. FCC Chairman Michael Powell said he doesn't know when the DTV transition will end because the Federal Communications Commission has yet to determine how it plans to count to the magic 85-percent figure.

Source: RCR Wireless News

U.S. Court of Appeals Affirms U.S. District Court Judgment Against Uzans

Monday October 25, 2:07 pm ET

SCHAUMBURG, Ill., Oct. 25 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/—Motorola, Inc. (NYSE: MOT - News) today announced that on October 22, 2004, the United States Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit ("the Appeals Court") affirmed the July 31, 2003 judgment for $2.13 billion rendered in favor of Motorola Credit Corporation and against the Uzan family of Turkey and their confederates ("the defendants") for perpetrating a massive fraud against Motorola.

As previously announced, in the July 31, 2003 judgment rendered by Judge Rakoff of the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York ("the District Court"), the District Court found that the Uzans and their confederates had perpetrated a "massive fraud" against Motorola in connection with loans made by Motorola to Telsim, the second largest telecommunications company in Turkey that was owned by the Uzans. The District Court had found, among other things, that the Uzans fraudulently induced Motorola to make the loans to Telsim, stole the collateral given to Motorola to secure the loan (stock in Telsim), filed false criminal charges against Motorola executives and stole at least $1 billion from Telsim for personal use.

Source: YAHOO! FINANCE

Hi Brad

Yet again, information from your newsletter has proven itself invaluable!

I am working . . . on a presentation for next week's AAPC conference. Our presentation revolves around the industry statistics from years ago and where are we now. We are hoping to have the carriers complete a new survey so that we can pull together an industry perspective and share it with the AAPC members.

Will you allow us to reference your numbers in our presentation? We will, of course, provide you as the source for the numbers.

I hope to see you there, in Phoenix next week.

Thank you,

[Yes, of course use my estimate. Sorry, I won't be able to go to the meeting in Phoenix.]

Does a Paging Interconnection Agreement need to be filed with the State utility commission or the FCC? What is the best way to bill the LEC's for telco to paging carrier calls for a small paging company? Are paging companies still allowed to purchase intralata DID #'s? Does the paging company have to pay a per minute rate for the use of intralata DID's?

Answers to the Questions below:

Interconnection Agreements need to be filed with and approved by the state commission.

Terminating compensation can only be billed under a state approved interconnection agreement. Most interconnection agreements specify that the paging company is compensated per call and not on a per minute basis as is done with cellular. In general, the compensation amounts and therefore the dollar amounts involved are not worth the cost of billing by the paging carrier.

Paging carriers are now the only type of carrier that can obtain whole NXX codes. All other carriers can only obtain 1000 blocks as part of the FCC's nationwide Number Pooling mandate. "DID" numbers (blocks of numbers allocated from a LEC's existing numbering resources) are no longer available to paging carriers, either locally or for Wide Area Calling (also known as Reverse billing, LATA wide, etc.) from many LEC's. This is due to the number pooling requirements of the North American Numbering Plan (NANP) where NXX codes are divided among carriers in thousands blocks. Where "DID" numbers are still available, these numbers are not used for Wide Area Calling (WAC) and never have been. WAC requires that a paging carrier obtain a full NXX code from NANPA. In general, a paging carrier seeking numbering resources is much better off to obtain full NXX codes from NANPA in whatever LEC rate centers are needed. The calls are then sent to the paging carrier as local calls.

In those instances where WAC is still in use, the paging carrier is generally billed a per minute rate for the calls. Some paging carriers have refused to pay these charges based on FCC rulings that prohibit LEC's for charging for "local" calls (Calls from anywhere in the Major Trading Area).

Hope this answers the questions. Call or e-mail me if you need more info.

Vic
Vic Jackson
Interconnection Services, Inc.
2377 Seminole Dr.
Okemos MI 48864
Tel: 517 381 0744
Fax: 805 980 5887
E-mail:

Dear Friend & Partner

Reading your article about cellphone blockers, I would like to inform you that in Mexico they are totally prohibited. The note about the church in Monterrey came out in the press but those who used this equipment have been fined. No law exists that authorizes its use. I was involved in trying to get one of these products type approved.

Enrique

Estimado Socio y amigo.

Leyendo tu nota sobre los bloqueadores de celular quería informarte que en México están totalmente prohibidos la nota de la iglesia de Monterrey salio en los periódicos pero han multado a los que utilizan estos equipos no existe una ley que autorice su uso yo participe en tratar de homologar uno de estos productos.

Enrique

System X supercomputer speeds up almost 20 percent

October 26, 2004 8:40 am ET

Virginia Tech's all-Mac System X supercomputer, installed at the university's Terascale Computing Facility, made headlines last year when it was determined to be the third-fastest supercomputer in the world. System X has been upgraded to Apple Computer Inc.'s Xserve G5 server and now runs even faster, with a sustained speed of 12.25 trillion operations per second—19 percent faster than before.

Apple debuted the Power Mac G5 in 2003, the first computer from Apple to feature a 64-bit PowerPC 970 chip manufactured by IBM, and a few customers who placed early orders for the high-end model in the summer of 2003 were stymied by what appeared to be production delays. It was only revealed later that Apple had siphoned off some of those systems to send to Virginia Tech for use in System X, which was assembled and bench-tested in time to qualify for last year's Top 500, a ranking of the world's fastest supercomputers presented by the Universities of Mannheim and Tennessee and the National Energy Research Scientific Computing Center (NERSC).

At the time, Apple's Xserve system still used the older, slower G4 processor. Apple introduced the Xserve G5 at Macworld Conference & Expo in San Francisco, Calif. in January 2004. Later that month Virginia Tech indicated that it would upgrade, and Apple began shipping the Xserve G5 in quantity in March.

The Xserve G5 occupies a much lower profile in a rack-mount system than a Power Mac G5 does, but a factor Virginia Tech cited in its decision to upgrade is the Xserve G5's use of RAM that employs Error Correcting Code (ECC) protection—feature absent from the Power Mac.

One of System X's most remarkable features is its price. The system cost $5.2 million to deploy, a small fraction of what comparable supercomputing facilities have cost. Virginia Tech reports that $600,000 was spent converting System X to the Xserve G5.

System X won't retain its number three spot when this year's Top 500 list is published: Other more powerful systems have come online since 2003 that will supercede System X in raw computing power—though few, if any, are likely to compare to System X when it comes to price-performance ratio. This year's Top 500 listing will be presented in November at the SC2004 conference in Pittsburgh, Penn.

Source: MacCentral

First a little history: On Friday June 4, at the SCA and AAPC Wireless Forum 2004 in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, I moderated an open discussion on "The Last Merger of Paging." The following week I reported this in the newsletter:

Part of my opening comments at the discussion:

Are these mergers good for the industry? I have heard that the Department of Justice (DOJ) has been calling several of the other paging companies and suppliers, asking for their opinions about the merger. From what people are telling me, there doesn't seem to be a clear trend as to "for" and "against." Will this (proposed) large nationwide paging company, raise their rates and hold resellers and customers hostage? Some carriers and manufacturers are telling the DOJ that this merger would be the worst thing that could happen to the paging industry. Others are saying that it doesn't matter since the paging industry is dying and will soon go away.

Others are concerned that too many sites may be eliminated, while others say that operating decisions will be made by the bond holders who bought the carriers out of bankruptcy. On this last point, the concern is that operations management may direct all efforts to short term cash production to pay the bond holders with no concern about the longevity of the business. So what do you think? Your opinion matters and now is your chance to be heard.

A lively discussion followed. Since I was leading the discussion, I couldn't take notes, but here are a few of the comments that came from the floor.

• "I am in favor the the merger—they are going to fail and so it will only take one coffin to bury them in."
• "One of our local hospitals called their paging service provider to report that their pagers were suddenly not working. They were told, "oh yes we had to turn off the towers in your area." "You will be receiving new pagers in a couple of weeks."
• "How many of you are planning to file a protest with the FCC against the merger?" (I didn't see any hands go up.)
• "Every time they eliminate one of their tower sites, my business gets better."
• "Please note that not all the large, nationwide paging carriers are poorly managed. SkyTel is a well managed company and is doing well!" (I whole-heartedly agreed.)
• "If these companies merge to form a new third company, then the new company can go bankrupt in the future as well. The smaller paging companies, who are paying their bills, are trying to compete with these bankrupt companies who have 'retired' their debt." "This is unfair competition."

Back to the present: I have spent the best part of this past week looking into the details of the pending Arch Wireless and Metrocall Wireless merger. I have several friends still working at both Arch and Metrocall, so I won't mention any names because they are all "walking on eggshells" and "trying to stay under the radar"—to use two metaphors in a row. In plain language, they don't want to lose their jobs. This is a very stressful time for everyone there. Did you know that people can get very sick from the stress of losing their jobs? Epidemiologists point out that frequently the year after a natural disaster, like a hurricane for example, the incidence of serious diseases (like cancer) in the affected area will suddenly increase way beyond the national average. And then there are the other results nobody wants to talk about, increases in divorces, alcoholism, and suicides. So this is no joke for the people involved. I know, I went through a mass layoff myself.

In the last thirty days there has been renewed interest (apparently) in the US government about this merger. Both the Federal Trade Commission and the Antitrust Division of the Department of Justice have responsibilities for approving mergers like this. An inter-agency agreement between the FTC and the DOJ lets the DOJ handle it. I found that several paging companies have been interviewed recently by the DOJ. Some of them were also interviewed earlier this summer. Most of the discussion on the first round of inquiries from the DOJ seems to have been about competition and attrition in the Paging market. This most recent round of interviews included some discussion of that same topic but they were also asking lots of specific questions about geographic coverage. One friend who has helped me a lot, pointed out that one of the best sources of public information is from the filings that these companies must do with the FCC and the SEC. [source1] [source2]

The following clip is from a Metrocall Common Stock Prospectus, from the SEC web site. It is just a small part of a much larger document but it contains a discussion of the risks involved in this merger. I found it most interesting. I will not comment on financial issues, but leave that sort of analysis up to those more qualified than I am. Another friend sent me a copy of the joint Arch/Metrocall proxy statement/prospectus that was sent to shareholders (dated 10/6/04). It covers all the merger issues and asks the shareholders to be sure to vote on the merger. No response from any shareholder will result in all their shares being counted as votes against the merger. A supplement came out later—dated 10/21/04. It deals with how they plan to settle a couple a lawsuits that they consider to be "without merit" and includes updated financial projections.

Government agencies could refuse to grant required consents to the proposed merger, or could delay or impose adverse conditions on those consents. Any such refusal, delay or imposition of adverse conditions could delay and impair anticipated cost-saving synergies from the merger. Additionally, in the case of any refusal or imposition of adverse conditions, the merger may be abandoned by either Metrocall or Arch.

The proposed merger is subject to review by the Federal Communications Commission, also referred to as the “FCC,” and by the Antitrust Division of the Department of Justice, also referred to as the “DOJ.” The Communications Act and the FCC’s rules require that the FCC consent to the merger before we complete it. We have applied to receive the necessary consents, but the FCC may not grant our applications, or it may impose adverse conditions on its consent. Similarly, the merger is subject to pre-merger notification and challenge on antitrust grounds by the DOJ. Based upon its review, the DOJ could oppose the merger or it could condition its not opposing the merger on divestitures of certain assets or lines of business of the combined company. Metrocall and Arch filed the required pre-merger notification on April 5, 2004. On May 5, 2004, the DOJ submitted to each of Metrocall and Arch a Request for Additional Information and Documentary Material, also referred to as a “second request,” thereby extending the pre-merger statutory waiting period until thirty days after Metrocall and Arch “substantially comply” with the DOJ’s request, unless the waiting period is terminated earlier or extended with the consent of Metrocall and Arch. Metrocall filed its responses to this second request with the DOJ on July 26, 2004, and Arch filed its responses on August 3, 2004. The DOJ advised Metrocall and Arch on September 9, 2004, that the DOJ’s review of the companies’ filings and additional information and documentary material will not be completed until early October 2004. The DOJ subsequently advised Metrocall and Arch on October 5, 2004 that its review was continuing and would not be completed until sometime during October 2004. Metrocall and Arch are continuing to work cooperatively with the DOJ as it reviews the merger.

The process of obtaining DOJ or FCC consent could result in material delays. Third parties, including our customers and competitors, could oppose our applications and ask the FCC to deny approval of the merger. Although the statutory period for third parties to oppose our applications before the FCC has expired without any such oppositions being filed, the FCC has not yet completed its review of our applications. If third parties now oppose the merger, although outside the statutory period, additional delays could result. If there is any material delay in obtaining any governmental approval, there could be a delay in completing the merger. If completion of the merger is delayed, USA Mobility’s ability to achieve anticipated cost-savings and synergies would be also delayed and the ultimate value of shares of USA Mobility common stock could be materially adversely affected. Moreover, the value of USA Mobility could be materially diminished if the FCC or the DOJ imposes adverse conditions, such as divestiture requirements, on their consent.

Additionally, the merger agreement provides that neither Metrocall nor Arch is required to accept or agree to the divestiture of any of their businesses or assets as a condition to receiving any approval or waiver from any governmental authority or the imposition of any conditions by, or payment of any material amounts to, any governmental authority or third party in order to obtain any other necessary consents or approvals. In the event that any such divestitures, conditions or payments are required to obtain such consent and approvals, each of Metrocall and Arch could abandon the proposed merger instead of agreeing to take such actions. [source]

The pressure must be great on everyone. What if the government doesn't approve the merger and then one or both of the companies go bankrupt again and completely go out of business? That would really be bad. Many employees would lose their jobs and customers would lose valuable services. But then what if they approve the merger and unintentionally create a monopoly with unfair competition to the many smaller, regional and local paging companies? I guess that's why they are being careful and asking lots of questions. The only invalid argument is that: all this doesn't matter because either way Paging is on its way out. Paging is not over! As an industry, we just need to get back to the basics of customer satisfaction and value-added services. And maybe take a fresh look at other business opportunities using the same Paging infrastructure—like telemetry for example. We may never ever get back to the "heyday" of 1999 but I think we can stabilize our business with a focus on the solid core of business users, not the fickle consumer that we chased for a while.

I am thinking about going to the Metrocall Stockholders Meeting to be held in Alexandria, Virginia on November 8th. I have asked my friends at Metrocall if I may attend as a reporter, but have not heard back from them yet. Anyone wanting a briefing about the meeting by cellphone, right after it is over, or a summary e-mail the following day should give me a call. A little donation to support the newsletter and to help with the cost of the trip will ensure priority notification to anyone who is interested.

Space Data Corporation invites the AAPC to an Open House and Cocktail Reception

Space Data Corporation, a data communications service provider operating a wide area ReFLEX network, has expanded its data network throughout the south-central region of the United States. With this expansion comes an opportunity for wireless data carriers to partner with Space Data to enhance their own service offerings.

Space Data extends an invitation for you to join them during your visit to Phoenix for an Open House and Cocktail Reception at Space Data’s headquarters in Chandler. Visitors will be welcome to visit the Space Data facilities on Wednesday, November 3rd. Activities include:

• A tour of the Operations Center to see the SkySite Network technology in action.
• A discussion of how to offer unmatched messaging coverage to your customer base.
• A presentation and discussion of ways that you can leverage the SkySite Network to bring new data services and revenue to your customers at affordable prices.

Tour hours are 3:00 p.m., 4:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m. with van service picking up attendees at the hotel at 2:30 p.m., 3:30 p.m. and 4:30 p.m. A Cocktail Reception will follow immediately after each tour, with shuttle service back to the hotel immediately following.

We look forward to meeting you in Chandler.

Address
Space Data Corporation
460 S. Benson Lane, Suite 12
Chandler, AZ 85224

Space Data Press Release

10.26.04
Space Data Corporation

Space Data Launches Data Services Across South-Central U.S.

Balloon-Borne SkySite® Network Offers Communications Alternative for M2M Applications

Chandler, AZ; October 26, 2004—Space Data Corporation, a company providing wireless data services in rural and remote areas, announced the expansion of its balloon-borne wireless data network to an area reaching from Southern Arizona into the Gulf of Mexico and north to Kansas and Arkansas. Initially launched in western Texas in April, the SkySite Network delivers two-way data communications services for a wide range of M2M, telemetry, tracking and messaging applications, even those in the most remote locations.

Space Data’s initial customers are companies in the oil and gas industry using SkySite Network telemetry services for monitoring and control at well sites. “We estimate that there are more than 350,000 oil and gas wells, millions of miles of pipelines and tens of thousands of compressors, tanks and service vehicles within the 600,000 square mile SkySite Network coverage area,” said Mark Davis, Space Data’s director of marketing. “Companies that own those assets now have the ability to monitor, control and track them with a service that is unmatched in its combination of large coverage footprint, low price and high reliability.”

Space Data’s network utilizes ReFLEX™ technology, a proven wireless data standard developed by Motorola to provide high reliability data delivery. While providing telemetry and tracking services, the SkySite Network has the ability to simultaneously support commercially available ReFLEX-based two-way paging and messaging devices.

The SkySite Network is unique in its ability to provide reliable, affordable data communications to rural and remote areas. Building on decades of success by weather service organizations around the world that have used balloon-borne systems to gather meteorological data, the company has developed a command and control system that enables the management of a large “constellation” of SkySite Platforms. The SkySite Platforms deliver reliable, digital signals over hundreds of miles. At an altitude of 100,000 feet, a single SkySite Platform can provide service to an area the size of Oklahoma. The SkySite Network provides 24x7 two-way data communications coverage across Texas, Oklahoma and Louisiana, as well as portions of New Mexico, Arkansas, Arizona, and the Gulf of Mexico.

For more information about the Space Data Corporation visit www.spacedata.net.

Editor’s Note: Space Data and SkySite are registered trademarks of Space Data Corporation.

Contact: Tim Ayers
Office: 202-857-9734
Cell: 202-422-5048
E-mail: tim@ayersassociates.net

Save $$$$$$$

Satellite Uplinking Service

• Reduce your monthly Satellite expense!
• Lower than average industry costs
• Increase your system reliability
• Completely redundant hardware
• Access to knowledgeable technical staff 24/7

Technical Support
Glenayre Transmitters & Terminals

• Paging terminal upgrades, relocations, troubleshooting, emergency repair & training
• Transmitter installation & maintenance
• Experienced former Glenayre Technicians and Engineers
• Satisfaction Guaranteed

Call or write today to learn more
Alan Carle
Director of Engineering
888-854-2697 x272
acarle@ucom.com

Newsletter repair prices—starting at:

• $4.50 labor for numeric or alphanumeric pagers
• $6.50 labor for 2-way pagers
• $9.50 labor for cellular phones

**Special pricing on cellular and pager refurbishment**

Motorola Authorized Service Center for Paging and Cellular.

Ask for Special Newsletter Pricing.

Please call: (800) 222-6075 ext. 306 for pricing.

E-mail:	info@minilec.com  CLICK HERE
	Minilec Service, Inc. 9207 Deering Ave., Suite A Chatsworth, CA 91311

Download Mr. Mercer's resumé. CLICK HERE

Building on its long success story in 1-way paging, Advantra International has become the expert in designing and manufacturing the most advanced and lowest cost ReFLEX™ radio modems for 2-way data-communication. The company also focuses on offering total telemetry solutions.

Advantra thanks its solid reputation to its world-renowned development team, state-of-the-art manufacturing, excellent customer service and its proven track-record.

AAPC Annual Conference

Answering the Challenges of Today and Tomorrow

November 3-5, 2004 Pointe South Mountain Resort Pointe South Mountain Resort offers VIP accommodations for every attendee. Several outside activities are available to each attendee, including horse back riding, hiking and tennis. Keynote Speaker: Dave Biron has 26 years of experience in operations and Human Resources in the retail industry. He spent the last 17 years with Target Corporation, the 23rd largest company in the U.S. with sales of $48 billion, operations in 47 states, and a workforce of over 300,000 people. For the last 7 years, Dave served as a Human Resource Vice President at the corporate headquarters in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

Dave has served as the Sr. Human Resources leader in both a stores and supply chain environment. He has helped lead the company through years of rapid growth and superlative performance. Dave will be discussing High Performance Through Talent Management. He will share his experiences in building and sustaining a high performing organization in a highly competitive, labor intensive industry. He has specifically tailored his presentation to the paging industry by interviewing several members of AAPC. Join AAPC in Phoenix, Arizona at Pointe South Mountain Resort on November 3-5, 2004. This is one AAPC conference you won’t want to miss!

Click here for more information.

If you have any additional questions, please call AAPC headquarters at 1-866-301-AAPC.

Source: AAPC

Motorola Introduces Two New Pagers Ideal for Health Care, Hospitality, Manufacturing, and Utilities Markets

Motorola's newest one-way pagers—the Advisor II pager and the LS355 pager—are ideal for users in demanding business environments who need a convenient and cost effective way to stay in touch.

Both the Advisor II pager and the LS355 pager were developed for use in hospitals and medical facilities, manufacturing environments, utilities, hospitality applications, campus settings, and for businesses that own and operate their own paging systems.

The Advisor II pager's alphanumeric four-line display and expanded functionality incorporate many of the most advanced paging features available. A major advantage of the Advisor II pager is that it is synthesized which enables the user to program the pager to a specific frequency in the field. Other features of the Advisor II pager include:

• Displays up to four lines of text and 80 characters per line
• Zooms in on two lines for larger view
• Optimax® EL Electra Light for optimum readability
• 52 message slots for storing multiple pages
• Two notebook areas, including a personal notebook and a mail drop notebook

The LS355 numeric pager enables users to receive a "call-back" number that can be returned at the user's convenience. This pager has a one-button design for ease of use. Features of the new LS355 pager include:

• 16 message slots for storing multiple pages
• Six individual addresses to allow the user to receive individual or group pages
• 4 icons including Message Preview, Unread Message Indication, Alert Mode, and Out of Range Indication
• Saves messages when off or when the battery is being changed and offers the time and date when on standby
• RS232 programmable to allow for programming changes in the field

Both the Advisor II pager and the LS355 pager are available in POCSAG, UHF or VHF models and ship with a one-year standard warranty. As part of the continued support of these pagers, Motorola offers a two-year Express Service Plus program. This feature provides hardware repair coverage for two years beyond the standard one-year warranty for a total of three years of pager repair coverage. Both pagers are available through Motorola Authorized Resellers.

MOTOROLA and the Stylized M Logo are registered in the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. All other product or service names are the property of their respective owners. © Motorola, Inc. 2003.

Complete Technical Services For The
Communications and Electronics Industries
Design • Installation • Maintenance • Training

Ira Wiesenfeld, P.E.
Consulting Engineer
Registered Professional Engineer

Advertise Here

Your company's logo and product promotion can appear right here for 6 months. It only costs $500 for a full-size ad in 26 issues—that's $19.23 an issue. (6 month minimum run.)

Details about the various advertising plans can be read here.  CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFO

two tone pager QUATTRINO RE529 Reliable operation Flexible programming Weather resistant

A fast and reliable alarming system is an indisputable prerequisite for emergency fire and rescue services to respond successfully and efficiently. State-of-the-art paging enables groups as well as individuals to be alerted.

The Quattrino Voice and Memo two-tone pagers are suitable for everyone, even for those working in an emergency during severe weather conditions. Continual further development of previous popular models has resulted in a practical, reliable and user-friendly device, innovatively housed with ergonomic operating controls. Design elements include a very long standby function, and weather proofing to the European IP54 specifications.

I am an authorized Manufacturer Representative for Swissphone. Please contact me directly for any additional information. CLICK

www.swissphone.com

Wireless Telemetry

Data Communications	Level 1	A basic ReFLEX transceiver, sending and receiving serial RS-232 ASCII data.
Telemetry Remote Monitoring and Control	Level 2	An enhanced ReFLEX transceiver, monitoring alarms from a remote site, and sending commands to the remote site.
Asset or Fleet Tracking	Level 3	An enhanced ReFLEX transceiver, with the addition of a GPS module for the reporting of accurate locations to enable tracking.
Field Force Automation	Level 4	An enhanced ReFLEX transceiver, with the addition of a GPS module and a handheld computer terminal for full automation of field service activities all the way from the customer's location back to the service company's back office.
We can generally turn a specification into a prototype in two to four weeks. If you have an interesting application in mind, please give me a call so we can talk about it. ()

To inquire about this equipment, please send me (Brad Dye) an e-mail and I will put you in touch with the seller.

Update: The Glenayre is a FLEX System with 12 Transmitters in the Frequency Band 150-174 Mhz (166.2375 MHz). There are 4 Motorola Systems, all POCSAG, in the Frequency Band 150-174 Mhz, with about 25 Transmitters (166.3625 MHz).

The Electronic Entities Group

www.EEonTheWeb.com

Remember that old word “Residuals”?

The EE Group is actively seeking Dealers with sales/ service/installation capabilities to promote the latest wireless AVL, SCADA and data products from Telegauge Systems, Inc. This innovative program requires NO inventory and NO billing by your facility; you just sell it and sign up the end user to collect the commissions.

Now the real reason to choose the EE Group and Telegauge over the host of others; we pay you permanent residual income every month on your airtime sales forever.

Airtime commissions range up to 12% per month based on prior sales and you buy all equipment direct from the factory at 2-tiered wholesale prices as well for great margins. 

Telegauge builds fully 2-way overt and covert (hidden) GPS based Automatic Vehicle Location, SCADA, remote management, telemetry and data systems routed via cellular and satellite that are delivered to the end user via the Internet or direct to the desktop. Applications are both ‘canned’ and custom depending upon the customers needs. We even have full dispatch systems including credit card swipe and billing if needed.

Finally, the prices on the product are guaranteed to be the LOWEST in the industry at under $600 retail for the equipment and from $6 to $30 on the monthly airtime with most customers in the $15 range. Note too that the price is the same for cellular OR satellite world wide coverage and no one else has this exclusive capability.

Telegauge provides the product, software, airtime, billing and final information from a single source and you can be a BIG part of it. You stock NOTHING, just collect the checks.

We are paid by the manufacturer to support YOU and unlike other factories; we never bid against you, restrict you or take your deal. We help you with demo equipment, brochures, information, sales assistance, web advertising and user name/passwords for the website so that you don’t even need to buy anything to start up fast.

Contact us for a no-obligation CD of all the presentation and training material, price spreadsheets and information at: EEGroup@EEonTheWeb.com or for fast action call for a link to the Dealers Only page: 310-534-4456 and mention that you found out about it via Brad Dye’s Newsletter. You have nothing to lose and some great residual income to gain. Call or e-mail NOW.

AAPC Mission Statement

To represent paging carriers throughout the United States to ensure the success of our industry by:

• Identifying issues of common concern to its members
• Providing an effective forum for the discussion and progression of issues relating to the industry
• Monitoring and addressing regulatory and legal matters as a unified organization
• Providing research into and development of our industry and its current and prospective markets
• Providing education and resources to address the challenges and trends affecting our operating environments
• Encouraging and maintaining high standards of ethics and services
• Championing the industry and representing paging carriers with a positive voice

Our industry must move forward together or we will perish individually.

AAPC links:

• Newsroom
• Paging Technical Committee
• Printed Newsletter archive
• Dues
• Membership application
• E-mail (more information)

Zetron Simulcast System

High-speed simulcast paging with protocols such as POCSAG and FLEX™ requires microsecond accuracy to synchronize the transmission of digital paging signals.

Zetron's Simulcast System uses GPS timing information to ensure that the broadcasted transmissions between the nodes of the Simulcast System and associated transmitters are synchronized to very tight tolerances.

This system is ideal for public or private paging system operators that use multiple transmitters and wish to create new paging systems or to build out existing systems into new regions. For more information about Zetron's High Speed Simulcast Paging System, the Model 600 and Model 620, go to:

www.zetron.com/paging. CLICK HERE

CONTACT

Zetron, Inc. P.O. Box 97004 Redmond, WA 98073-9704 USA

Tel: 425-820-6363 Fax: 425-820-7031 E-mail: zetron@zetron.com CLICK

Prism Message Gateway Systems
Modular and Configurable

Your Choice of Options

• Radio Paging Terminals
• Voicemail Systems
• Email and Network Text Messaging Systems
• Digital Trunk Switching Systems
• Digital Trunk and Voicemail Concentrators
• Remote Network Encoders
• TNPP Network Routers

Popular Choice for Domestic and International

• Commercial Paging Carriers
• Private Paging Systems
• Hospitals
• Public Safety
• Federal, State and Local Government
• Industrial Paging
• Energy Companies – Load Management

Logical Choice

• Replace Outdated, UNLICENSED Paging Terminals
• Eliminate Outrageously High Support Costs
• Add New Paging System with ALL THE FEATURES
• Provide Your Customers With Features They Want
• Designed and Supported by Industry Experts

Go ahead… be choosy… choose Prism Systems International

MAXPage
It's like a Motorola PeopleFinder™ on Steroids!

More information

Commtech Wireless introduces MAXPage, a desktop paging terminal packed with features.

Alpha, Numeric, Tone, & Voice
MAXPage, from Commtech Wireless, is the ideal replacement for the Motorola PeopleFinder™. With its advanced features, it can be used with Alphanumeric, Numeric, Tone only, Coaster pagers as well as 2-tone voice pagers in countless applications.

Serial Interface
With the inclusion of a serial interface, MAXPage can interface with Comp, TAP, Scope™, Waveware & Tekk systems as well as Commtech's Wireless Callpoints.

Telephone Interface
Anyone can be given easy access to the MAXPage system through its telephone interface. Once the system is connected to a telephone port, anyone can pick up a telephone, dial the MAXPage unit and use the keypad on their phone to send messages to pagers. The telephone can also be used to transmit voice messages to 2-tone voice pagers.

Alarm Inputs
A powerful feature of MAXPage is its onboard alarms. The four, dry contact closure, onboard alarm inputs will automatically dispatch messages to pagers or groups when activated. Alarms not cleared within a configured time frame can activate a repeat message (escalation) to either the same pager/group or to an alternative pager/group.

Features*

• 1000 Pager capacity
• Selectable 2 or 4 watt transmitter
• Reminder messages
• Dual mode function keys - one touch messaging
• 2-tone voice paging - from on-board mic or telephone
• 4 alarm inputs
• Voice prompted telephone paging
• QWERTY keyboard interface (PS2)
• Windows® interface for advanced features
• Serial interface for Comp/TAP/Scope™/Waveware/Tekk
• Coaster paging management system

*Some of the features listed are optional and are not supplied as standard

For more information, simply fill out the feedback form or contact us on the details below.

PAGING TECHNICIAN

Mark Hood mehood@cox.net

Telephone: 757-588-0537

Paging Field Engineer/Electronic technician in the Hampton Roads, Virginia area.

Download resumé here. CLICK

Wireless Communication Solutions

The Hark ISI-400LX is a hardware device that encapsulates serial data into TCP/IP for transmission over the Internet. It can also be configured to convert incoming TAP messages from the serial port and send them over the Internet to paging providers in email (SMTP) or Simple Network Paging Protocol (SNPP) format. The ISI-400LX with the optional external modem can connect to a secondary dial-up ISP when a failure on the ethernet port is detected.

This device is the perfect companion for the Hark Gateway products. An ISI can be located at a remote location for receiving TAP, TNPP, or Billing traffic using a local ISP eliminating long distance phone charges.

System Features & Benefits:

• Hardware Based
• Uses Embedded Linux as the Multitasking OS
• Secure access for Configuration and Maintenance
• Converts Serial TAP message to SNPP or SMTP
• Converts Serial Data to TCP/IP and TCP/IP back to Serial
• Connects to Internet using 10Base-T Network
• Connects to Internet using Modem and PPP
• Dial Backup to another ISP or Modem
• Can be Configured to use 1 to 4 Serial Ports

CONTACT

Hark Systems, Inc. 2675 Lake Park Drive N. Charleston, SC 29406

Tel: +1 800-367-4275 or 843-764-1560 ext. 8104 Fax: +1 843-764-3692 E-mail: leanne@harksystems.com CLICK Web: http://www.harksystems.com CLICK

SECOND TERM SUPPORTER

• ISO 9001 - 2000 certified manufacturing facility.
• THE High-Quality RF design and Contract Manufacturer of choice.
• Do you have a product or product component that you would like to have manufactured?
• Would you like to have us design and manufacture a product just for you?
• Would you like to know firsthand that your contract manufacturer is one of the leading providers of service with the highest degree of quality in mind?

Daviscomms USA Inc. is your direct connection to Daviscomms (S) Pte Ltd., the leading pager manufacturer in the world with many years experience in Engineering, Design, and Manufacturing of highly-reliable, premium-quality FLEX and POCSAG Alphanumeric and Numeric pagers. Daviscomms offers unparalleled quality, features and functions. We perform our own stringent quality testing as well as certification by Underwriters Laboratories (UL) to meet all of their standards. All of our paging products meet FCC and IC Standards for use in the USA and Canada.

Our manufacturing facility, located in Malaysia, is a 40,000 square foot, state-of-the-art facility. Customers, globally, choose Daviscomms for our QUALITY, RELIABILITY, ON-TIME DELIVERY, COMPETITIVE PRICING and our TOTAL COMMITMENT to providing the best value for their needs.

TMR w/BNC Telemetry	We offer full product support (ODM/OEM) for our worldwide customers, including a complete design center, research facilities, proto-typing, field services, contract manufacturing, commodity sourcing, and distribution.
In addition to both Numeric and Alphanumeric pagers, we have designed, engineered and manufactured 1-way Telemetry devices, paging receivers, 2-way paging (ReFLEX) telemetry devices, DECT phones/devices and PDA accessories.	Bravo 500 Numeric Display

At Daviscomms, we are proud to provide our customers with end-to-end manufacturing solutions while delivering superior quality and support. Daviscomms is at the forefront of the industry with its commitment to leading-edge technology, cost-effective manufacturing and the highest degree of customer service.

Daviscomms delivers low cost, high volume manufacturing solutions to our customers. We help maximize time-to-market objectives while minimizing procurement, materials management, and manufacturing costs.

For information about our contract manufacturing services or our Bravo-branded line of numeric and alphanumeric pagers, please call Bob Popow, our Director of Operations for the Americas, 480-515-2344. (Scottsdale, Arizona) or visit our website www.daviscommsusa.com.

Programming Concepts, Inc. Since 1979

RTS Wireless ADVX System
Support and Enhancements

Programming Concepts, Inc. provides authorized RTS ADVX Wireless Gateway Support & Enhancements. Our RTS lab includes source code control, development tools, and test beds for all deployed RTS systems. Call now to sign-up for our first class support of your aging RTS system. More info ...

PCI (www.programmingconcepts.com) has been in business for 24 years providing custom application programming for medium to large businesses. PCI's primary business segments include web enabled application development, financial industry systems, telephony (IVR, CTI, and Wireless), Secure Enterprise Instant Messaging System, Microsoft Customer Relationship Management (MS-CRM) Applications, and a wide variety of commercial applications.

Contact Sales sales@programmingconcepts.com
or 631-563-3800 x220.

DX Radio Systems, Inc. manufactures high quality, high specification type communications products. The following is a list of products that DX Radio Systems, Inc. manufactures or supplies as a single supplied product and can be included as part of a turnkey system:

• Repeaters
• Repeater Systems
• Paging Transmitters
• Paging Systems
• LTR & MPT1327 Trunking Systems
• MPT1327 Trunking Repeaters
• SmarTrunk II Trunking Repeaters
• Complete Trunking Systems
• Airport Ground to Air Base Radios
• Airport Ground to Air Systems
• Rural Radiotelephone Link Systems
• Antenna Systems
• Combining Systems
• Complete Turnkey Systems
• Engineering & Installation of All Systems

Performance that is tough to find anywhere at a price you can afford.

CONTACT

DX Radio Systems, Inc. 10941 Pendleton Street Sun Valley, California 91352-1522 USA

Telephone: 818-252-6700 Fax: 818-252-6711 E-mail: Info@DXRadioSystems.com CLICK Web: www.dxradiosystems.com CLICK

MCI Messaging Solution Meets Classified Security Requirements

26 October, 20

SkyTel Secure 2Way Provides Highest Level of Data Protection for Government Agencies, Medical Professionals and Financial Institutions

ASHBURN, Va., October 26, 2004—MCI, Inc. (NASDAQ: MCIP) today announced the availability of one of the first end-to-end wireless solutions developed and hosted by a single provider that meets the federal government's classified security standards and HIPAA's requirements for patient confidentiality. SkyTel Secure 2Way will become available in November to help government; financial and healthcare customers implement one of the highest encryption standards and set security levels for each messaging device within a given organization.

"More customers are relying on wireless devices for expedient and reliable communications, especially during crisis management or recovery efforts," said Bruce Deer, president of SkyTel. "With Secure 2Way, customers can share sensitive or critical data without worrying about a third party accessing their messages. This is particularly important to organizations that need to exchange classified or confidential information in real-time."

SkyTel Secure 2Way provides a complete closed-loop security solution including a password-protected device, encryption keys that change regularly and encrypted wireless transmissions. In addition, Secure 2Way customers benefit from on-site protection of the network server.

While SkyTel's network ensures that a degree of security is inherent in all messaging, Secure 2Way utilizes the Advanced Encryption Standard (AES), one of the highest and latest levels of cryptographic protection recommended by the federal government to encrypt messages from end-to-end. This ensures that if any part of a communication is intercepted by someone other than the intended recipient, it cannot be read.

Security Designations
Because messaging services can be sent and received through a variety of interfaces including email, Web portals and other two-way devices, Secure 2Way customers can choose between two levels of security—device level and end-to-end. This provides customers the ability to control and designate how each device receives information and accesses messages.

With device-level security, customers can receive messages originating from an unsecured location or device. Messages are transmitted to SkyTel's Network Operations Center (NOC) and encrypted before being sent to a messaging unit. End-to-end security provides even greater protection by closing access to unsecured interfaces ensuring all communications are kept within an encrypted environment. MCI can also provide end-to-end customers with a direct connection to an Internet portal allowing customers to send messages from a secure website.

Secure 2Way is the latest innovation from SkyTel which has a proud history of wireless industry leadership. SkyTel is the premier source for wireless data and messaging services and provides wireless email, interactive two-way messaging, wireless telemetry services, and traditional text and numeric paging to customers throughout the U.S.

About MCI
MCI, Inc. (NASDAQ: MCIP) is a leading global communications provider, delivering innovative, cost-effective, advanced communications connectivity to businesses, governments and consumers. With the industry's most expansive global IP backbone, based on the number of company-owned points of presence, and wholly-owned data networks, MCI develops the converged communications products and services that are the foundation for commerce and communications in today's market. SkyTel, a premier wireless messaging provider, is a fully owned subsidiary of MCI. For more information, go to www.mci.com.

Source: MCI Press Release

Velocita Wireless and RIM Introduce New BlackBerry 5790 for Velocita's Nationwide Mobitex Network

WOODBRIDGE, N.J. & WATERLOO, Ontario—(Business Wire)—Oct. 26, 2004—BlackBerry 5790 Provides Secure Wireless Solution for Enterprise and Government Customers

Velocita Wireless, L.P. and Research In Motion (RIM) (Nasdaq:RIMM) (TSX:RIM) today introduced the BlackBerry 5790 Wireless Handheld™ operating on Velocita's nationwide Mobitex network.

The Java™-based, data-only BlackBerry 5790™ integrates email and data access to allow users to manage all of their information and data communications with a single device. It is specifically designed for business and government customers that require a specialized data-only handheld with secure communications. The BlackBerry 5790 includes fully validated FIPS 140-2 embedded encryption technology to meet government security requirements. With RIM's optional S/MIME Support Package and a smart card reader, the BlackBerry 5790 can also meet DoD requirements for PKI (Public Key Infrastructure) and Common Access Card (CAC) support.

"Velocita Wireless is the most experienced provider of wireless email services for government and large enterprise customers with many years experience supporting BlackBerry customers and integration with corporate email systems," said Tom Langan, Vice President of Marketing, Velocita Wireless. "With the new BlackBerry 5790, we are now building on the strength of our position in the handheld market with an offering that meets the most stringent data security requirements. Our wireless data network has a proven history of consistent availability and reliable performance."

"Velocita Wireless and RIM have a longstanding and successful history supporting government and large enterprise customers with BlackBerry®," said Don Morrison, Chief Operating Officer at Research In Motion. "BlackBerry continues to be the wireless platform of choice for enterprise and government customers, providing a secure, push-based architecture that allows users to stay connected and productive throughout the day."

In addition to combining email, an organizer, web browsing and corporate data access capabilities, the BlackBerry 5790 features Velocita's Interactive Messaging PLUS support. The handheld comes equipped with a 160 x160 pixel monochrome backlit screen, a backlit QWERTY keyboard for easy typing, 16 MB of flash memory, and 2 MB of SRAM. Other features include a rechargeable lithium battery providing up to a week of use without recharging.

The BlackBerry 5790 also features cradle-free wireless email synchronization, integrated attachment viewing (including support for popular file formats such as Word, Excel, PowerPoint, WordPerfect, PDF and ASCII), and remote address look up. BlackBerry also offers software development tools to create custom Java-based solutions.

The BlackBerry 5790 works with BlackBerry Enterprise Server™ software version 3.6 and later (BlackBerry Enterprise Server v4.0 is expected to be available later this year) and supports both Microsoft® Exchange and IBM Lotus® Domino™ environments (Novell GroupWise™ support is expected to be available later this year). It also supports BlackBerry Internet Service™, allowing users to access up to ten corporate and/or personal email accounts (including Microsoft® Exchange, IBM Lotus® Domino™ and many popular ISP email accounts) without requiring server software.

The new BlackBerry 5790 handhelds are available through Velocita and its authorized resellers, including: TeleCommunication Systems, EarthLink, SkyTel and GTSI.

Pricing for the BlackBerry 5790 starts at $349 and is also available on GSA schedules. Data rate plans start as low as $34.99 per month. For additional information, please visit the Velocita Wireless website at http://www.velocitawireless.com.

ABOUT VELOCITA WIRELESS
Headquartered in Woodbridge, NJ, Velocita Wireless provides corporate email, interactive messaging, field force automation, telemetry, and other advanced wireless data services through its highly reliable, nationwide Mobitex packet data network. Additional information about Velocita Wireless can be found at www.velocitawireless.com.

ABOUT RESEARCH IN MOTION (RIM)
Research In Motion is a leading designer, manufacturer and marketer of innovative wireless solutions for the worldwide mobile communications market. Through the development of integrated hardware, software and services that support multiple wireless network standards, RIM provides platforms and solutions for seamless access to time-sensitive information including email, phone, SMS messaging, Internet and intranet-based applications. RIM technology also enables a broad array of third party developers and manufacturers to enhance their products and services with wireless connectivity. RIM's portfolio of award-winning products, services and embedded technologies are used by thousands of organizations around the world and include the BlackBerry® wireless platform, the RIM Wireless Handheld™ product line, software development tools, radio-modems and software/hardware licensing agreements. Founded in 1984 and based in Waterloo, Ontario, RIM operates offices in North America, Europe and Asia Pacific. RIM is listed on the Nasdaq Stock Market (Nasdaq: RIMM) and the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX: RIM). For more information, visit http://www.rim.com or http://www.blackberry.com.

Forward-looking statements in this news release are made pursuant to the "safe harbor" provisions of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. When used herein, words such as "intend" and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. Forward- looking statements are based on assumptions made by and information available to Research In Motion Limited. Investors are cautioned that such forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward looking statements include, without limitation, possible product defects and product liability, risks related to international sales and potential foreign currency exchange fluctuations, the initiation or outcome of litigation, acts or potential acts of terrorism, international conflicts, significant fluctuations of quarterly operating results, changes in Canadian and foreign laws and regulations, continued acceptance of RIM's products, increased levels of competition, technological changes and the successful development of new products, dependence on third-party networks to provide services, dependence on intellectual property rights and other risks and factors detailed from time to time in RIM's periodic reports filed with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission, and other regulatory authorities. The Company has no intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

Research In Motion, RIM and BlackBerry are trademarks of Research In Motion Limited. Research In Motion and RIM are registered with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office and may be pending or registered in other countries. All other brands, products and company names mentioned herein may be trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective holders.

Source: TMCnet.com

TOWERS FOR SALE
New, never installed, complete with hardware.
Please call or e-mail with questions.

TOO MUCH TO LIST • CALL OR E-MAIL

Rick McMichael 888-429-4171 rmcm@preferredwireless.com CLICK

SECOND TERM SUPPORTER

If you see someone in the field (like salespeople, technicians, and delivery people) using paper forms, their company could probably save a pile of money, and get much better timeliness, accuracy and efficiency, by using converting to Outr.Net's Wireless Forms. Custom applications for as little as $995, delivered in just a few days.Outr.Net has a web page on Wireless Forms for Timeports at: http://www.outr.net/overnight_pw.htm Their latest newsletter is: "Business Development in Mobile Data"

Please call me so we can discuss your need or your idea. Or contact me by e-mail for additional information. CLICK

CALL CENTER

Please click on the image above for more information.

GTES Corporate Russ Allen 2736 Stein Hill Lane Custer, WA 98240 Tel: 360-366-3888 Cel: 360-820-3888 russ.allen@gtesinc.com

GTES Sales Brooks Marsden 340 Bethany Bend Alpharetta, GA 30004 Tel: 770-754-1666 Cell: 404-518-6632 brooks.marsden@gtesinc.com

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www.gtesinc.com
Your Professional Services Partner

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GTES is the only Glenayre authorized software support provider in the paging industry. With over 200 years of combined experience in Glenayre hardware and software support, GTES offers the industry the most professional support and engineering development staff available.

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New Product Development

New Hardware Platform
New Data Protocol Support
Small Campus Two-Way Systems
Location LSP
Hosted Two Way Support

Please call GTES Sales at 770-754-1666 for more information on the above.

Intelligent Paging & Mobile Data Hardware & Software

Selective is a developer and manufacturer of highly innovative paging receiver/decoders and mobile data equipment. The PDT2000 Paging Data Terminal is THE MOST INTELLIGENT PAGING RECEIVER IN THE MARKET. The PDT2000 is a large display pager designed for desktop or in-vehicle mounting and is widely used by emergency services and in onsite paging systems for forklift dispatch etc. All of the following capabilities are standard features of the PDT2000 and of our other paging data receivers:

• FLEX and POCSAG decoding
• POCSAG encoding and transmitter control
• Parallel printer output
• Serial inputs & outputs
• Relay control (1-256 or more)
• PC interfacing and message management
• Message interception & logging
• Remote control
• Cross band repeating & paging coverage infill
• LED sign control
• Remote printing etc.

Our mobile data equipment includes a range of Mobile Data Terminals (MDTs) which may be interfaced to a variety of wireless networks including trunked and conventional radio, GPRS & CDMA cellular, Mobitex etc. Automatic Vehicle Location (AVL) and GPS solutions, Dispatch & Messaging software.   We offer mobile communications dealers and systems integrators a "fast to market" job dispatch and job management capability.

Specialised local area paging systems, paging interception and message reprocessing software, field force automation and mobile dispatch solutions. We export worldwide.

CONTACT
Postal Address:	Selective Communications Group PO Box 8798 Symonds St. Auckland, New Zealand
Street Address:	3/2 Haultain St. Eden Tce Auckland, New Zealand
Web site: E-mail:	www.selective.co.nz CLICK info@selective.co.nz CLICK
Phone: Fax:	+64-9-3021142 +64-9-3021148
SECOND TERM SUPPORTER

I am an authorized Manufacturer Representative for Selective Communications. Please contact me directly for any additional information. CLICK HERE

Specially designed course for sales, marketing, and administration personnel. Engineers will only be admitted with a note signed by their mothers, promising that they will just listen and not disrupt the class. (This is supposed to be funny!)

This is a one-day training course on paging that can be conducted at your place of business. Please take a look at the course outline to see if you think this might be beneficial in your employees: Paging training course outline. I would be happy to customize the content to meet your specific requirements.

Although it touches on several "technical" topics, it is definitely not a technical course. I used to teach the sales and marketing people at Motorola Paging and they appreciated an atmosphere where they could ask technical questions without being made to feel like a dummy and without getting a long convoluted overly-technical answer that left them more confused than before. A good learning environment is one that is non-threatening.

Let me know if you would like to receive a quotation, or if you would like to have any additional information.

Announcing the First Wi-Fi Certified™ Products That Support Cellular and Wi-Fi® Communications

Wi-Fi Alliance Forms New Group to Meet the Unique Needs of the Cellular Industry Deploying Converged Wi-Fi/Cellular Products

Austin, TX, October 21, 2004—The Wi-Fi Alliance today announced the first round of Wi-Fi CERTIFIED products providing both Wi-Fi and cellular communications. These certifications, along with the large number of similar products under development, point to a rapidly evolving trend toward a range of products that enable both Wi-Fi and cellular communications. In response to this trend, the Wi-Fi Alliance has initiated a Wi-Fi/Cellular Convergence (WCC) task group focused on identifying and meeting the cellular industry’s unique certification requirements for Wi-Fi functions in WCC devices.

The first round of Wi-Fi CERTIFIED products with WCC capabilities includes:

Wi-Fi Capable PDA/Cell Phones

• HP iPAQ Pocket PC h6315 (available now)
• Nokia 9500 Communicator (scheduled for Q4 2004)
• Motorola MPx (scheduled for 2nd half of 2004)

Wi-Fi Capable Handheld Computer

• Intermec 760 Mobile Computer (available now)

Wi-Fi Convergence Accessories (enables Wi-Fi in select PDA/cell phones)

• SanDisk Connect Wi-Fi SD Card (available now)

 “Through its established global network of labs, the Wi-Fi Alliance has the certification infrastructure in place to advance the cellular industry’s adoption of Wi-Fi in converged Wi-Fi/Cellular products,” said Wi-Fi Alliance Managing Director, Frank Hanzlik. “Our extensive experience in certifying Wi-Fi products will enable this exciting new category of WCC products to deliver the same high level of customer satisfaction that consumers expect from the Alliance’s certification programs.

“Responding to the unique needs of the cellular industry, the Alliance has been working with the world’s leading convergence device manufacturers to form a new task group that will facilitate this market’s growth. We see this initiative as a valuable opportunity for product manufacturers and service providers to work together to define the requirements of this market,” Hanzlik added.

See Wi-Fi at International CES
Wi-Fi-based wireless LAN technology will be on display at the International Consumer Electronics Show (CES) (South Hall #4, Booth #37017), January 6-9, 2005, at the Las Vegas Convention Center in Las Vegas, Nevada.

About the Wi-Fi Alliance
The Wi-Fi Alliance (formerly WECA) is the global Wi-Fi organization that created the Wi-Fi brand. A nonprofit trade association, the Alliance was formed in 1999 to certify interoperability of IEEE 802.11 products and to promote them as the global, wireless LAN standard across all market segments.

The Wi-Fi Alliance has instituted a test suite that defines how member products are tested to certify that they are interoperable with other Wi-Fi CERTIFIED products. These tests are conducted at independent laboratories.

Membership in the Wi-Fi Alliance is open to all companies that support the IEEE 802.11 family of standards. The Wi-Fi Alliance now comprises over 200 members from the world’s leading companies. These companies offer over 1,500 Wi-Fi CERTIFIED products. For more information, please visit www.wi-fi.org, and for information on Wi-Fi ZONE™ public access locations go to www.wi-fizone.org.

# # #

Press and analyst contact:
C. Brian Grimm
Wave Communications
for Wi-Fi Alliance
910.686.0870
briang@wavecoms.com

Source: Wi-Fi Alliance

San Francisco aims for free citywide WiFi

Friday, October 22, 2004 Posted: 11:37 AM EDT (1537 GMT)

SAN FRANCISCO, California (Reuters)—San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom set a goal Thursday of providing free wireless Internet activity in his city that sees itself as a vanguard of the Internet revolution. "We will not stop until every San Franciscan has access to free wireless Internet service," he said in his annual state of the city address. "These technologies will connect our residents to the skills and the jobs of the new economy."

"No San Franciscan should be without a computer and a broadband connection." He said the city had already made free WiFi service available at Union Square, a central shopping and tourist hub, and would add access to several other sections of the city including Civic Center around City Hall.

The stadium where the San Francisco Giants baseball team plays also offers WiFi, a wireless technology that allows a computer with a special modem to connect to the Internet. Other cities have started setting up large areas of WiFi coverage, including San Jose in Silicon Valley and parts of Long Beach, California.

Source: CNN.com

Big Shake Up in Store for WiMax in 2005

10/25/04 8:52 AM PT

The study cautions that the combination of a relatively long lead time for technology and market development, an overcrowded supplier market and significant early price pressures will lead to a high attrition rate among WiMax components and systems vendors.

First-generation broadband wireless equipment based on the emerging WiMax standard will start shipping commercially i 2005, but many smaller vendors may not survive long enough to reap the rewards of its arrival, newly released research ha claimed

According to a study released today by market research firm Heavy Reading, the first commercial versions of WiMax products should be available by the middle of 2005, with market leader Intel (Nasdaq: INTC) leading the rollout charge.

The first WiMax products will be expected to focus on fixed broadband applications, with products aimed at portable and mobile networking appearing in 2006 or later.

Significant Force
The study, WiMax Reality Check, predicts that WiMax will become a "significant force" in the emerging fixed/mobile network convergence sector later this decade.

However, it goes on to caution that the combination of a relatively long lead time for technology and market development, an overcrowded supplier market and significant early price pressures will lead to a high attrition rate among WiMax components and systems vendors.

The analyst firm predicts that WiMax will debut as a way to deliver fixed services before expanding into portable and finally mobile services. Initial uses of WiMax will be focused on backhaul connection of network access points to wireline infrastructure .

"The most obvious use of WiMax in this context is for connecting 802.11 'hotspots' to wired networks, but WiMax will also be deployed for backhaul connections of DSL-type services offered by competitive local exchange carriers looking to bypass incumbent-owned wireline networks," said the study.

Avoiding Mistakes
"Whenever it arrives, WiMax will be a critical network technology force for a long time. Backers have learned from the mistakes of earlier broadband wireless efforts and they've taken important steps toward avoiding such problems as interoperability and business case-annihilating overhead."

Heavy Reading predicts that WiMax promises a better-performing, less expensive alternative to many technologies that already serve its target applications.

Although competition will be fierce on the equipment side, it will quickly drive down costs for users and service providers, in turn improving the chances that WiMax will be much more than a niche play, according to the research.

Source: ECT News Network

Clearwire partners with Intel on WiMAX networks

Oct 26, 2004

Broadband wireless carrier Clearwire and Intel Corp. said they will join forces to develop and deploy WiMAX wireless broadband networks.

Wireless broadband equipment from Clearwire subsidiary NextNet Wireless will be used for the networks. Future Intel silicon products that will support the upcoming 802.16 standard for WiMAX solutions will also be included in the networks.

Furthermore, under their agreement, Intel Capital will make a "significant" investment in Clearwire as part of its strategy to invest $150 million in wireless technology to accelerate the adoption of high-speed wireless networks.

Clearwire, led by wireless pioneer Craig McCaw, launched its first broadband wireless network in August in Jacksonville, Fla., using NextNet technology. The company said that network provided a springboard to future WiMAX deployments.

"We view WiMAX as a still-emerging wireless standard that feels more like 4G than the current rollout of 3G wireless data services," read a research note from Raymond James & Associates Inc. on the news. "We expect WiMAX to have a role in the future of wireless broadband services, but see a late '07, at best, timeframe for broad nationwide network deployments."

Source: RCR Wireless News

Please accept my best wishes for a wonderful weekend. I hope you have fun. Speaking of fun, did you see the new Apple iPod with the color screen that can display a digital photo slide show while you listen to your favorite music in awesome stereo?

With best regards,	Brad Dye WIRELESS DATA CONSULTANT		WIRELESS DATA
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