newsletter logo

FRIDAY - MARCH 2, 2007 - ISSUE NO. 251

Dear friends of Wireless Messaging,

I receive lot of phone calls asking my opinion on various issues. Many of the questions come from people wanting to develop new products using ReFLEX technology. They know about my enthusiasm for both two-way text messaging and telemetry using the ReFLEX networks, but they all want to know if the two networks now in operation will still be around when they get their new product or service ready for market. Good question.

Since I don't work directly for either USA Mobility or SkyTel, I can't tell you definitively what their long term plans are. (They are welcome to do that here in this newsletter.) I am sure that their decisions will be based on the revenue that the networks produce. I reminded everyone recently that the manufacturers of ReFLEX devices will quit making them if the system operators (service providers) don't buy them in enough quantity to make it worth the effort. Are you amazed at my business insight? I didn't even go to Harvard—in fact I have never even driven by Harvard.

What's My Point?
Last week WiPath Communications announced a new ReFLEX device. This week there is a very encouraging article about the great things that Inilex is doing with their Kepler Security System that allows consumers to track and/or control their cars from phones and home computers. Also this week, ATCOM Wireless announces their new ATM300 ReFLEX Telemetry Module in an ad that follows. Nighthawk Systems is using ReFLEX modules in some of their very interesting telemetry devices. Unication has a new M90™ Messenger™ — their newest ReFLEX 2-Way Advanced Messaging solution — a replacement for the Motorola T900 but with more features and improved RF performance. Daviscomms still manufactures the original Motorola CreataLink® 2XT telemetry device. (SmartSynch acquired the CreataLink 2XT from Motorola in 2001.) So my point is that all this activity with ReFLEX products and services should be very comforting to anyone worrying about the longevity of the networks.

If you are still sitting on the fence and trying to decide if you should commit finances to the development of ReFLEX products and/or services, go for it!, become part of the "solution" instead part of the "problem." Actually there is only a problem if we think there is.

The spirited debate about the feasibility of Public Safety ReFLEX networks continues this week. I will not accept comments or opinions from anyone who will not give me their name and contact information. I do, however, withhold a person's name on request.

Other very important news this week follows. Bruce Deer has resigned as president of AAPC but will serve as a non-voting, ex officio member of the Board as Immediate Past President. Scott Forsythe, the Vice President of the association, has assumed the position of AAPC president.

Bell Industries announces the new SkyTel leadership team in a news release that follows. They have promised me more information about their plans for an up-coming issue.

Now on to more news and views.

aapc logo emma logo
brad dye
Wireless Messaging Newsletter
  • VoIP
  • Wi-Fi
  • Paging
  • Wi-MAX
  • Telemetry
  • Location Services
  • Wireless Messaging
WIRELESS
wireless logo medium
MESSAGING

This is my weekly newsletter about Wireless Messaging. You are receiving this 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.

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 web site. 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.)



More Comments On The Use Of ReFLEX Technology By Public Safety Agencies

From: Rex Lee <rlee@nighthawksystems.com>
Subject: from the newsletter-Anonymous Public Safety Official
Date: February 23, 2007 1:51:06 PM CST
To: brad@braddye.com

Brad,

Thank you for publishing my comments. The “Anonymous Public Safety Official” made a lot of good points regarding manufactures and carriers getting together to create new innovative products. His or her perceptions about paging being dead are a bi-product from an industry that does not market very well. He or she should visit with Nighthawk Systems, Inc. and other manufacturers who are developing new telemetry/M2M solutions that work on paging/ReFLEX technology. We also integrate cellular in one of our utility product offerings but everyone to date that we talk to about both technologies inherently comes back to paging because of cost, ease of use, reliability, and coverage.

Mass notification on paging is the most efficient way besides public radio/television to alert the public of an emergency. Group paging by the use of a cloned cap code allows for this process. Nighthawk has taken this concept further by grouping through our firmware. Grouping through firmware allows Nighthawk devices to maintain the ability to be individually alerted or alerted in group priorities such as by geography or random priority or all devices even though all devices are on the same cap code.

Cellular radios have to communicate to the network 24 x 7 so there is a constant power drain. If interference impacts the transmitter on the cellular device the network assumes the device is not on the network and forward path messages will not be delivered to the device even though the device is in coverage. Telemetry on an intermittent basis is a risky proposition. All people have to do to understand this is make note of their own personal experience with a cell phone regarding dropped calls while with in a few miles of a cell site. We all experience it. These are characteristics public safety officials need to be aware of with cellular-based telemetry versus paging-based telemetry.

Our utilities recognize these issues and come back to paging. We have development experience with both technologies so we see the pros and cons of paging and cellular. The City of Denver is a great case study for public safety applications on paging. They currently automate 24 firehouses, 78 civil defense sirens, 9 traffic signals, and the DOT has many highway safety signs automated by paging integrated with CAD. They are one of many municipalities serviced by paging and Nighthawk on what is suppose to be a dead technology.

Thanks Again Brad,

Rex M. Lee,
VP Business Development/GM
Nighthawk Systems, Inc.
10715 Gulfdale, # 200
San Antonio, TX 78216
(210) 341.4811 Direct
(210) 341.2011 Fax
OTC-BB NIHK
www.nighthawksystems.com
rlee@nighthawksystems.com


More Comments On The Use Of ReFLEX Technology By Public Safety Agencies

usmo letterhead
Vincent D. Kelly
President & CEO

March 2, 2007

Dear Brad,

     Thank you for running the series of letters by writers from paging carriers, system installers, and customers comparing the merits of commercially operated paging services and dedicated private systems in meeting the various needs of emergency response organizations. Our industry benefits from open exchanges on this important topic. We share the same goal, which is to offer the right communications services to each user, in order to help save lives and property. I want to add a few more thoughts to the group conversation.

     James Dabbs made some very important points in last week’s edition with his detailed discussion of the “campus ReFLEX” configuration. USA Mobility, Inc. has designed and constructed a number of campus-based systems that allow for wide-area connectivity. This approach is one of many choices along a continuum of customized solutions that we provide to emergency responder groups. As a national carrier, we have the resources and expertise to address the insular needs of a given customer and also enable that customer, if it desires, to stay connected throughout a region or across the country using our larger network infrastructure.

     Steven G. Day, Telecommunications Coordinator of the Network Engineering Group of a Washington, DC metropolitan area county, contacted me last week with his thoughts about the “Common Carrier Interconnect advantage,” meaning the use of DID numbers and true trunking interconnection to provide a more reliable connection to the public switched telephone network than the alternatives. He noted that toll-free numbers provide another advantage in providing telephone access to pagers. He also observed that the “first request” from most emergency responders contacting his organization was for coverage outside their local areas, and he commented on the problem of creating individual paging systems that are not interoperable with the systems of adjacent operators.

     USA Mobility can address this concern for connectivity in a variety of ways. We maintain market level paging terminals with local DID numbers serving almost every State and multiple LATAs. In the event of a disaster, each field market terminal allows the local number to be dialed via a toll-free overdial number into one of our nationwide data centers. We also offer toll-free DID numbers to customers that prefer not to be tied to a local DID number.

     Also last week, a writer identified only as an “anonymous public safety official” offered some interesting historical perspective about the paging industry, including a reference to “supposed greater operating efficiencies”, but he or she overlooked some facts, including the strengthening of the remaining networks that has resulted from industry consolidation while real efficiencies have been gained. For example, USA Mobility’s primary network coverage is being enhanced while we deconstruct older network components and excess capacity in certain areas, and these operating efficiencies are reflected as strengths in our public financial statements. In fact a review of our public financial statements clearly demonstrates an enormous reduction in annual operating expenses. This has allowed us to stay a financially healthy, strong industry leader.

     Further, with respect to demonstrating industry leadership, it’s doubtful that critically important two-way paging devices would continue to find a manufacturer or reasonable price point without the order flow that we generate. We are currently the only source of significant volume of two-way pager orders for the current manufacturers. We would welcome others stepping up with us to support this important technology.

     We also offer a variety of new service offerings and enhancements to make paging more useful for our customers, including our Wireless Messaging Engine (an open architecture platform which acts as a protocol translation switch), our Integrated Resource Manager healthcare solution, and our partnerships with applications providers including Amcom, Vocera, Emergin, and Sensus, among others.

     Anyway one looks at it; paging is a reliable, low-cost way to provide back-up to broadband voice systems and to extend wireless capability into the hands of responders who lack cell phones or PDAs. Now that other voices have been heard, I hope your readers will look back over the description of the features offered by a robust commercial paging operation, as detailed in my letter in your edition of February 16. One other thing on which we all agree is that local public safety and emergency response officials need to examine all the facts before deciding how to meet their needs for wireless communication service. Many of them have and that is why we continue to enjoy a very strong and positive relationship with this incredibly important group of communications professionals.

Vincent D. Kelly
President & Chief Executive Officer
USA Mobility, Inc.
6677 Richmond Highway
Alexandria, VA 22306
vince.kelly@usamobility.com


More Comments On The Use Of ReFLEX Technology By Public Safety Agencies

From: jdabbs@criticalresponse.com
Subject: Private Communication Networks
Date: March 2, 2007 7:50:56 AM CST
To: brad@braddye.com

Hi Brad,

Below is [an article] describing plans to deploy a private CDMA2000 1x EV-DO Rev A network for public safety in the DC area. NYC is also in the process of deploying a similar, UMTS network.

wash dc

The nation's capitol, including the White House, will be covered by the new public-safety network.

Photo credit: Paul Morse

Alcatel-Lucent to build 700 MHz EV-DO Rev. A network for Washington public safety

By Mike Dano
Story posted: March 1, 2007 - 1:39 pm EDT

In a significant move in the widening debate over interoperable public-safety communications, Alcatel-Lucent announced it won a contract worth up to $110 million to build a CDMA2000 1x EV-DO Revision A network in the 700 MHz band covering the nation’s capital, including the White House and Congress.

“I am extremely proud of our ongoing achievements for public-safety communications,” said District of Columbia Mayor Adrian Fenty. “We are eager to provide these critical interoperable tools to ultimately assist anyone living in, working in or visiting our capital region.”

In announcing the news, Alcatel-Lucent promised the network would be “interoperable,” and that it would “provide mission-critical information to public-safety professionals in the (region’s) 19 municipal, district, state and federal jurisdictions.”

The news is notable as policymakers continue to bicker over nationwide public-safety interoperability, an issue that came to the fore following the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001. During those attacks, various public-safety entities could not communicate with one another due to their disparate networks.

Although there is still no official plan for nationwide public-safety interoperability, there are currently a variety of proposals to that effect. Indeed, public-safety agencies across the country are getting additional communications spectrum as part of the Congress-mandated transition to digital TV.

As for Alcatel-Lucent’s new contract, the company will work with LGS, AnyData and CDMA pioneer Qualcomm Inc. to deploy the network as well as “modems, data modules and mobile devices” including laptops and “handheld devices.” Alcatel-Lucent trumpeted the benefits of EV-DO Rev. A technology, explaining that it will support “speeds of up to 3.1 megabits per second and send data at speeds of up to 1.8 Mbps.” The network technology also supports push-to-talk applications, an important feature for most public-safety entities.

Both Sprint Nextel Corp. and Verizon Wireless are in the midst of deploying their own EV-DO Rev. A networks, which likely will help lower the costs of Alcatel-Lucent’s Washington, D.C., deployment through economies of scale.

Washington, D.C., is not the first major city to select a regional wireless broadband network for public-safety communications; New York City last year handed Northrop Grumman a five-year, $500 million contract to build and maintain a wireless broadband public-safety network using IPWireless Inc.’s UMTS TD-CDMA technology. [Source: RCRWirelessNews]

Public safety, and the vendors and consultants who support them, are extremely sophisticated. It is just not reasonable to think that these people can't successfully operate a private ReFLEX network.

James Dabbs
jdabbs@criticalresponse.com
Critical Response Systems, Inc.
1670 Oakbrook Drive, Suite 370
Norcross, GA 30093-1849
770-441-9559 x126


AMERICAN ASSOCIATION OF PAGING CARRIERS

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

 

From: Linda Hoover <AAPC@ec.rr.com>
Subject: Change in AAPC Board of Directors
Date: March 2, 2007 4:32:37 AM CST
To: AAPC Members <aapcmembers@pagingcarriers.org>
Cc: Scott Forsythe <sforsythe@selectpath.com>

Bruce Deer has resigned as president of AAPC. Pursuant to our by-laws, Scott Forsythe, the Vice President of the association, has assumed the position of AAPC president. For your information, Bruce and I have spent a lot of time this month making sure that everything is in order to ensure a smooth transition.

I want to personally acknowledge and thank Bruce for his leadership and efforts during his tenure as president. I am looking forward to the association's continued growth and development with Scott serving in the presidential role. Scott is excited to assume the President position and work with the excellent AAPC board of directors to face our next set of challenges.

On a separate note, registration for the Wireless Forum, May 30 – June 1, in Myrtle Beach, SC, is now available on our web site, www.pagingcarriers.org. As most of you are aware this is an outstanding networking opportunity for anyone in the wireless industry. We look forward to seeing you in Myrtle Beach.

Linda Hoover
AAPC Executive Director


 

Via e-mail to Tim Jones < tim@mpwpaging.com >
cc: AAPC@ec.rr.com
Mr. Richard T. Jones
Secretary, American Association of Paging Carriers

Dear Tim:

Pursuant to Article V, Section 4, and Article VI, Section 3, respectively, of the Bylaws of the American Association of Paging Carriers, I hereby resign my seat as Director and my position as President of AAPC, effective immediately. The assets of SkyTel Corp. were acquired by Bell Industries, Inc. on January 31, 2007; and I am no longer associated with either company. As a result, I have become an associate member of AAPC as an individual.

I am advised by counsel to AAPC that upon my resignation as President, I may continue to serve as a non-voting, ex officio member of the Board as Immediate Past President. I wish to assure you and the Board of my continuing interest in participating in the affairs of AAPC, and of my desire to continue enthusiastically promoting the objectives of the association. I therefore look forward with great pleasure to serving on the Board as Immediate Past President.

Very truly yours,
Bruce Deer

 


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 250
2154 Wisconsin Avenue, NW
Washington, DC 20007-2280
Tel: 202-223-3772
Fax: 202-315-3587
AAPC BULLETIN

FEATURED ADVERTISERS SUPPORTING THE NEWSLETTER

Advertiser Index

AAPC—American Association of Paging Carriers   Nighthawk Systems, Inc.
Advanced RF Communications   Northeast Paging
Aquis Communications, Inc.   NotePage Inc.
Ayrewave Corporation   Outr.net
CONTEL Costa Rica   ParkMagic
CVC Paging   Preferred Wireless
Daniels Electronics   Prism Paging
Daviscomms USA   Product Support Services
EMMA—European Mobile Messaging Association   Ron Mercer
Global Fax Network Services   Swissphone
GTES LLC   Texas Association of Paging Services
Hark Systems   TH Communications
Heartland Communications   UCOM Paging
HMCE, Inc.   Unication USA
InfoRad, Inc.     USA Mobility, Systems Application Division
Ira Wiesenfeld   WiPath Communications
Minilec Service, Inc.   Zetron Inc.

Europe’s most popular Fire-Pager now available in the USA!
fireman with swissphone pager
  • 32 addresses with 50 user profiles
  • 2-tone format (also available 5- or 5/6-tone)
  • Narrow-band (12.5 KHz) or wide-band capability
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  • Four minutes voice memory (RE629 Stored Voice)
  • Water resistant case
  • Synthesized, multi channel option

RE629 Voice — the comfort model
Ideal for use in all alarm and emergency turn-out networks. Can be adapted at any time to fit changing assignments.

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North-American Office
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1460 Main Street, Suite #9
Sarasota, FL 34236
Phone: 800-596-1914 • Fax: 941-955-8432
paul.kaiser@swissphone.com
www.swissphone.com
swissphone

Bell Industries Announces SkyTel Leadership Team

Leaders Bring Strong Execution Focus and History of Innovation

INDIANAPOLIS, Feb. 27, 2007 (PRIME NEWSWIRE) (PRIMEZONE) — Bell Industries, Inc. (AMEX:BI) today announced SkyTel's new leadership team. SkyTel is a leading nationwide provider of wireless services to Fortune 1000 and government customers.

James G. Myers has been named president of SkyTel. Prior to this appointment, Myers served in senior leadership positions at XM Satellite Radio and MCI. At MCI, Myers operated the SkyTel division shortly after its acquisition in 1999 by Worldcom.

"Jim Myers brings an extraordinary wealth of expertise and experience to SkyTel. Having successfully led the company in the past, he knows how to leverage the power behind the SkyTel brand. With Jim's leadership, we can expect crisp execution and a relentless focus on customers and innovation," said John Fellows, chief executive officer of Bell.

Bell also appointed Bradley K. Richards as executive vice president of sales and marketing for SkyTel. Richards has served in senior positions at MCI, Gateway, and Dex Media, and most recently founded and operated his own management and IT consulting firm, Willowleaf Partners LLC. Fellows continued, "Like Jim, Brad brings a unique blend of experience and expertise to SkyTel. His critical focus on execution, innovation and speed to market is essential to SkyTel's future successes."

Myers added, "I am very excited about the future for SkyTel and for our customers. We have an experienced leadership team that is properly positioned to capitalize on both new and emerging wireless technologies. We are now precisely focused on solidifying SkyTel's market leadership position."

SkyTel is a leading provider of wireless messaging services and support, including email, interactive two-way messaging, wireless telemetry services and traditional text and numeric paging to business and government customers throughout the United States. SkyTel employs approximately 375 people and generated revenues in excess of $100 million in 2006. SkyTel is headquartered in Clinton, Mississippi and was founded in 1988. Bell Industries completed its purchase of SkyTel last month.

About Bell Industries, Inc.
Bell Industries is comprised of three diversified operating units, Bell's Technology Solutions business, SkyTel and its Recreational Products Group. The company's Technology Solutions business offers a comprehensive portfolio of technology products and managed lifecycle services, including planning, product sourcing, deployment and disposal, and support services. SkyTel provides nationwide wireless services and support, including email, interactive two-way messaging, wireless telemetry services and traditional text and numeric paging. The Recreational Products Group distributes after-market parts and accessories primarily to the recreational vehicle and boating markets.

Forward-Looking Statements
This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the "safe harbor" provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements, including, but not limited to, the successful integration of SkyTel with Bell Industries and management's ability to fuel growth for the new division, are based upon our current expectations and speak only as of the date hereof. Actual results may differ materially and adversely from those expressed in any forward-looking statements as a result of various factors and uncertainties, including uncertainties as to the nature of the industry, including changing customer demand, the impact of competitive products and pricing, dependence on existing management and general economic conditions. Bell Industries' Annual Report on Form 10-K, recent and forthcoming Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, recent Current Reports on Form 8-K, and other SEC filings discuss some of the important risk factors that may affect the company's business, results of operations and financial condition. Management undertakes no obligation to revise or update publicly any forward-looking statements for any reason.

CONTACT: Bell Industries, Inc.
Kevin Thimjon
317-704-6000
  PondelWilkinson Inc.
Roger Pondel
Angie Yang
310-279-5980

Source: PrimeNewswire



INFORAD Wireless Office

Wireless Messaging Software

AlphaPage® First Responder (Windows 2000, XP, Vista). When the message matters, AlphaPage® First Responder is the fast, reliable, and secure solution Emergency Management Professionals choose. AlphaPage® First Responder is designed for the modern professional who requires full-featured commercial wireless messaging capabilities that include advanced features such as automated Route-on-Failure, custom message templates, and secure messaging with SSL encryption. AlphaCare™ extended premium support plans are also available. For more information on all InfoRad Wireless Messaging software solutions, and fully supported free demos, please click on the InfoRad logo.

 

InfoRad logo left arrow CLICK HERE


InfoRad Wireless Office

minilec service logo

Newsletter repair prices—starting at:

  • $6.50 labor for numeric or alphanumeric pagers
  • $12.00 labor for 2-way pagers
  • $19.50 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
Minilec Service


daviscomms usa
www.daviscommsusa.com

  Deal Direct with the Manufacturer of the Bravo Pager Line  
  Bravo Pagers FLEX & POCSAG  
br502 numeric
Br502 Numeric
VHF/UHF-900 MHz FLEX
bravo 800
Bravo800 Alphanumeric
VHF/UHF-900 MHz FLEX
br802 front
Br802 Alphanumeric
VHF/UHF-900 MHz FLEX
 

Intrinsic Certifications:
Class I, Division 1, Groups C and D.
Non-Incendiary Certifications:
Class I, Division 2, Groups A, B, C and D.

The Br802 and Bravo 800 pagers are Directive 94/9/DC [Equipment Explosive Atmospheres (ATEX)] compliant.

ex  II 1 G EEx ia IIA T4
  Telemetry Messaging Receivers (TMR) FLEX & POCSAG  
tmr1p-2
TMR1P-2

TMR1F-2
tmr1p-7
TMR1P-7

TMR1F-7
tmr1p8
TMR1P-8

TMR1F-8
With Housing
tmrp-1
TMR1P-1

TMR1F-1
Internal Antenna
tmrp-3
TMR1P-3 (10 cm)

TMR1F-5 (28 cm)
BNC Connector
tmr1p4
TMR1P-4 (10 cm)
TMR1P-6 (24 cm)

TMR1F-4 (10 cm)
TMR1F-6 (24 cm)

OSX Connector
Without Housing

(Q) What’s a TMR?
(A) A device that uses Paging Networks to remotely page a “thing” instructing it to “do something”. i.e. re-boot a remote base station, disable an ignition—vehicle payment protection, send messages to LED signs, remotely open/close things, etc.

For information about our Contract Manufacturing services or our Pager or Telemetry line, please call Bob Popow at 480-515-2344, or Susan Lunday at 870-424-0872 or visit our website www.daviscommsusa.com. E-mail addresses are posted there!


NEWS FLASH — SATELLITE FAILURES

  • January 11, 1997—Telstar 401 suffers a short in the satellite circuitry—TOTAL LOSS
  • May 19, 1998—Galaxy 4 control processor causes loss of fixed orbit—TOTAL LOSS
  • September 19, 2003—Telstar 4 suffers loss of its primary power bus—TOTAL LOSS
  • March 17, 2004—PAS-6 suffers loss of power—TOTAL LOSS
  • January 14, 2005—Intelsat 804 suffers electrical power system anomaly—TOTAL LOSS

DON’T WAIT FOR THE NEXT SATELLITE OUTAGE

Allow us to uplink your paging data to two separate satellites for complete redundancy! CVC owns and operates two separate earth stations and specializes in uplink services for paging carriers. Join our list of satisfied uplink customers.

  • Each earth station features hot standby redundancy
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  • On shelf spares for all critical components
  • 24/7 staffing and support

cvc paging

cvc antennas

For inquires please call or e-mail Stephan Suker at 800-696-6474 or steves@cvcpaging.com left arrow

usa mobility


This Month's Feature:
Emergin Communication Gateway

emergin map

Harness the power of the Emergin Communication Gateway for real-time event notification of critical information across your entire enterprise
emergin logo Managing on-premise and wide area communications systems is challenging for any telecommunications department. For fast, easy and accurate notification, enhance your performance with the Emergin Communication Gateway (ECG). Integrating this suite of wireless messaging software to automate alarm notification, monitoring and dispatch allows decision makers to receive more timely information so they can respond quicker with better results. The ECG serves as a communications hub for the entire organization to dispatch, escalate and acknowledge critical alarms.

TIME-SENSITIVE DISPATCHING OF EVENTS

  • Reduce costs associated with downtime by enabling your IS and facilities management tools to automatically and accurately communicate status or out-of-tolerance conditions around the clock.
  • Provide optimal control and faster response times in emergency environmental/safety situations, such as network or power outages, severe weather conditions, and general disaster recovery.
  • Respond immediately to changing conditions by streamlining business processes and automating information flow between departments

COMPLIANT WITH LEADING MISSION-CRITICAL SYSTEMS
Incorporate automated alarm notification with leading IT and Facilities systems such as:

  • Information Systems
  • Facilities Systems
  • Network Management
  • HVAC, Fire Alarms
  • Help Desk
  • Energy Management
  • E-mail
  • Security Systems

USA MOBILITY PROVIDES CUSTOMIZED WIRELESS SOLUTIONS FOR ENTERPRISES WITH COMPLEX MESSAGING NEEDS, OFFERING:

  • Integration of all wireless communications systems
  • Interoperability among multiple wireless device types
  • In-house paging systems
  • Wireless extension of existing PBX systems
  • Hands-free voice communications (Wi-Fi)
Communications solutions that meet the critical messaging needs of:
  • Healthcare
  • Manufacturing
  • Hospitality
  • Government
  • Financial Services
  • Retail Services

CONTACT US TODAY FOR YOUR CUSTOMERS
... to learn more about our full suite of wireless integration products. Together, we can help your customers improve their productivity while maximizing oversight and control.

Mike Mordan, VP Systems Applications Division. 610-831-0329

usa mobile

www.usamobility.com/systems /

 

New ReFLEX Telemetry Module

atcom wireless
  • Easy To Use
  • Small
  • Reliable
  • Data Communications

at300   ATM300

check RF Protocol:
       ReFLEX™ 2.7.2
check Interface Protocol with host:
   CLP (Motorola FLEXsuite™)
check Parameter Settings:
   PPS Software (PC application)
check Message size — Transmit and Receive:
   Up to 8 Kbytes, depending on carrier)

 Download the complete specification here. left arrow

 CONTACT:
 Cory Edwards
 Director of Sales & Operations
 ATCOM Wireless
 Telephone: 800-811-8032 extension 106
 Fax: 678-720-0302
 E-mail: cory.edwards@suntelecom.com left arrow
 Web site: www.atcomwireless.com
left arrow


Public can now sign up for Travis Co. Sheriff’s office alerts

Wednesday, February 28, 2007, 09:14 AM

The Travis County Sheriff’s Office has teamed up with CitizenObserver, a St. Paul, Minnesota company that provides internet communications tools, to provide citizen alerts, press releases and crime prevention information via the web and e-mail.

This new tool will allow the Sheriff’s Office to get critical information out to the public so they can be our eyes and ears in the community. The alerts will notify a person, who is registered with the site, that there is information on the website. The information that is given out is the same information given to the public via the various news agencies and community events but this site allows the person who does not watch the news to get the information too.

Anyone can sign up and registration is free. Simply go to the CitizenObserver website at http://www.citizenobserver.com/signup to register. Once a person has registered they can decide how they will receive alerts (via e-mail, cell phone text message, pager or fax) and will then know there is new information available on their community web page.

“We can put the information out on a single site and we don’t have to keep up with any address databases,” said Sheriff Hamilton, “it is up to the individual to decide if they want to receive information from us or not. It is also a way for us to get critical information out to the public very quickly. I think it is a win-win situation for everyone. So sign up today!”


Source: Statesman.com

wipath header

Intelligent Solutions for Paging & Wireless Data

Wipath develops and manufactures a wide range if highly unique and innovative hardware and software solutions in paging and mobile data. Talk to us about your special project. If we haven’t already done it we probably can.


PDT2000 Paging Data Terminal
pdt 2000 image
  • FLEX & POCSAG
  • Inbuilt POCSAG encoder
  • Huge capcode capacity
  • Parallel, 2 serial ports, 4 relays
  • Message & system monitoring

Paging Controlled Moving Message LED Displays
welcom wipath
  • Variety of sizes
  • Integrated paging receiver

PDR2000/PSR2000 Paging Data Receivers
paging data receiver
  • Highly programmable, intelligent PDRs
  • Message Logging & remote control
  • Multiple I/O combinations and capabilities

Specialized Paging Solutions
paging data receiver
  • Remote switching and control (4-256 relays)
  • PC interfacing and message management
  • Paging software and customized solutions
  • Message interception, filtering, redirection, printing & logging
  • Cross band repeating, paging coverage infill, store and forward
  • Alarm interfaces, satellite linking, IP transmitters, onsite systems

Mobile Data Terminals & Two Way Wireless  Solutions
mobile data terminal
  • Fleet tracking
  • Messaging
  • Job processing
  • Field service management
  • Automatic vehicle location (AVL)
  • GPS
  • CDMA
  • GPRS
  • ReFLEX
  • Conventional radio interfaces
  • Trunked radio interfaces
pdt 2000 image
radio interface

Contact
Postal
Address:
WiPath Communications LLC
4467 Terracemeadow Ct.
Moorpark, CA 93021
Street
Address:
4467 Terracemeadow Ct.
Moorpark, CA 93021
Web site: www.wipath.com left arrow CLICK
E-mail: info@wipath.com left arrow CLICK
Phone: +1-805-532-9964
WiPath Communications

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

Preferred Wireless
preferred logo
Equipment For Sale
  Miscellaneous:
  Outdoor Motorola Cabinet
 

Outdoor Hennessey Cab w/AC

  Glenayre PM-250C Power Monitor Panels w/Alarms
  Skydata 8466/8466A/8466B Receivers
  Battery Backup for C2000
  Link Transmitters:
1 Glenayre QT6994, 150W, 900 MHz Link TX
3 Glenayre QT4201, 25W Midband Link TX
4

Glenayre QT6201, 100W, Midband Link TX

2 Motorola 30W Midband Link TX
2 Motorola 10W, 900 MHz Link TX
2 Motorola 70W, 900 MHz Link TX
  VHF Transmitters
2 Motorola PURC 5000, 350W, ACB
2 Motorola Nucleus, 125W, NAC
2 Glenayre GL-T8311, 125W
  UHF Transmitters:
10 Glenayre GLT5340, 125W, DSP Exciter
12 Motorola PURC 5000, 110W, ACB
9 Motorola PURC 5000, 225W, ACB
  900 MHz Transmitters:
1 Glenayre GLT 8600, 500W
10 Glenayre GLT-8500, 250W
10 Motorola PURC 5000, 300W
6 Glenayre QT-7995, 250W
  GL3000 Cards:
1 Complete GL3000L w/ T1s, 2.2G HD.

 SEE WEB FOR COMPLETE LIST:
www.preferredwireless.com/equipment
left arrow HERE

Too Much To List • Call or E-Mail
Preferred Wireless
Rick McMichael
888-429-4171

rickm@preferredwireless.com left arrow
CLICK HERE
www.preferredwireless.com/equipment OR HERE
Preferred Wireless
satellite dish ucom logo

Satellite Uplink
As Low As $500/month

  • Data input speeds up to 38.4 Kbps
  • Dial-in modem access for Admin
  • Extremely reliable & secure
  • Hot standby up link components

Knowledgeable Tech Support 24/7

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

heartland

PAGER REPAIR

  • 75,000+ units repaired annually
  • Alpha & Numeric
  • FLAT RATE PRICING—no hassle
  • Quick Turnaround

WE WANT YOUR PAGERS!!!
CALL US

815-477-8130 ext. 130
www.heartlandcommunications.com
Rick Van Dyne
orders@pagersales.com


vcp ad

Want to buy !

2-Way Paging equipment

Description Model
Part No.
Quantity

SSPA, 5 Watt, C-Band (Nanowave)

NW5864-37-3 2
Skydata, Satellite Receiver L Band 8466B 10
Glenayre, 2 Way receiver, 901-902 MHz R-9000 10
Preamplifier, 901-902 MHz, 20 dB, 15 VDC various 20
Passband Filter, 901-902 MHz, 4 cavities various 10
Antenna, 901-902 MHz, 9 dB gain various 20

Questions or comments please contact Karen Ham at e-mail: karen_ham@alfacom.hn or by phone at: (504) 239-2424 (It's in Honduras. . . Not in the US)

Please note: To call this number from the USA please dial: 011-504-239-2424

pssi logo

Messaging & Cellular
Repair, Refurbishment, Logistics, and Sales

  • Authorized Service Center Supporting Most Major OEMs
  • Factory Trained & Certified Technicians
  • 90-Day Warranty
  • Certified ISO 9001-2000 Compliant

www.ProductSupportServices.com

Call Or E-mail For More Information
972-462-3970
info@productsupportservices.com


Consulting firm blasts FCC public safety network plan

By Matthew Lasar
Created Feb 18 2007 - 11:28am

An international consulting firm has called the Federal Communication Commission's proposed public safety network "so fraught with uncertainties, problems, and the potential for conflict" that it is unlikely to perform as intended.

RCC Consultants' 126 page critique of the FCC's Ninth Notice on the 700 MHz Band says that one of the central points of the proposal—letting the network lease broadband spectrum to commercial companies—goes against Federal law.

The FCC plan fails "to establish broadband services that have as their sole or principal purpose the protection of life, health or property;" RCC's February 15th filing charges. The firm provides wireless support to state and local governments.

On December 20th, 2006, the FCC launched a Notice proposing a national public safety communications services provider that will operate almost 250 video and broadband channels, and be allowed to access hundreds more under certain conditions.

The network will be run by an entity that charges on a fee-for-service basis, even permitted to market spectrum to other companies "through leases or in the form of public/private partnerships."

RCC's filing says that:

  • The FCC national broadband plan rests on unproven technology. The FCC's Ninth Notice suggests that a proposed national public safety entity could finance itself by leasing unused broadband to commercial firms that use "cognitive radios" that detect "white space"—temporarily unused TV signals. These companies would buy such access knowing that in the event of a public emergency they would immediately be booted off the air.

But RCC questions whether this technology can be trusted, specifically whether spectrum being used for commercial purposes can be restored to public safety purposes on a "near-instant" basis.

"While cognitive radios employ a technology of promise," the firm writes, "there is no consensus that cognitive radios can now or in the near future provide the required ultra-reliable near instant access by the national licensee. It seems, therefore, that the entire superstructure of the Commission’s Public Safety Broadband Proposal ultimately rests upon one rather weak reed."

  • The FCC proposes "the establishment of a monopoly" that will not be able to tackle the nation's public safety interoperability problems. "Freed of competition and the availability of choice on the part of customers, monopolists have no history of prompt, effective, customer-driven actions," RCC argues.

The proposal also largely excludes regional and local groups from input into the new network, "except for their role as users on a fee for service basis," RCC contends:

"This derogation of the role of regional communities imports the risk, and possibly the certainty, that the national public safety broadband network proposed will not meet state, local, and regional needs whether because of deployment issues, coverage issues, cost issues, or otherwise."

  • The FCC plan violates Federal law. RCC cites Section 337(f) of the Communications Act, which defines the term “public safety services" as services "the sole or principal purpose of which is to protect the safety of life, health, or property," and that are provided by State or local governments, or nongovernmental organizations.

The FCC exceeds its legal authority, RCC argues, "by proposing to license an entity which is neither a state or local government entity nor a nongovernmental organization that is authorized by a government entity whose primary mission is the provision of public safety services;"

  • The FCC proposal goes against the weight of opinion in previous public safety comment cycles. Most FCC commenters on this issue, RCC asserts, have not filed in support of the "monopoly" model the Commission now proposes, but have favored networks developed on a regional or local basis, coordinated by so-called "Regional 700 MHz Planning Committees" (RPCs).

While the FCC's stress on a broadly interoperable system is important, RCC observes, "time and experience are required for public safety users to define their interoperability requirements in relation to data, and broad premature prescriptions respecting data interoperability are not helpful."

The firm concludes its comments by asking the FCC to develop "a bottom-up rather than a top down approach to the development of wideband and broadband public safety networks."

Source: LLFCC.net



GTES LLC

gtes logo


GTES Corporate
Russ Allen
2736 Stein Hill Lane
Custer, WA 98240
Tel: 360-366-3888
Cell: 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
GTES LLC


Prism Paging

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 Paging
300 Colonial Center Parkway,
Suite 100
Roswell, Georgia 30076 USA
Telephone: 678-353-3366
Internet: www.prismpaging.com left CLICK HERE
E-mail: prismsales@prismpaging.com left arrow CLICK HERE
Prism Paging

See the Prism Paging video

Streaming Video from the
World Business Review web site


Tower Space for Rent in North Central Texas

  Registration
Number
Status File
Number
Owner
Name
Latitude
Longitude   
Structure
City/State
Overall Height Above
Ground (AGL)
1 1050903 Constructed A0382848 CSSI* 32-16-09.0N
098-18-52.0W
Lingleville, TX
map
93.0
2 1050905 Constructed A0446642 CSSI* 32-49-04.8N
098-06-13.3W
Mineral Wells, TX
map
24.8
3 1056264 Constructed A0446643 CSSI* 32-58-33.0N
097-56-33.0W
Whitt, TX
map
92.4
4 1057649 Constructed A0382852 CSSI* 32-20-33.0N
097-44-57.0W
Glen Rose, TX
map
60.9
5 1057656 Constructed A0446641 CSSI* 32-18-08.0N
098-29-36.0W
Desmona, TX
map
83.2
6 1057659 Constructed A0382844 CSSI* 32-21-23.0N
099-26-01.0W
Baird, TX
map
89.3
7 1232880 Constructed A0317614 CSSI* 32-51-05.0N
098-06-31.8W
Mineral Wells, TX
map
134.0
8 1042515 Constructed A0050114 CSSI* 32-44-21.0N
097-48-00.0W
Weatherford, TX
map
map—close up
112.8

* Communications Sales & Service Inc. d/b/a CSSI

radio tower For more information, please contact:

Charles H. Beard
CSSI  KYQX  KMQX  KEQX  KSQX  KQXS  KCQX  KQXE
chb890@swbell.net home
chb890@aol.com home
Office: 877-341-2337 ext 400 or 133
Fax: 817-613-0230
Home: 817-596-8567 / 800-588-7716
Cellular: 817-613-7072 / 800-994-3013
Cellular Text: 8176137072@mobile.mycingular.com
Email to pager: 8175961000@xpage.net


advanced rf logo

Turn-key RF System Products, Engineering & Technical Services

  • Conventional Single Site and Wide Area Simulcast System Configurations
  • Analog Tone & Voice and Digital POCSAG/FLEX™ One-Way Paging Systems
  • ReFLEX™ Two-Way Paging and Conventional LMR Mobile Data Systems
  • System Design, Integration/Interface Specials, Pre-install Staging/Configuration
  • On-Site Installation, Documentation and Technical/Administrative Training
  • RF Coverage Prediction, “Drive Test” Verification & Simulcast Delay Optimization
  • Domestic and International Project Support

Call (217) 653-8200 Fred Pakosta or Jim Neves (660) 341-0304 for your Project Requirements!
E-mail: sales@AdvancedRF.biz
301 Oak St., Suite 2-46A, Quincy, IL 62301

arrow Paging & Two-Way Radio Service Centre arrow
  • Supplier of Motorola and Unication
    pagers, offering an extensive range of
    UHF and VHF models
  • Repair service on all Motorola pagers
    and two-way radios
  • Motorola's appointed service centre for
    parts, repairs and accessories

Contact us to find out more:
Tel: +44 (0)2380 666 333
e-mail: enquiries@thcomms.co.uk
Web: www.thcomms.co.uk

th comms logo

inilex logo

For Information, Contact:
Aly Saxe
Allison & Partners for Inilex
480-966-0100 x207
aly@launchcorp.com

Inilex LAUNCHES kepler security system; revolutionizes how consumers USE THEir Vehicles

Consumers can track and/or control their cars from phones and home computers

(Palm Desert, CA DEMO — Jan. 30, 2007) — Inilex, a leading provider of intelligent GPS systems, launched today a new, end-user product, called the Kepler Advantage.  The Kepler Advantage gives consumers the ability to control their vehicles wirelessly via any phone or by accessing the Internet. The product plugs easily into the car’s data bus, allowing it to issue commands such as unlock doors, set alarms, start the engine and control a host of other functions without the need for complicated wiring. 

Chris Shipley, the organizer of DEMO and lead analyst for the Guide Wire Group commented, “We chose Inilex to launch the Kepler Advantage at DEMO 2007, because of its unique set of features and new capabilities in automotive security and monitoring. As consumers look for simpler security for their cars, Inilex meets those needs and adds a few creative touches. We’ll expect to see the Kepler Advantage take off this year.”

“We are providing consumers with an affordable option to monitor their vehicles for security, safety and much more functionality,” said Scott Ferguson, CEO of Inilex. “Customers will now be able to control more aspects of their cars with just the touch of a button, an option not currently available with any current automotive security devices in the industry.”

One of the most unique features that the Kepler Security System from Inilex offers is the “QuickFence™.”  The QuickFence gives the customer the ability to secure their vehicle wherever it’s parked using their cell phone.  The Kepler Security System locates the position of the vehicle and sets a virtual fence around it. If the vehicle moves outside the QuickFence, the customer will be notified via text message on their cell phone or by email. The customer can relay real-time information, such as speed and location, to the police, who recognize that as a “crime in progress.” This is a higher priority for the police to respond to than simply reporting a vehicle theft, which they consider a “crime committed.”

The entire Kepler Security System has three models available to the automotive industry and to consumers through regional dealerships.  The company’s goal is to match the different needs of a diverse driving audience:

The Kepler — The Kepler is the most cost effective system that allows consumers to have the base capabilities of the GPS features to find and track their vehicles at virtually the same cost as any security device currently available on the market. MSRP $695.00

The Kepler Plus — The Kepler Plus allows consumers more functionality with tracking, start and stop reporting, speed reporting and multiple geo fencing. MSRP $920.00

The Kepler Advantage — This system has the most functionality of all three products, allowing consumers to actually control a host of functions in their cars through their phone or Internet. Users can retrieve various status and diagnostic reports or send commands to control various mechanical devices such as lock, un-lock, start, ignition disable, and other user convenient features. MSRP $1,279.00

About Inilex:
Inilex is a leading provider of intelligent global positioning systems (GPS) bringing telemetry solutions to technologies that affect the way we live, work and play.  Inilex uses its ReFLEX™ digital two-way messaging system and GSM/GPRS cellular digital networks in the United States and Europe to service fleet management, trucking and transportation, equipment rentals, government and marine, as well as for personal tracking and assets management.  In 2007, Inilex launches the first of several new products using the ReFLEX™ technologies. The Kepler Security System revolutionizes how the automotive industry and consumers track and control their vehicles.  For more information, visit www.inilex.com or call 480-889-5676.

inilex kepler

Source: Allison & Partners


Unication USA

Unication’s

Paging

Products

unication logo

The Paging Industry expects quality, reliable, and high performance paging products.

We at Unication have listened and delivered.

unication

M90™ Messenger™—Our newest ReFLEX 2-Way Advanced Messaging solution. Finally the Industry has a true replacement for the Motorola T900 but with more features and improved RF performance.


  • One-Way Pagers
    • Alpha Elite and Alpha Gold—Our top of the line FLEX™ / POCSAG, 4-line alphanumeric pagers with an identical user interface and comparable RF performance to the Motorola Elite and Gold pagers.
    • NP88—Our newest numeric FLEX / POCSAG pager with the best backlight in the Industry.
  • Telemetry
    • We offer RF and decoding solutions.
alpha elitealpha goldnumeric

About Unication Co., Ltd.

  • A Taiwan company founded in 1992 with extensive experience designing and manufacturing paging and broadband products.
  • An ODM to major telecommunications companies.
  • More than 300 associates worldwide with Engineering Design Centers in Taipei, China and Vancouver, BC.  The engineering team has years of experience in wireless systems, embedded SW, RF design and protocols for infrastructure and pagers.
  • Our Accelerated Life Testing facility ensures the highest quality of products for our customers.
  • ISO 9001 and 14001 Certified
  • Fully licensed by Motorola for product design technology and the FLEX Family of Protocols.
  • Sales and Engineering support office in Arlington, Texas.
unication logo

  Contact Information

  Kirk Alland
  Unication USA
  1901 E. Lamar Blvd.
  Arlington, TX 76006
  (817) 926-6771
  kirk@unication.com

Unication USA
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 web site 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
3507 Iron Horse Dr., Bldg. 200
Ladson, SC 29456
Tel: 843-285-7200
Fax: 843-285-7220
E-mail: sales@harktech.com left arrow CLICK
Hark Technologies

BLOOSTON, MORDKOFSKY, DICKENS, DUFFY & PRENDERGAST, LLP

BloostonLaw Telecom Update
Vol. 10, No. 9
February 28, 2007

Skype Wants FCC To “Open” Wireless Industry Through Old “Carterfone” Rules

Petition offers unique questions for rural telco, small business, wireless clients

Skype has asked the FCC to create “an industry-led mechanism” to ensure the openness of wireless networks. In a February 20 petition, Skype asked the Commission to subject the wireless industry to the Carterfone rules, which would allow consumers to use devices and software of their choice on mobile phone networks.

The Carterfone rules, which were enacted in 1968 during the old Bell System monopoly era, allow consumers to hook any device up to the landline phone network, so long as it does not harm the network. Prior to the Carterfone decision, AT&T provided all telephones and devices connected to the public switched telephone network (PSTN), and it routinely sued companies that sold unauthorized products that could be attached to the network. The Carterfone itself was an acoustic coupler for land mobile radios. Invented by Tom Carter, it was used to allow radio-equipped oil field drill rigs to patch calls into the telephone network.

Arguably, the Carterfone decision helped spur new innovations, such as the fax machine and Internet modem. In more recent times, the Carterfone principle has been extended to other communication networks, such as cable modem and digital subscriber line (DSL).

But, as the Skype argument goes, the principle has not been applied to cellular networks. As a result, Skype says, that market has evolved into one that is heavily controlled by wireless carriers. They dictate which phones are used on their networks, what content users can access, and which applications can run on wireless phones. Some carriers have even included specific terms in their service contracts that prevent customers from downloading and using software from Skype on their networks.

Thus, Skype's motivations for filing the petition are clear. The company has created software that allows people to make free phone calls across the Internet. And now it wants users who access the Internet via a mobile device to be able to use their software and services, too.

Tim Wu, a law professor at Columbia University, published a report titled Wireless Net Neutrality earlier this month also arguing that the "Carterfone" rules should apply to the cellular industry, because otherwise carriers exert too much influence on the design of the devices and the applications that run on them (BloostonLaw Telecom Update, February 14). Adam Thierer, Senior Fellow and Director, Center for Digital Media Freedom, at the Progress and Freedom Foundation, suggests that Skype wants the FCC to implement Wu’s proposal into law.

In its petition, Skype states that “[c]onsolidation and the relationship between handset manufacturers and carriers are producing market practices that raise substantial questions about whether consumers are receiving maximum benefits of wireless competition.” Skype goes on to say that wireless carriers are using their “considerable influence over handset design and usage to maintain an inextricable tying of applications to their transmissions networks and are limiting subscribers’ rights to run applications of their choosing.”

As a result, Skype requests that the Commission issue a declaratory ruling that Carterfone applies to the wireless industry, launch a rulemaking proceeding, and enforce the Carterfone rules as they would apply to wireless.

Nokia E61/62: As an example of carrier control, Skype cited the marketing of the Nokia E61 and E62 smart phones. According to Skype, the E61, which was released in Europe in the summer of 2006, is a high-end email device and phone seen as a competitor to BlackBerry and Palm Treo. It also has Wi-Fi connectivity. In the United States, however, Cingular (now AT&T) was the exclusive vendor for a stripped-down version known as the E62. Skype describes the E62 as a “crippled model, which lacked, among other things, Wi-Fi connectivity.”

Citing a product review, Skype explained that the reason for the stripped-down model in the United States is the carriers’ fear of the E61’s (the European model’s) ability to handle voice over Internet protocol (VoIP) calls “when you’re near a friendly wireless network.” Intentionally removing Wi-Fi functionality from the Nokia E62 interferes with a consumer’s ability to place Internet calls, thereby harming innovation and price competition, Skype said.

“Unfortunately,” Skype continued, “all carriers appear to engage in such restrictive practices to varying degrees. For example, Verizon typically disables Bluetooth data transfer functionality in handsets so as to require customers to use the carrier’s paid services instead of utilizing Bluetooth to accomplish the same goals.”

Skype also cites a disclaimer on Nokia’s Web site: “Some networks have limitations that affect how you can use phone features. Your service provider also may have requested that certain features not be activated in a phone….”

Handset locking: Another common practice of control, Skype said, is the locking of handsets, which forces consumers to pay for additional, unwanted or unnecessary equipment. Skype states that the practice of locking is at odds with that in most other countries. “While regulators in most countries do not prohibit handset locking outright, they typically ensure that locking is done for legitimate purposes only—such as to prohibit theft or fraud and the enforcement of a rental or installment contract, rather than for anti-competitive reasons—and that consumers are made aware of handset locks and how to unlock them,” Skype said.

Terms of service: Skype also argued that “terms of service” offered in U.S. carrier contracts “go well beyond prohibiting activities that might harm the network.” Instead, Skype said, they are designed to prevent the use of applications and services for competitive reasons. “Such restrictions on the services that a subscriber’s handset can access go beyond a carrier’s reasonable business interests and impinge upon the right of consumers to make full use of the equipment and service they have purchased.”

In this regard, Skype cites Verizon’s “unlimited data plans and features” which “may only be used with wireless devices for the following purposes: (i) Internet browsing; (ii) email; and (iii) intranet browsing …. The Unlimited Data Plans and Features may not be used for any other purpose. Examples of prohibited uses include, without limitation, the following: (i) continuous uploading, downloading or streaming of audio or video programming or games; (ii) server devices or host computer applications, including but not limited to, Web camera posts or broadcasts, automatic data feeds, automated machine-to-machine connections or peer-to-peer (P2P) file sharing….”

Bundling: Skype noted that it has been almost 15 years since the Commission examined the influence of wireless carriers on the wireless handset marketplace, when the Commission addressed the issue of whether wireless carriers should be permitted to bundle handsets and services. But that 1992 analysis focused almost exclusively on the pricing of handsets within a market of smaller carriers limited to voice services, Skype said. The issue today is not simply whether four nationwide wireless carriers can control the market for voice telephony, but whether they can control the adjacent markets for applications and services that use the carriers’ third generation (3G) wireless platform, Skype argued.

But Skype’s critics have been quick to respond. "Skype's self-interested filing contains glaring legal flaws and a complete disregard for the vast consumer benefits provided by the competitive marketplace," Steve Largent, chief executive of the Cellular Telecommunications & Internet Association (CTIA), said in a statement. "The call for imposing monopoly era Carterfone rules to today's vibrant market is unmistakably the wrong number."

Similarly, Adam Thierer of the Progress and Freedom Foundation writes: “In a nutshell, I think the primary reason that we're all so uncomfortable with the Wu proposal and Skype's call for such regulations is that Carterfone-like rules and corresponding FCC interconnection/attachment mandates are completely inappropriate for competitive markets. Those rules were handed down in an era of government-protected monopoly for telecommunications. But there are no longer any protected monopolies in this marketplace.”

But some experts believe that with or without regulation, the days of carriers controlling the customer experience on mobile phones are slowly coming to an end. Already consumers with smart phones running Windows Mobile can download the Skype product, even if the operator forbids it.

At our deadline, the Skype petition had not been placed on Public Notice. However, we expect that the FCC will seek comment on the important issues that Skype has raised. Thus, we invite clients to contact us with their ideas on this matter.

The Carterfone Decision: The FCC’s Carterfone Order was adopted on June 26, 1968. Essentially, the case involved the referral of an antitrust suit from a federal district court (affirmed by the 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals) to the Commission in which Carter Electronics Corp. alleged that AT&T was illegally preventing the interconnection of the Carterfone product to the PSTN.

In its 1968 Order, the FCC defined the Carterfone device as follows:

The Carterfone is designed to be connected to a two-way radio at the base station serving a mobile radio system. When callers on the radio and on the telephone are both in contact with the base station operator, the handset of the operator's telephone is placed on a cradle in the Carterfone device. A voice control circuit in the Carterfone automatically switches on the radio transmitter when the telephone caller is speaking; when he stops speaking, the radio returns to a receiving condition. A separate speaker is attached to the Carterfone to allow the base station operator to monitor the conversation, adjust the voice volume, and hang up his telephone when the conversation has ended.

AT&T, acting in accordance with its interpretation of tariff FCC No. 132, filed April 16, 1957, advised its subscribers that the Carterfone, when used in conjunction with the subscriber's telephone, is a prohibited interconnecting device, the use of which would subject the user to the penalties provided in the tariff. But the Commission decided that the “Carterfone fills a need, and that it does not adversely affect the telephone system.” As a result, the FCC held that AT&T’s tariff was “unreasonable” in that it prohibited “the use of interconnecting devices which do not adversely affect the telephone system.”

Source: Blooston, Mordkofsky, Dickens, Duffy and Prendergast, LLP

For additional information, contact Hal Mordkofsky at 202-828-5520 or halmor@bloostonlaw.com


EUROPEAN MOBILE MESSAGING ASSOCIATION

A Global Wireless Messaging Association

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The European Mobile Messaging Association

Has the pleasure of inviting you to attend the Industry’s

First Semi-Annual Conference and
Round Table Meeting, 2007

Putting the Customer First:
Getting More Value Out Of Established Relationships

April 25-26, 2007

HILTON HOTEL
Portomaso, St Julian’s, Malta

Details Here left arrow CLICK HERE

You can contact Derek Banner, EMMA President, by calling him on +44 1895 473 551 or e-mailing him at: derek.banner@wirelessmessaging.org.  left arrow CLICK HERE


EUROPEAN MOBILE MESSAGING ASSOCIATION

FEATURED ADVERTISERS SUPPORTING THE NEWSLETTER

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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 more information left arrow


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.

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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. left arrow 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   left arrow CLICK HERE
Zetron Inc.


SPONSORSHIP

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Layoffs at SkyTel

03/01/07

About 33 people lost their jobs at SkyTel locations in the jackson area Thursday. Most of those laid off worked at the old World Com building in Clinton, which now has a sign on the front of it saying Verizon.

A spokeswoman for Bell Technologies, which purchased SkyTel, as of January 31st, said the layoffs were adjustments as a result of that acquisition. She said all of the employees were offered severance packages.

Angie Yang said there are still about 150 employees working in the Jackson area for SkyTel, out of a total of 200 nationwide and Bell is excited about the future of SkyTel.

The Clinton police department had been notified of the layoffs and sent one squad car to the scene. There were no disturbances over the layoffs.

Source: WBLT Channel 3


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EMERGENCY AUTOMATION & NOTIFICATION

• FIREHOUSES SCHOOLS PUBLIC FACILITIES GOVERNMENT FACILITIES EMERGENCY ROOMS

WHAT DO FEDERAL AND STATE GOVERNMENT AGENCIES, FORTUNE 500 COMPANIES, WISPS, HAVE IN COMMON?

THEY ALL USE NIGHTHAWK.

Nighthawk Systems Inc. manufactures low cost and reliable remote control products for fire house alerting, volunteer alerting, activation of warning signs and sirens, and a number of applications for public safety.  The Company manufactures the EA1 and the FAS-8 which have been designed specifically for these applications.  Both products are paging based and will work with any public or private paging network.  They are available in all VHF, UHF, and 900 MHz paging frequencies.  The products can serve as the primary notification system or an excellent, low-cost backup to existing systems.

Public Emergency Notification & Volunteer Alerting

The EA1 is the solution for remotely activating public warning signage.  Examples include tornado sirens, flash flood warnings, fire danger, Amber Alert, icy roads, etc.  The EA1 can also send text messages to scrolling signs.  This can occur in conjunction with the activation of audible alarms and visual strobes.  This is ideal for public notification in buildings, schools, hotels, factories, etc. The group call feature allows for any number of signs or flashing lights to be activated at the same time over a wide geographic area.  In addition, the EA1 Emergency Alert is the perfect solution for low cost yet highly effective alerting of volunteer fire fighters in their home.  When activated the EA1 will emit an audible alarm and activate the power outlet on the units faceplate.  A common setup is to simply place the EA1 on a table and plug a lamp into the faceplate.  When paged from dispatch or any touch tone phone the EA1 will awaken the fire fighter to a lit room.  As an option the EA1 can be ordered with a serial cable, allowing for attachment of a serial printer.  When paged the alphanumeric message will be printed out at the same time the alarm sounds and the outlet is activated.  The EA1 is an ideal complement to alphanumeric belt pagers common to volunteers.

nighthawk sign

Firehouse Automation

The FAS-8 is designed for activating one or more relays in a firehouse and if desired, printing the alphanumeric message to a serial printer.  For this application the FAS-8 is set to activate upon receiving the proper paging cap code sent from 911 dispatch.  Up to eight different devices can be activated all with individual time functions.  The most common devices to turn on include the PA amplifier, audible wake up alarm, and house lights.  The most common device turned off is the stove.  The FAS-8 can accept up to 8 different cap codes and have separate relay and time functions per cap code.  This allows for different alerting to be accomplished at the same physical location depending upon which cap code is sent.  This can be very helpful when fire crews and medical crews are housed in the same building.

nighthawk

FAS8

Put the innovative technology of Nighthawk to work for you. For more information on any of our products or services, please contact us.

Nighthawk Systems, Inc.
10715 Gulfdale, Suite 200
San Antonio, TX 78216

Phone: 877-764-4484
Fax: 210-341-2011
E-mail: sales@nighthawksystems.com
Web: www.nighthawksystems.com

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 www.parkmagic.net emma

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http://www.contel.co.cr left arrow CLICK HERE

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Communications and Electronics Industries
Design • Installation • Maintenance • Training

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Registered Professional Engineer

Tel/Fax: 972-960-9336
Cell: 214-707-7711
7711 Scotia Dr.
Dallas, TX 75248-3112
E-mail: iwiesenfel@aol.com
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http://www.h-mce.com left arrow web site

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  • Glenayre/Quintron Transmitters, Receivers and Controllers
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Ayrewave@sbcglobal.net

Please click here to e-mail Ayrewave.

SATELLITE CONTROL FOR PAGING SYSTEMS

$500.00 FLAT RATE

TAPS—Texas Association of Paging Services is looking for partners on 152.480 MHz. Our association currently uses Echostar, formerly Spacecom, for distribution of our data and a large percentage of our members use the satellite to key their TXs. We have a CommOneSystems Gateway at the uplink in Chicago with a back-up running 24/7. Our paging coverage area on 152.480 MHz currently encompasses Texas, Oklahoma, New Mexico, Louisiana, and Kansas. The TAPS paging coverage is available to members of our Network on 152.480 MHz for $.005 a transmitter (per capcode per month), broken down by state or regions of states and members receive a credit towards their bill for each transmitter which they provide to our coverage. Members are able to use the satellite for their own use If you are on 152.480 MHz or just need a satellite for keying your own TXs on your frequency we have the solution for you.

TAPS will provide the gateways in Chicago, with Internet backbone and bandwidth on our satellite channel for $ 500.00 (for your system) a month.

Contact Ted Gaetjen @ 1-800-460-7243 or tedasap@asapchoice.com left arrow CLICK TO E-MAIL


LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

From: Diana Navarro Dücker dnducker@prodigy.net.mx
Subject: PORTAL AMMCAC — febrero
Date: February 26, 2007 2:18:02 PM CST
To: undisclosed-recipients

Hola!

diana navarro Los invito a que lean el artículo de este mes en http://ammcac.com/DN/index.htm, y les recuerdo que doy cursos y pláticas para empresas y universidades sobre este tema.


Sus comentarios siempre serán bienvenidos en webmaster@ammcac.com, o en mi correo.

Saludos . . . dnd


UNTIL NEXT WEEK

There was so much news this week that I didn't have room for it all. Here are some links to important items that you shouldn't miss:

2/23/07
Chairman Kevin J. Martin Announces his intention to Appoint Derek Poarch Public Safety and Homeland Security Bureau Chief.
[pdf]

2/22/07
Comments of Swissphone Telecom on the FCC’s Ninth Notice of Proposed Rulemaking—60 pages but you must read this. It is very well done.
[pdf]

2/26/07
USA Mobility and Amcom Software Form Alliance to Enhance Healthcare Communications
[pdf]

3/1/07
USA Mobility Sets Date to Report Fourth Quarter and 2006 Results
[pdf]

2/28/07
USA Mobility Named Wireless Technology Sponsor by American College of Emergency Physicians
[pdf]

That's all for this week.

brad dye 04 photo

With best regards,
brad's signature
73 DE K9IQY

Brad Dye
Wireless Messaging Consultant

P.O. Box 13283
Springfield, IL 62791 USA

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Skype: braddye   WIRELESS
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MESSAGING
Telephone: +1-217-787-2346  
E–mail: brad@braddye.com  
Web: Consulting page  left arrow MAY I HELP YOU?
 

THOUGHTS FOR THE WEEK

“I love argument, I love debate. I don't expect anyone just to sit there and agree with me, that's not their job.”
—Margaret Thatcher (British Politician and Prime Minister)

“It is better to debate a question without settling it than to settle a question without debating it.”
—Joseph Joubert (French Essayist and Moralist)

“Don't take the wrong side of an argument just because your opponent has taken the right side.”
—Baltasar Gracian (Spanish Philosopher and Writer)


Anyone wanting to help support The Wireless Messaging Newsletter can do so by clicking on the PayPal DONATE button to the left.

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FLEX, ReFLEX, and FLEXsuite, are trademarks or registered trademarks of Motorola, Inc.
Si desea escribirme en español, puede hacerlo con toda confianza. ¡Me encanta hablar en castellano!


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