CHICAGO-Seven large wireless communications companies have united to provide seamless, uninterrupted cellular service between the United States and Mexico.
The Pan American alliance is open only to B-band licensees. Initial members are Alltel Mobile, Ameritech Cellular Services, BellSouth Mobility Inc., CommNet Cellular Inc., GTE Personal Communications Services, Southwestern Bell Mobile Systems and Radiomovil Dipsa S.A. de C.V., also called Telcel.
A total of six million existing customers will receive enhanced services through an international network while maintaining a local relationship with their cellular provider.
Four services will be available:
Automatic call delivery everywhere served by the alliance will be possible due to network enhancements by members.
Customers always will remain connected to their home customer care center, regardless from where they are calling. The customer will be assisted by someone who speaks the customer’s language.
Alliance members have agreed to negotiate reducing roaming rates charged to each other in an effort to reduce airtime charges.
Alliance partners are bound by a technology agreement, whereby companies agree to make analog technology available at least until the year 2000, but members are free to deploy new technologies.
No alliance fee is required. Companies can use their own brand or an agreed-upon international brand.