SAN DIEGO-Qualcomm Inc. said it agreement with Orbcomm US, an affiliate of Orbital Sciences Corp., giving Qualcomm the right to resell Orbcomm’s new mobile satellite communication services with Qualcomm’s OmniTracs trailer tracking and cargo monitoring applications.
Orbcomm said it successfully launched its first two satellites and will be conducting a series of tests over the next three months. Qualcomm will be conducting beta tests during the second half of this year, with commercial shipments expected in early 1996, the company said.
Qualcomm said the new technology will provide customers with expanded capabilities to track and monitor disconnected trailers, including position reporting to within 500 meters and exception-based messaging, such as an alert for unauthorized trailer movement.
“The combination of Qualcomm’s technology and Orbcomm’s new satellite capabilities will enable the trucking industry to reach a whole new level of efficiency,” according to Alan Parker, president of Orbcomm US.
Qualcomm said its resale rights will be exclusive in selected U.S. market segments and the agreement represents a new era in trailer tracking capabilities.
“We’re putting intelligence into the trailer. We expect this new product to increase trailer productivity significantly,” according to Rich Sulpizio, president of the OmniTracs division.
The Orbcomm system is a joint venture between Orbital and Teleglobe Inc. of Montreal, Canada.