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FRIDAY - OCTOBER 14, 2005 - ISSUE NO. 184

Dear friends of Wireless Messaging and Paging,

A+ Of special interest this week is a letter to FCC Chairman Kevin Martin—on AAPC letterhead—signed by Bruce Deer, AAPC President (SkyTel President too), AND Vince Kelly, CEO of USA Mobility. It is very reassuring to see this level of cooperation in the paging industry. Good job gentlemen! This letter is very well written and I hope it attracts the attention of the FCC commissioners and staff as they nominate members to the new independent expert panel to advise on ways to improve disaster communications. I am in 100% agreement with this effort, as all regular readers of this newsletter already know from my frequent rantings.

USA Mobility and the AAPC together represent the majority of the US paging industry. I certainly hope that USA Mobility will join the association. There are a couple of other significant carriers on the West Coast that I have been talking to recently, and I hope they decide to join the AAPC as well. These carriers are both owned by nice fellows who could make valuable contributions to the AAPC—and I am talking about expertise—not money. If we all get together in Phoenix next month at the AAPC Symposium, it could make for a very interesting meeting.

As I mentioned last week, I am going to the Wireless Messaging conference next week in Helsinki, Finland. The Program Summary follows below, with the speakers and topics of discussion. I will be giving everyone there an update on the US industry, and then doing my best to learn many new things, in the sessions, to pass on to our readers. Several new trends in wireless communications have started over in Europe so I am really looking forward to this conference.

Some of my friends in Latin America may be thinking, "What! 'un americano que no sabe de todo' an American who doesn't know everything?" YES! that's me—still learning.

Next week's newsletter will be a little late. I am scheduled to return on Friday evening (Oct. 21) and hope to get at least a preliminary report done for you by Saturday or Sunday. I plan to take lots of photos so you can see what you missed!

Now on to the rest of the news and views.

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This is my weekly newsletter about Wireless Data and Radio Paging. You are receiving this message because you have either communicated with me in the past about a wireless topic, or your address was included in another e-mail that I received on the same subject. This is not a SPAM. If you have received this message in error, or you are not interested in these topics, please click here, then click on "send" and you will be promptly removed from the mailing list with my apology.

iland internet sulutions This newsletter is brought to you by the generous support of our advertisers and the courtesy of iland Internet Solutions Corporation. For more information about the web-hosting services available from iland Internet Solutions Corporation, please click on their logo to the left.

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 central 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. I am very careful to protect the anonymity of those who request it.

NOTE: This newsletter is best viewed at screen resolutions of 800x600 (good) or 1024x768 (better). Any current revision of web browser should work fine. Please notify me of any problems with viewing. This site is compliant with XHTML 1.0 transitional coding for easy access from wireless devices. (XML 1.0/ISO 8859-1.)



AMERICAN ASSOCIATION OF PAGING CARRIERS

AAPC Bulletin
www.pagingcarriers.org • 866-301-2272
The Voice of US Paging Carriers

ISSUE NO. 29— FRIDAY — OCTOBER 14, 2005

 

aapc logo

Advocating for you, the Paging industry!

With the recent hurricanes and resulting breakdowns in emergency communication services, AAPC is actively pursuing ways to promote the reliability and benefits of utilizing paging systems.

Recently, AAPC and USA Mobility sent the following joint letter to the Federal Communications Commission. The purpose of this letter was to respond to Chairman Martin’s statements that he intends to establish an independent expert panel to review the impact of Hurricane Katrina, and now Hurricane Rita, on the nation’s communication infrastructure. We wanted to make sure that he and the commissioners are aware of the important and critical role that paging and two-way messaging can play in times of crisis.

In the future, AAPC will continue to pursue additional avenues in the coming weeks to get our message across to the decision makers in Washington and elsewhere as appropriate.

join aapc

 

 

aapc
American Association
of Paging Carriers

 

usa mobility

“The Voice of
US Paging
Carriers”

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Headquarters:

441 N. Crestwood Drive
Wilmington, NC 28405
866-301-2272
• • •
Regulatory Affairs:

1015 - 18th St. NW
Suite 800
Washington, DC 20036
• • •
info@pagingcarriers.org
www.pagingcarriers.org

 

September 23, 2005

The Honorable Kevin J. Martin
Chairman, Federal Communications Commission
445 - 12th Street. SW
Washington, DC 20554

Re: Improvement of network reliability and public safety communications in times of crisis

Dear Chairman Martin:

The American Association of Paging Carriers (AAPC) and USA Mobility, Inc. commend you for your strong leadership of the Federal Communications Commission at a time when the communications capability of our nation in disastrous situations has been sorely tested. We look forward to working with the Commission and the independent expert panel you are establishing to review the impact of Hurricane Katrina, and now Hurricane Rita, on the nation's communication infrastructure, and to make recommendations on ways to improve disaster preparedness, network reliability, and communication among first responders such as police, fire fighters and emergency medical personnel. We are writing to urge that you appoint a representative from the paging industry to service on the panel you are establishing.

AAPC is the national trade association representing paging carriers throughout the United States; and its members operate nationwide, regional and local paging systems licensed under Parts 22, 24 and 90 of the Commission's rules. USA Mobility is the largest paging carrier in the industry, serving more than half of the industry's customers. The critical link provided by paging service to first responders in crisis environments, when voice communication networks are overloaded or otherwise fail, has been repeatedly acknowledged by independent observers. For example, the Arlington County After-Action Report on the Response to the September 11 Terrorist Attack on the Pentagon (the "AAR") (undated), studied the activities of Arlington County and the supporting jurisdictions, government agencies, and other organizations in response to the September 11, 2001, terrorist attack on the Pentagon. The AAR found that:

Almost all aspects of communication continue to be problematic, from initial notification to tactical operations. Cellular telephones were of little value in the first few hours and cellular priority access service (CPAS) is not provided to emergency responders. Radio channels were initially over saturated and interoperability problems among jurisdictions and agencies persist. (AAR at p. 9).

Dr. Peter Kapsales, senior consulting engineer for CACI Technologies, also has acknowledged the benefits of two-way paging for crisis communications in a March 2004 article entitled"Wireless Messaging for Homeland Security" (http://braddye.com/homeland_security.html). He Concluded that two-way paging "is more reliable and more effective than the current voice networks used by emergency workers and public employees who respond to critical situations" and "should be considered a primary or backup system to improve real-time communication among emergency personnel during critical periods when voice communication is not practical or fails."

Most recently, a communications specialist deployed by FEMA in Urban Search and Rescue in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, wrote to the Wireless Messaging Newsletter when "the cell and data service down and systems being flooded," that "ReFLEX [two-way paging] is working fine and communications are flowing through the units! . . . Again the critical use of the ReFLEX in . . . all the disaster situations I have been to (9/11 NYC, Ivan, Isabel and now Katrina!)" (http://www.pagingcarriers.org).

One of the important reasons for the continued reliability of paging service during disasters is its extensive use of geostationary satellite control and transmission links, not just terrestrial facilities, as part of its network infrastructure.

AAPC and USA Mobility stand ready to work with you, the Commission and the independent panel to help lay the foundation for more effective communications during future crises. To this end, and in light of the critical and unique contributions of paging service during such times, we strongly urge your to appoint a representative from the paging industry to serve as a member of the independent panel you are in the process of establishing.

Please do not hesitate to contact either of the undersigned to discuss specific representatives qualified and ready to serve in this important capacity.

 
  

Very truly yours,

 
  /S/ Vincent D. Kelly
Chief Executive Officer
USA Mobility, Inc.
/S/ Bruce Deer
President
American Association of Paging Carriers
 
  

cc: Commissioner Kathleen Q. Abernathy
     Commissioner Michael J. Copps
     Commissioner Jonathan F. Adelstein

 

 
 

thank you AAPC thanks its symposium sponsors!

November 3–4, 2005
Scottsdale Resort & Conference Center
Scottsdale, Arizona
www.pagingcarriers.org

inforad logo
InfoRad, Inc.

skytel logo
SkyTel Corporation

unication logo
UNICATION GROUP
Unication USA

canyon ridge logo
Canyon Ridge Communications, Inc.

 

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PRISM Systems International, Inc.

 

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Zetron, Inc.


AAPC Executive Director
441 N. Crestwood Drive
Wilmington, NC 28405
Tel: 866-301-2272
E-mail: info@pagingcarriers.org
Web: www.pagingcarriers.org

AAPC Regulatory Affairs Office
Suite 800
1015 - 18th Street N.W.
Washington DC 20036-5204


AAPC BULLETIN

FEATURED ADVERTISERS SUPPORTING THE NEWSLETTER

Advertiser Index

AAPC—American Association of Paging Carriers  Multitone Electronics
Advantra International   Northeast Paging
Aquis Communications, Inc.   NotePage Inc.
Ayrewave Corporation   Outr.net
Bay Star Communications   Heartland Communications
CONTEL Costa Rica   Ira Wiesenfeld
CPR Technology  Payment Guardian
Daniels Electronics   Preferred Wireless
Daviscomms USA   Prism Systems International
ERF Wireless   Ron Mercer
Global Fax Network Services   Selective Communications
GTES LLC   Sun Telecom International
HMCE, Inc.  Texas Association of Paging Services
Hark Systems   UCOM Paging
InfoRad, Inc.   Zetron Inc.
Minilec Service, Inc.   

AQUIS COMMUNICATIONS, INC.

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Network Planning & Optimization: With over 15 years in the telecommunications business and an experienced staff, Aquis Communications will provide you with solutions to improve your organization’s efficiency, reduce operating expenses and increase network integrity.

Engineering Services

  • Propagation Analysis & Mapping
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Special Projects

  • Interconnection Agreements
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    • Web access
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Expense Reduction Services

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CALL A REPRESENTATIVE TODAY FOR DETAILS
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Satellite Uplink
As Low As $500/month

  • Data input speeds up to 38.4 Kbps
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Knowledgeable Tech Support 24/7

Contact Alan Carle Now!
1-888-854-2697 x272
acarle@ucom.com www.ucom.com

THIREE TERM SUPPORTER

minilec service logo

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 logo Motorola Authorized Service Center for Paging and Cellular.

Ask for Special Newsletter Pricing.

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


CONTACT
E-mail: info@minilec.com left arrow CLICK HERE
Minilec Service, Inc.
Suite A
9207 Deering Ave.
Chatsworth, CA 91311
TWO TERM SUPPORTER

assist star logo
When every second counts, manage them effectively.

Messaging Business Opportunity

Supplement your existing business by launching this new AssistSTAR message distribution management system. Increase your revenue without purchasing a lot of new infrastructure, by starting out with a subscription service on existing equipment.

What is AssistSTAR?
The AssistSTAR System allows you to manage and track the distribution of text and voice messages to individuals and groups. It also allows you to easily manage those groups (also called Distribution Lists), reassigning personnel to response teams with only a few clicks, all via the internet. AssistSTAR also
provides a Scripted Interactive Voice Response menu system that can interact with callers to determine the nature of the call and it’s appropriate processing. It will handle automated distribution of messages based on interaction with the caller, or patch callers to a live operator. It can even provide a name-dialed directory. The most unique aspect of AssistSTAR is that it is available as a monthly service. No costly servers or software licenses needed.

Subscription-based AssistSTAR to start
For a nominal setup fee and a reasonable monthly service fee, AssistSTAR can provide you with the most sophisticated communications management available today. This is ideal for the current business climate - you can add or withdraw from services as your business requires. There is no capital investment required to take advantage of advanced call handling and IVR processing. The IVR can be customized to meet any needs for caller interaction.

Server-based solutions when you are ready
When you are ready to invest in a system to eliminate recurring service fees, we will be ready to build a system for you, including custom features developed to meet your special requirements. The system can be customized to provide all of your voice mail, communication management, automated front-desk, inbound and outbound telemarketing, and campus paging needs.

Time-critical response
It may not be every day that you have a crisis that requires fast, closed-loop communications, but with AssistSTAR managing your teams, you can be prepared to respond at a moment’s notice.

When every second counts, manage them effectively.

You are invited to view our emerging case study presentation by clicking here. left arrow

Brought to you by:
bay star logo

Bay Star Communications
11500 N.W. Freeway, #170
Houston, TX 77092
1-800-BAYSTAR
1-877-612-1040 (fax)
www.baystar.com

preferred logo
EQUIPMENT FOR SALE
(12) Glenayre RL70XC Midband Link RXs $250 each
(3) Glenayre Hot Standby Panels $300 each
(1) Glenayre QT6994, 150W, 900 MHz Link TX. $900
(2) Glenayre QT5994, 45W, 900 MHz Link Tx, Hot Standby $1300 both
(1) Glenayre QT4201, 25W Midband Link TX. $500 each
(1) Glenayre QT6201, 100W Midband Link TX. $900 each
(2) Motorola Midband Link TX. 30W $250 each
(6) QT-7795 900 MHz, 250W, TX. $500 each
(5) Quintron QT-6772, 90W, UHF TX. $400 each
(14) Glenayre GLT5340, 125W UHF TX., DSP Exciter $2500 each
(50) Motorola PURC 5000, UHF, 110W, Advanced Control $1000 each
(1) Glenayre GLT 8600, 500W, 900 MHz $1300
(20) Motorola PURC 5000, 300/150W, 900 MHz $600 each
(15) Motorola ACB Control Shelf, 3.69 software $400 each
(1) Zetron DAPT 1000B $250
(11) Skydata 8411B Satellite Receivers $450 each
(15) Battery Backup for C2000 $100 each

GL3000 Cards - UOE, Memory, CPU’s, QVSB’s, T1’s, DID’s, SIO, Drives…

TOO MUCH TO LIST • CALL OR E-MAIL
Preferred Wireless
Rick McMichael
888-429-4171

rmcm@preferredwireless.com left arrow
CLICK HERE
THREE TERM SUPPORTER


GTES LLC

gtes logo
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

sherloc

www.sherlocgps.com

GTES has recently made the strategic decision to expanding its development activities to include wireless location technologies; a market that researchers forecast could reach $3.6 billion by 2010. In support of this new strategic direction, GTES has developed SHERLOC™ a complete one-stop wireless location service, providing the flexibility of being protocol neutral and network agnostic. Targeted at business customers who need to track their high-value shipments or better manage their service or delivery fleets, SHERLOC™ is a hosted application that combines configuration flexibility with ease of use.

GTES is offering SHERLOC™ services both directly and through authorized resellers. If your company has an interest in finding out how location services can enhance your revenue stream, and has the contacts and expertise to make you successful in the location marketplace, please contact us for further information at www.sherlocgps.com and select “Reseller Opportunities,” or call us at 770-754-1666 for more information.


www.gtesinc.com
Your Professional Services Partner


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.


Continued Support Programs
GTES Partner Program
Product Sales
On-Site Services
Software Development
Product Training


CALL US TODAY FOR YOUR SUPPORT NEEDS
THREE TERM SUPPORTER


HARK TECHNOLOGIES

hark logo
Wireless Communication Solutions

isi image

ISI-LX Internet Serial Interface with Protocol Conversion


  • Converts Serial TAP message to SNPP, SMTP, or WCTP
  • Pass through Serial Data to TCP/IP and TCP/IP back to Serial
  • Supports Ethernet or PPP Connection to Internet w/Dial Backup
  • Includes 4 Serial Ports for Multiplexing Traffic

isi image

IPG Internet Paging Gateway


  • No Moving Parts Such as Hard Drives or Fans to Fail
  • Supports 10Base-T Network Connection to Internet
  • Accepts HTTP, SMTP, SNPP, and WCTP from Internet
  • Sends TAP or TNPP to Your Paging Terminal

pagetrack

PageTrack


  • Inexpensive method of automating your paging monitoring
  • Uses standard paging receiver
  • Available in 152-158 POCSAG or 929 FLEX (call for others)

omega image

Omega Unified Messaging Server


  • Full Featured Internet Messaging Gateway
  • TAP Concentrator and TNPP Routing Functions w/TNPP over Internet
  • Serial Protocols Supported: GCP, SMDI, SMS, TAP, TNPP
  • Internet Protocols Supported: AIM, HTTP, SMPP (out only), SMTP, SNPP, and WCTP
  • Full Featured, Easy-to-use Voice/Fax/Numeric Mail Interface
  • One Number For All Your Messaging
  • Optional Hot-swap Hard Drives and Power Supplies Available

Please see our website for even more products designed specifically for Personal Messaging carriers. For example, the Omega Messaging Gateway and Email Throttling Gateway (anti-spam).


CONTACT
Hark Technologies
2675 Lake Park Drive
N. Charleston, SC 29406
Tel: +1 843-764-1560
Fax: +1 843-764-3692
E-mail: sales@harksystems.com left arrow CLICK
Web: http://www.harksystems.com left arrow CLICK
THREE TERM SUPPORTER

 

 

 

daviscomms usa

www.daviscommsusa.com

  • Contract Design, Engineering, & Manufacturing
  • Telemetry Devices
  • Bravo Pagers—Numeric/Alphanumeric
  • ISO9001-2000 Certified Facility
  • Low Cost-High Volume solutions
  • Maximize Time-To-Market Objectives
  • Minimize procurement materials management
  • FLEX-POCSAG-ReFLEX
  • Receiver Boards-FLEX-POCSAG
  • Integrate our RF Technologies into your product

daviscomms

State-of-the-art Manufacturing Facilities

wireless messaging

Wireless Messaging

oem telemetry board

FLEX Telemetry Module

reflex telemetry

ReFLEX Telemetry Module

Daviscomms—Product Examples

For information about our Contract Manufacturing services or our Pager or Telemetry line, please call Bob Popow at 480-515-2344, bob@daviscommsusa.com or visit our website www.daviscommsusa.com


FOUR TERM SUPPORTER

prism logo

Prism Message Gateway Systems
Modular and Configurable

Your Choice of Options

  • Radio Paging Terminals
  • Voicemail Systems
  • E-mail 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


CONTACT
Prism Systems International, Inc.
300 Colonial Center Parkway,
Suite 100
Roswell, Georgia 30076 USA
Telephone: 678-353-3366
Internet: www.prismpaging.com left CLICK HERE
E-mail: info@prismpaging.com left arrow CLICK HERE
THREE TERM SUPPORTER

eRF Wireless
Paging Hardware
End-to-End Solutions for Wireless Personal Communications and Messaging Productsbase stations
Base Stations & Link Transmitters
power amplifiers
Power Amplifiers
Exceptional quality. Unmatched sales and service support.

redundant switches
Redundant Switches

As a worldwide supplier of telecommunications equipment eRF Wireless designs, manufactures and markets transmitters, receivers, controllers, software and other equipment used in personal communications systems, as well as radio and telephone systems. eRF Wireless also provides service and support for its products, as well as consulting and research development on a contract basis.

If you'd like a single-source provider that's committed to competitive prices and fast delivery, call us today at 1-800-538-9050 or visit our website at:
www.erfwireless.com left arrow CLICK HERE

erf logo
1-800-538-9050
www.erfwireless.com
2911 South Shore Blvd., Suite 100 • League City, TX 77573

www.erfwireless.com
multitone graphic

multitone graphic

Multitone North America Inc.
2300 M Street NW
Suite 800
Washington, DC 20037
Tel: (202) 973-2827
Fax: (202) 293-3083

multitone logo

Launches...

NEW state-of-the-art PowerPage 750 with Advanced Reliability offering Digital Voice Storage Technology and a range of other exciting new features and benefits...

multitone pager group

Multitone also has a range of PowerPage & FuturePhone Wireless Communication Solutions to suit your individual communication needs.

For information on our product range and how Multitone can help enhance your communications, please e-mail info@multitone.com or telephone (202) 973-2827.

www.multitone-usa.com

WIRELESS NEWS

prism paging

PRESS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Prism Paging new Trade Name for Prism Systems International, Inc.

Roswell, GA—October 10, 2005—Prism Systems International, Inc. designer and manufacturer of the Prism Message Gateway (PMG) line of products, has registered a new Trade Name and is now doing business as Prism Paging.

According to Jim Nelson, Chairman, President and CEO of the company, “this change let’s us more closely associate the company name with our Prism paging product line and the markets where they apply”.

“Paging is a reliable technology” said Nelson “and has been used for over 50 years to immediately alert and send messages to emergency medical personnel as well as those in public safety roles.  Paging is often heralded as the most reliable technology during times of national emergency or natural disasters when other types of communications are crippled or completely disabled.  Prism Paging is proud to be identified with this vital service”.

In reference to the company’s future plans Nelson further added “the Prism Message Gateway is a modular design which allows many different configurations as well as support of 3rd party software not strictly related to paging.  We are now expanding the product line into other markets where notification and message relay use other technologies such as text messaging to cellular phones and e-mail over Wi-Fi networks.  These new products will be named more closely after the market and services they address”.

The company’s address and all other contact information remains the same as before and can be found on their web site at www.prismpaging.com

Source: Prism Paging


The European Mobile Messaging Association and the Wireless Messaging Association (UK)

2nd Annual Conference and Round Table Meeting in Helsinki, Finland, October 19-20, 2005

PROGRAM SUMMARY

DAY 1     Wednesday, October 19
12:00  Welcome Buffet and Registration of the Delegates
13:00  Opening Address:
Jacques N. Couvas, Chairman of EMMA
13:15  First Session: Population Alert and Disaster Prevention Made Simple
Speakers:
Dr. Dietmar Gollnick, e*Message GmbH (Germany)
Prof. Adrian Boukalov, Helsinki Technical University; Repr. EMTEL
Derek Banner, Wireless Messaging Association (UK)
14:30  Second Session: America Calling.
Speakers:
Jim McLochlin, AAPC (USA)
Brad Dye, Wireless Messaging Newsletter (USA)
15:15  Coffee Break
15:30  Constitutional General Assembly of the EMMA-WMA Merger
17:30  End of Working Sessions, Day 1
18:30  Evening Social Activities: Tour, Cocktails, Group Dinner. Sponsored by Tecnomen OY.
     
DAY 2  Thursday, October 20
09:00  Third Session: Technology Update by Infrastructure Manufactures.
Speakers:
Janne Luntta, Tecnomen Oy (Finland)
Russ Allen, GTES, Inc. (USA)
Brooks Marsden, GTES, Inc. (Canada)
10:00  Fourth Session: New Applications and Revenue Opportunities.
Speakers:
Philip Hayes, ParkMagic Ltd. (Ireland)
Paul Fitzgerald, ParkMagic Ltd. (Ireland)
Chris Jones, PageOne Ltd. (UK)
Brian Hick, Digicall SA (Switzerland)
11:00  Coffee Break
10:45  Fifth Session: Short Individual Presentations by Delegates.
12:30  Lunch
14:00  Sixth Session: Industry Round Table.
Moderators:
Derek Banner and Jacques N. Couvas
Topics:
The Need For Global Vision
Future Direction Of the Industry
Regulatory Challenges and Opportunities
An Agenda For Further Action
15:45  Closing remarks
16:00  End of Conference

For more information about this conference, please click here.


Court Ruling in BlackBerry Case Puts Service to U.S. Users at Risk

By IAN AUSTEN
Published: October 8, 2005

OTTAWA, Oct. 7—A court decision Friday renewed the possibility that service to BlackBerry wireless e-mail devices might be cut off for most users in the United States.

The United States Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit in Washington rejected a request by Research in Motion, the Canadian company that makes the BlackBerry, to rehear its appeal of a patent infringement case brought by NTP Inc., the patent holder. A three-judge panel of the court ruled in August that Research in Motion had violated seven of NTP's patents.

As part of that litigation, NTP, whose only assets are wireless e-mail related patents, had been granted an injunction banning the sale of BlackBerry devices in the United States and forcing Research in Motion to stop providing e-mail services to all American customers except government account holders.

While the court declined Research in Motion's request for a complete rehearing by all 12 of its judges, it did order the panel of three judges to review some aspects of NTP's patent claims.

Kevin Anderson, a lawyer for NTP, said the company would now ask the court to apply the injunction to the patent claims that are no longer under review. Those patents, he added, are broad enough to prevent Research in Motion from continuing service in the United States, which accounts for about 70 percent of its revenue.

"The case is pretty much over," Mr. Anderson said.

Friday afternoon, however, Research in Motion said it would request that the court hold off on any action while it asks the Supreme Court for a review, although it acknowledged that such reviews are "uncommon" in patent cases.

"RIM continues to believe this case raises significant national and international issues warranting further appellate review," the company said.

Shares of Research in Motion hit a 52-week low of $64.55, down $2.42.

With the backing of the Canadian government, Research in Motion has argued in court that NTP's claims do not apply to BlackBerry software because it is held only on computers near its headquarters in Waterloo, Ontario. NTP does not hold any wireless e-mail patents in Canada. It is based in Annandale, Va.

Source: The New York Times


RIM Edges Closer to the Edge

NEWS ANALYSIS
By Arik Hesseldahl
OCTOBER 10, 2005

An Appeals Court loss means its BlackBerry service could soon get shut down, raising the pressure to settle the patent battle with NTP

Research In Motion has suffered another setback in a legal dispute that threatens to torpedo U.S. sales of its popular BlackBerry e-mail paging service. The U.S. Court of Appeals on Oct. 7 rejected its request for another hearing on an earlier patent infringement ruling against RIM (RIMM).

It's the latest wrinkle in a long-standing battle between RIM and NTP, a company set up to manage the patent portfolio of Thomas Campagna, an inventor who died in 2004. At issue is ownership of the patents on the groundbreaking technology at the base of RIM's BlackBerry pager. The decision may bring Arlington (Va.)-based NTP a step closer to winning enforcement of an injunction that would force a shutdown of the BlackBerry service.

"We intend to be back in court asking to enforce our injunction as soon as possible," says NTP lawyer James Wallace.

TO THE HIGH COURT? Millions of U.S. customers subscribe to the BlackBerry service supplied via wireless-phone providers including Cingular Wireless, owned by SBC Communications (SBC) and BellSouth (BLS ); Verizon Wireless, owned by Verizon (VZ) and Vodafone Group (VOD); and Sprint Nextel (S). NTP says the injunction, if enforced, won't affect BlackBerry users who work for federal, state, or local government agencies. RIM says 77% of its 3.65 million BlackBerry users are in North America, with the lion's share in the U.S.

RIM intends to take its case to the U.S. Supreme Court. In a written statement it said it would ask the high court to review the Appeals Court's decision not to hear its case, saying the company "continues to believe this case raises significant national and international issues warranting further appellate review."

However RIM concedes that the threat of the injunction is real. "While RIM maintains that an injunction is inappropriate given the facts of the case and substantial doubts raised subsequent to trial as to the validity of the patents in question, it ultimately will be up to the Courts to decide these matters, and there can never be an assurance of a favorable outcome in any litigation."

INJUNCTIONS AND STAYS. The district court is unlikely to enforce any injunction until the Supreme Court decides whether to hear the case, notes Dennis Crouch, a patent attorney with Chicago law firm McDonnell Boehnen Hulbert & Berghoff. Still, the high court typically agrees to hear only one patent-related case per year.

News of the rejection sent RIM stock lower, to close down 3.4% at $64.55, while stock in Palm (PALM), which makes the Treo, a wireless phone that's a rival to the BlackBerry, was up 3%, or 82 cents, to $28.12.

The two sides have been locked in battle for years. In 2002 a jury determined that RIM had infringed on NTP's patents, and the court granted the injunction ordering the shutdown of the BlackBerry service and banning the device's sale in the U.S. That injunction was stayed pending an appeal. But in March of this year the two sides announced they had reached an agreement in principle to settle the case.

"NO MEETING OF MINDS." RIM had agreed to pay NTP $450 million for unrestricted use of the patents. But in June the settlement fell apart for reasons that neither side has explained publicly. Given the most recent turn of events and NTP's stated intention to pursue the injunction, RIM may have little choice but to head back to the bargaining table and prepare to write a check for considerably more than the $450 million previously agreed to. In a written statement, NTP said RIM owes it $210 million in damages as of August, 2005, based on a royalty rate of 8.55% for use of the disputed patents.

RIM CEO Jim Balsillie has said previously that despite rulings from the patent office casting doubt on the validity of NTP's patents (see BW Online, 9/20/05, "A Red Letter Day For RIM", and 4/8/05, "Did RIM Pay Too Soon?"), the company still intends to pay up on the settlement. Wallace has said after the initial agreement to settle, there was "no meeting of the minds" over as yet-unspecified details of the settlement agreement. As the legal wrangling wears on, and concerns over enforcement drag on its shares, RIM may well be hoping those minds have a meeting soon.

Source: Business Week


Motorola Appoints Jose R. Figueroa as Corporate Vice President and Regional Manager of Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA) for Motorola Networks

Figueroa continues role in Latin America and Caribbean (LAC); regional realignment strengthens Networks business across EMEA and LAC

BASINGSTOKE, UK - 13 October 2005 - Motorola (NYSE:MOT) today announced the appointment of Jose R. Figueroa as Corporate Vice President and Regional Manager of Motorola Networks, EMEA. Figueroa takes on the new role in addition to continuing as Corporate Vice President and Regional Manager of Latin America and Caribbean (LAC) for Motorola Networks.

“I am delighted to be taking on this expanded role – it makes perfect sense to centralize customer relationships and work more closely across the two regions on account strategy,” said Figueroa. “It’s an exciting time in terms of market consolidation as well as convergence in the industry and today’s announcement will strengthen Motorola’s ability to greater support its customers and to deliver on the company vision of ‘seamless mobility.”

Figueroa will be focused on driving sales and business strategies effectively across both regions for the Networks business. He will be based in the UK at Motorola’s EMEA regional headquarters in Basingstoke.

Figueroa has been Corporate Vice President, Motorola Inc. and Regional Manager of Motorola Networks for Latin America and Caribbean since February 2000. In this role he was responsible for motivating the organization to identify industry opportunities and embrace market challenges. He was instrumental in securing the largest commercial contract of Motorola’s SoftSwitch solution globally, with VIVO in Brazil. In addition, he presided over numerous new regional contracts across Latin America including Push-To-Talk as well as CDMA 1X wins.

Prior to this, Figueroa held several leadership roles within Motorola including General Manager, East Region United States. Jose has also held executive positions in Motorola's Paging Sector, Personal Communications Group and Cellular Subscriber Sector.

Notes to Editors
Motorola Networks has seven businesses including its Cellular Networks, iDEN® business, Wireline Networks, Wireless Broadband Networks, Network Services and Application Management, and also the newly-aligned Core Networks business (as of October 2005) headed by Margaret Rice-Jones.

About Motorola
Motorola is a Fortune 100 global communications leader that provides seamless mobility products and solutions across broadband, embedded systems and wireless networks. In your home, auto, workplace and all spaces in between, seamless mobility means you can reach the people, things and information you need, anywhere, anytime. Seamless mobility harnesses the power of technology convergence and enables smarter, faster, cost-effective and flexible communication. Motorola had sales of US $31.3 billion in 2004. For more information: http://www.motorola.com

Source: Motorola News Release


FCC Notice

Similar to its public notice in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, the FCC on October 7, 2005, issued a public notice stating that "licensees of wireless services serving consumers affected by Hurricane Rita" must "continue providing service to displaced people who cannot pay their bills in the wake of the hurricane." The FCC further is requiring wireless carriers serving consumers affected by Hurricane Rita to submit a report to the FCC "verifying their compliance with the standard industry practice of maintaining service to people displace by the hurricane despite failure to pay bills."

The FCC public notice states that the report should be submitted no later than Wednesday, October 12, 2005. If any member of AAPC believes it is required by the public notice to submit a report, AAPC's recommendation is to file it as soon as practicable, despite the fact that the stated deadline for the report has passed.

The report should be in letter format addressed to the Chiefs of the Wireless Telecommunications Bureau and the Consumer & Governmental Affairs Bureau. The Acting Chief of the Wireless Telecommunications Bureau is Catherine W. Seidel; and the Chief of the Consumer & Governmental Affairs Bureau is Monica Desai. Reports should describe the grace period or other relief provided by the affected consumers. Electronic copies should be sent to Rita_Wireless_Report@fcc.gov and to the Commission's copy contractor at fcc@bcpiweb.com.

A copy of the FCC's public notice is attached.

Source: FCC web site (Summary courtesy of the AAPC.)


READER'S COMMENTS

Paging Technical Committee

From: Stephen Oshinsky
Subject: Meeting Reminder
Date: October 10, 2005 11:39:22 AM CDT
To: Paging Technical Committee

All, just a reminder that the next face-to-face meeting will be on Friday, November 4th from 8 AM to 12 noon at the Scottsdale Resort and Conference Center. Please see the attached document if you would like to also attend the wonderful AAPC meeting.

Our meeting is being sponsored by Verizon so let's all give them some thanks.

We are in the last stages of planning and really need to know how many of you will attend and who will be staying form lunch on Friday (there is quite a bit of cost involved for our sponsors and we get charged for the headcount when we turn the numbers in so please let me know as soon as you can). Please respond to this e-mail if you will be attending the meeting and if you plan on staying for lunch.

Thanks,

Stephen M. Oshinsky
Director, Systems Engineering
(601) 460-3449
oshinski e-mail


Motorola PF-1500s For Sale

From: kelly@wynnassoc.com
Subject: RE: Wireless Messaging Newsletter for Kelly Wynn
Date: October 12, 2005 9:47:59 AM CDT
To: brad@braddye.com

Brad,

Would you know of anyone that would a need for 75 Motorola PF 1500 (ReFLEX pager)? These are brand new, in the original packaging. They are ReFLEX 50 (SkyTel). Let's do 25 each for individual purchases, or 20 each if they by the lot. Credit card or PO only.

The prices are:

$25.00 each for individual purchases
$20.00 each for the entire lot - 75 x $20 = $1500

Kelly L Wynn, Pres/CEO
Wynn & Associates, LLC
301-292-3030 Office
419-844-9274 Fax
kelly@wynnassoc.com
Please call or email us for more information on wireless products and services.
Wireless Solutions with a Difference!
http://www.wynnassoc.com/

wynn & assoc


From: acarle@ucom.com
Subject: 800 MHz Pagers
Date: October 12, 2005 10:07:46 AM CDT
To: brad@braddye.com

Brad - a big customer of ours wants 2 or 3 pagers to work on an Ericsson Trunked Mobile system in the 800 MHz range. Do you know of anyone that sells pagers that might work?

Alan

Alan W. Carle - Dir of Eng
NEP, LLC d/b/a Northeast Paging & UCOM Paging
office: 207 856 1276 x272
mobile: 207 615 3003
pager: 207 580 0150
e-mail: acarle@ucom.com
skype: acarle


Report From A Friend In México

From: ellacac@yahoo.com.mx
Subject: FYI
Date: October 13, 2005 5:30:18 PM CDT
To: brad@braddye.com

Los operadores de celulares invertirán US$ 3.600 millones hasta 2009. De acuerdo a estimaciones de la Comisión Federal de Telecomunicaciones (Cofetel), las empresas Telcel (América Móvil), Movistar, Nextel, Iusacell y Unefon desembolsarán más de US$ 3.600 millones durante los próximos tres años. El ente regulador pronosticó que aunque el ritmo de expansión del mercado se desacelerará, aún queda un importante margen de crecimiento. Entre otros aspectos, se considera que todavía un 22,5% de la población de altos recursos no cuenta con un teléfono móvil. En la actualidad, el mercado mexicano de móviles supera los 42,5 millones de usuarios.

Saludos,

Enrique Llaca
Llacom, S.A. de C.V.
Guanajuato 224-102, Col. Roma
México, DF CP 06700
Tel: 52640522
Movil: 0445591615683
Mail: ellaca@llacom.com.mx

RAPID DEPLOYMENT EQUIPMENT

Radio Van/Mobile antenna lab, IH 1974 load star 1600 4x6-304 gasoline engine rebuilt in 2002. Has a 100 foot extendable tower which nests atop vehicle that can be swung back and electrically extended. Has walk in box to set up radio equipment for testing and unit maintains small in unit generator for power. Unit has outriggers to stabilize while in operation. Asking $22,000.00. $12,000.00

truck with tower

This truck and generator would make a great additions to any wireless company wanting to increase their emergency backup ability for storms and other catastrophic events.

Stan Stann
Tel: 847-823-7711
skywire@svs.com left arrow

truck with tower

Kohler-325 KVA/260KW generator-info follows: 1 ea. Kohler Model 250 REOZD, Serial number 0621698, 260KW, 325 KVA at .8 power factor 120/208 VAC-3 phase 60 hertz 1,800 RDM on trailer, 3 axle with 400 gal fuel tank, powered by a John Deere engine, model number 6063TIC35.

Note: Generator is new, only has 24 hours use. With generator is new never un-packed 1 ea. 800 AMP automatic transfer switch KCT-AHNA 0800S in one NEMA-3R tap box.

Current cost for the above $64,827.18, we are seeking FOB our shop $52,240.00.

Also have 8 Glenayre GTL 8500, 931.1875 MHz. Radios have GLS 2164 receivers, exciter, PP controls and Glenayre power amplifiers. We have 6 DB809 antennas all in the 929.240 MHz range.

Should you have any questions or comments, please feel free to give me a call.

Most sincerely,

Stan Stann
Tel: 847-823-7711
skywire@svs.com left arrow

generator

FEATURED ADVERTISERS SUPPORTING THE NEWSLETTER

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Intelligent Paging & Mobile Data Products

PDT2000 Paging Data Terminal

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  • FLEX & POCSAG, (ReFLEX avail Q3) Inbuilt POCSAG encoder
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  • Parallel and 2 serial ports, 4 relays
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LED Moving Message LED Displays

led display
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  • Integrated paging receiver
paging data receivers

PDR2000/PSR2000
Paging Data Receivers

  • Highly programmable, intelligent PDRs
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  • Multiple I/O combinations and capabilities

Specialized Paging Solutions

  • Remote switching and control (4-256 relays)
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  • Alarm interfaces
  • Paging software
psr2000

Mobile Data Terminals & Solutions

gpc2000 GPC2000
GPS Controller
wdt2000

WDT2000
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mdt400 MDT-400
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  • Fleet tracking, messaging, job processing and field service management.
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  • ReFLEX, CDMA, GPRS, Conventional and trunked radio interfaces.

CONTACT
Postal
Address:
Selective Communications Group
4467 Terracemeadow Ct.
Moorpark, CA 93021
Street
Address:
4467 Terracemeadow Ct.
Moorpark, CA 93021
Web site: www.selectivecomms.com left arrow CLICK
E-mail: info@selectivecomms.com left arrow CLICK
Phone: 1-805-532-9964
THREE TERM SUPPORTER

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

advantra logo

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’s current product mix of own products includes the ReFLEX™ radio modules Barran, Karli and Wirlki and the new, highly successful and very low cost location device, the Kepler.

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

Location Devices & ReFLEX Modems

developer kit

Developer Kit

kepler

Kepler


barran

Barran

karli

Karli


Sales and Marketing Contacts


Headquarters
Advantra International
Bootweg 4
8940 Wervik, Belgium
Tel: +32 56 239411
Fax: +32 56 239400
Contact
General information: info@advantra.com
Questions regarding our tracking solutions: AVLsales@advantra.com
Sales Representative USA
Advantra International
322 Woodridge Drive
Atlanta, GA 30339 USA
Contact
Bert Devos
E-mail: Bert.Devos@punchnetservices.net
Mob: 404-200-5497
Tel: 770-801-5775
Fax: 770-801-5623
Premgard
Jim Carlson
1911 S. Calhoun Street
Griffith, IN 46319
Contact:
Jim Carlson
E-mail: sales@premgard.com
Tel: 219-864-1347
Fax: 219-864-1237
Sales Representative Canada
Contact
Ian Page
Tel: 416-920-8820
E-mail: ian@dacostapage.com
TWO TERM SUPPORTER

heartland
WAREHOUSE SALE
PRICED TO MOVE!!!

  • Glenayre 8500 and 8600 Transmitters (multiple configurations)
  • Glenayre Terminal Cards
  • Exciters, P.A.’s, Receivers…
…AND MUCH MUCH MORE!!!
For a complete inventory list visit:
www.heartlandcommunications.com
815-477-8130
orders@pagerrsales.com

Wireless Messaging Software

InfoRad® Wireless Office (Windows 95, 98, ME, NT, 2000, XP) is designed for the professional who needs full-featured wireless messaging capabilities. Features include enhanced user interface,  message log with search function, scheduled Paging,  group and individual message addresses, TAPI Smart™, multiple protocol SMS communication compatibility. AlphaCare™ support services available. With a 32-bit architecture, InfoRad Wireless Office is designed for compatibility with Windows 95/98/ME/NT/2000/XP. For more information on InfoRad Wireless Messaging software, and a free demo, please click on the logo.

InfoRad logo  left arrow CLICK HERE

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Promote your company's image with one of the posters or better yet, one of the commercial advertising packages

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For more details, and pricing on the various advertising options please click here left arrow CLICK HERE

outr net logo

CUSTOM APPLICATIONS

outrnet custom apps 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 left arrow Their latest newsletter is: "Business Development in Mobile Data" left arrow

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

Motorola CreataLink OEM Modules

Specifications:

  • Operating Frequency 929-932 MHz
    (Synthesized Receiver)
  • POCSAG Paging Protocol 512 /1200/ 2400 Baud
  • Supply Voltage 12V +/- 10%
  • Operating Temperature -20º to +70º C (-4º to +158ºF)
  • Storage Temperature -40º to +85º C
  • First Oscillator Stability +/- 2.5 ppm
  • Second Oscillator Stability <300 Hz
  • Page Sensitivity (2400 baud) 15 mV/m
  • Direct Coupled (via optional antenna coupler) -104 dBm
  • Adjacent Channel @ 25 KHz >50 dBC
  • Co-Channel (Fc and +/- 3 KHz) >-8 dBC
  • Blocking > 70 dBC
  • Intermodulation >50 dBC
  • +26 dB High Level Intermodulation >50 dBC
  • +46 dB High Level Intermodulation >50 dBC
  • Spurious Response >40 dBC
  • Radiated Spurious Emissions -46 dBmV/m

Inputs/Outputs:

  • 6 Customer Configurable Open Collector Outputs 350mA Current Sink or Source
  • 2 Customer Configurable Open Collector Outputs
  • 1.75A Current Sink or Source
  • 2 Outputs Configuration Ports - Connect to +12 or Ground
  • 1 Serial Data Port (and programming line) RS232 or TTL Output
  • 1 RTS Output for Serial Data Operation RS232 or TTL Output
  • 1 CTS Input for Serial Data Operation RS232 or TTL Output
  • 1 Protocol Specific Input 0-12V Input Voltage
  • 1 B+ Input Per Supply Voltage Spec
  • 1 Ground Per Supply Voltage Spec

General:

  • Physical Dimensions 4.75” x 3.25” x 1” (LxWxH)
  • Weight 4.6 ozs.
  • Antenna Connection Internal (standard)
    External with BNC connector (option)
  • Interface Automotive grade, 16-pin connector

Motorola brochure. left arrow CLICK HERE


CreataLink POCSAG 900 Mhz Telemetry Modules

These are new closeout surplus and still in original Motorola packaging with very favorable below cost pricing. Several hundred are available. They have RS232 serial outputs in addition to the trigger points and the optional external antenna connectors. Please let me know if there is any interest in this opportunity.

Estos son módulos de sobra, nuevos en su embalaje original de Motorola. Los precios son muy favorables, menos del costo original. Hay centenares de ellos disponibles. Incluyen salidas seriales RS232 en adición a los puntos de abre y cierra. También tienen conectores opcionales para antenas externos. Avísame por favor si hay alguna interés en esta oportunidad.

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.