September 1996

CellPort Labs Inc. is redesigning and enhancing its universal car kit for both cellular and personal communications services applications. Car kits provide power and hands-free talking capability for portable handsets, but most are designed for use with only one type …

PHOENIX-Bobby G. Thompson & Associates, a land mobile radio management consulting services provider, and Internet Direct Inc. are teaming up to create specialized Internet World Wide Web site production services for land mobile radio dealers and servicers. Internet Direct Inc., …

Yet another European-based company is entering the U.S. digital handset market, trumpeting its communications and manufacturing expertise, particularly in Global System for Mobile communications technology. A U.S. division of Siemens A.G. hopes to eventually grab a double-digit slice of market …

DENVER-RCR Publications Inc. has promoted Jerry Blake to associate editor and promoted Lynnette Luna to reporter as part of the editorial department’s expansion. Blake, who has served as research editor at RCR since he joined the company four years ago, …

Allen Telecom Group’s Telecom Systems Division introduced NanoLite, a fiber optic microcell system the company said allows service providers to select locations for optimum cell site coverage while reducing site-related costs. The NanoLite remote unit can be mounted on utility …

ATLANTA-LHS Communications Systems Inc. announced it has licensed its Business Support and Control System to Powertel Inc. of West Point, Ga. The agreement follows recent licensing agreements with American Portable Telecom Inc. for personal communication services in major trading areas …

In three years, SilverLake Communications Inc. has pushed itself into the forefront of the paging software market. Last year, the privately held Calabasas, Calif., company won a contract to provide its software to Paging Network Inc., defeating 25 other companies, …

The wireless division of WorldCom Inc. aspires to be present in all major U.S. markets, indicating that the nation’s fourth largest long-distance company seeks to be the country’s fourth most powerful telecommunications company as well. Wireless service has been added …

ATLANTA-Preferred Networks Inc. announced it has completed construction and has begun operating its Midwest Technical Control Center in Wheeling, Ill. The new TCC, the fourth of 10 TCCs that PNI plans to build throughout the United States, will provide service …

LA MIRADA, Calif.-PagePrompt USA announced the company has moved its general offices and customer service areas, gained through the acquisition of Network One in April, from Northern California to new Southern California headquarters in La Mirada. PagePrompt also announced its …

LEWISTON, N.Y.-New York Power Authority trustees have approved an agreement with Sprint Spectrum L.P. to allow the personal communications services operator to install antennas on NYPA transmission towers. NYPA said the 10-year agreement authorizes Sprint to install the first antenna …

Licensees of narrowband personal communications services report their development, testing and introduction plans for two-way messaging services are right on schedule. But Ian Gillott, manager of wireless research for IDC/Link Resources, suggests carriers have shifted to more conservative time schedules. …

NEW YORK-Standard & Poor’s has lowered its ratings of MobileMedia Communications Inc.’s subordinated debt to CCC from B-and its corporate credit rating to B- from B+. The credit rating agency has placed MobileMedia’s ratings on CreditWatch with negative implications. About …

Metro One Telecommunications Inc. opened trading on the Nasdaq National Market at $8.50 per share in its initial public offering of 2.4 million shares of common stock, of which the company is selling about 1.68 million shares and existing shareholders …

To the Editor: I am writing to clarify the law applicable to state and local regulation of personal wireless service providers, as discussed by Susan H.R. Jones in her article titled, “Who is in charge here?” in the Aug. 5 …

Grupo Iusacell S.A. de C.V. announced it will resell long-distance service to its more than 225,000 wireless customers during the first phase of the opening of the Mexican long-distance market. Iusacell, through its long-distance subsidiary, Iusatel, will offer discounts which …

MCI Communications Corp. said its recent deal with NextWave Telecom Inc. isn’t just another resale agreement. “This will involve interconnection, and there is no reseller in the U.S. with interconnection,” said Whitey Bluestein, MCI vice president of wireless strategy and …

FRESNO COUNTY, Calif.-AT&T Wireless Inc. has partnered with the Fresno County Sheriff’s Department to provide automated field reporting to officers. By using AT&T’s packet data network, officers will be equipped with a handheld device that will enable them to access …

MidAmerican Energy Co. announced a $10 million investment in Racom Corp., an enhanced specialized mobile radio network operator. Racom has developed and owns a digital ESMR network that spans the upper Midwest. The company also provides hardware and equipment that …

Louisiana licenses tossed out – 5 APT enters Rural Cellular venture – 14 U.S., Asia to end tariffs by 2000 – 19

REDMOND, Wash.-InfoSpace Inc. announced it will make its directory services available via Unwired Planet Inc.’s wireless Internet access software platform. InfoSpace said it developed a patent-pending technology to fully integrate white pages, yellow pages, maps and e-mail directories into one …

ATLANTA-BellSouth Corp. announced its proportionate share of international cellular telephone customers served by its wireless systems in 11 countries outside the United States has surpassed 1 million subscribers. Wireless systems outside the United States that BellSouth owns either wholly or …

ATLANTA-BellSouth Cellular Corp. and Rechargeable Battery Recycling Corp. have launched a nickel-cadmium battery collection and recycling effort called Charge Up To Recycle. BSCC said all its retail stores will have collection boxes for cellular phone batteries as well as batteries …

MELBOURNE, Fla.-Go Wireless International and Harris Corp. announced a commercial relationship in which Harris will provide telephone switching equipment for Go Wireless’ prepaid cellular phone service. Harris has made an equity investment in Go Wireless and will provide additional resources …

WASHINGTON-The U.S. Treasury will be receiving another auction-related windfall payment sometime in the near future when the Federal Communications Commission, AT&T Corp. and the General Accounting Office decide how much money was made from the 900 number that personal communications …