April 1998

SUNNYVALE, Calif.-General Magic Inc. introduced MagicTalk, the intelligent voice user interface platform for its integrated voice and data network, code named “Serengeti.” Based on a distributed VUI (voice user interface) model, MagicTalk is the foundation technology for Serengeti-a second-generation virtual …

Magellan Systems Corp., a maker of consumer-oriented Global Positioning System and navigation devices, said it will release its Global Satellite Communicator 100 late next month. The GSC 100 provides global two-way e-mail capability using satellite service provided by Orbcomm. The …

WASHINGTON-Wireless and wireline carriers last week tabled a plan to sue the FBI over implementation of the 1994 digital wiretap law, just as Rep. Bill McCollum (R-Fla.) was putting the final touches on draft legislation that is not expected to …

In February, at CTIA’s Wireless ’98 convention and exposition in Atlanta, I talked with Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.) about many of the policy issues facing the U.S. wireless industry. We discussed the fact that despite government’s mandate on telecommunications companies …

NEW YORK-Cellular and personal communications services carrier Western Wireless Corp., Issaquah, Wash., announced that its two largest investors planned to sell 10 million shares of their stock in a public offering. Hellman & Friedman L.L.C., San Francisco, a manager of …

WASHINGTON-In two new probes that could intensify scrutiny of President Clinton’s 1996 re-election campaign, the Justice Department is investigating sworn allegations that Hillary Rodham Clinton directed former Commerce Secretary Ron Brown to sell trade mission seats for Democratic campaign contributions …

The torrents of spring are up upon Bill Kennard. Kennard, chairman of the Federal Communications Commission for all of four months, stands at the vortex of an historical transformation of the telecommunications industry, whose powerful forces, the Democratic Clinton appointee …

After years of delays and controversy, the Italian Ministry of Communications began accepting bids for the country’s third mobile phone license last week. The ministry set an April 15 deadline for interested parties to apply to participate in the auction …

NEW YORK-The communications industry took the lead in the domestic mergers and acquisitions market during the first quarter, with $26.1 billion in transactions announced, a huge leap from the $1.5 billion announced during the first three months of 1997. Communications …

Ameritech Cellular confirmed the company settled a lawsuit with Chicago-area dealers DCI Integrated Computer Systems and Infinity Wireless Communications Inc. Neither party would disclose details of the settlement. The lawsuit claimed Ameritech encouraged dealers to open dealerships and expand their …

CHICAGO-Telephone and Data Systems Inc. said it completed the process to combine American Paging Inc. with TSR Paging Inc. TDS contributed most of the assets and certain limited liabilities of American Paging, and TSR contributed all its assets and liabilities …

MALVERN, Pa.-Triton PCS Inc. and Triton Cellular Partners selected National Telemanagement Corp.’s SmartPay Wireless prepaid billing system for its cellular and personal communications services networks, said the company. Under the agreement, Triton Cellular will offer customers a prepaid billing option …

Wireless Turn-Key Services Inc., a new company based in Long Beach, Calif., introduced a system designed to replace fiber-optic cable for local telephone companies and competitive local exchange carriers, including wireless CLECs. Carriers could use the technology instead of fiber-optic …

The CDMA Development Group said wideband cdmaOne technology is ready to be submitted to the International Telecommunications Union after gaining approval from groups within the Telecommunications Industry Association. The CDG said the TIA TR 45 Committee, the TIA Wireless Communications …

SAN FRANCISCO-AirTouch Communications Inc. and MediaOne Group, formerly U S West Media Group, completed merging MediaOne’s U.S. cellular and personal communications services interests into AirTouch, said the carrier. The merger, valued at $5.9 billion, became effective last week. AirTouch acquired …

NEW YORK-Aliant Communications Inc. said it will use part of the proceeds of a recently completed public debt issue to pay for its purchase of a 50-percent stake in Omaha Cellular General Partnership, which it will then own completely. Aliant, …

DALLAS-PageMart Wireless Inc. announced it is repositioning its strategic alliances business unit to better prepare for a second-quarter launch of its ReFLEX 25 narrowband personal communications services network. As part of the change, the unit has been renamed the Carrier …

BERKSHIRE, England-Vodafone Group plc announced its parent company, Vodafone Europe Holdings BV, acquired 8.5 percent of CV Gemeenschappelijk Bezit Libertel from ING Bank Corporate Investments BV. The transaction gives Vodafone a 70-percent stake in Libertel, while ING will keep the …

WASHINGTON-The Indonesian government agreed last week to privatize state-owned telecommunications as part of a new, $43 billion rescue package negotiated with the International Monetary Fund. Last week’s accord, the third attempt in six months to help the fourth-largest nation avoid …

DALLAS-BearCom Inc., a wireless equipment dealer and distributor, announced it has acquired Condor Communications. BearCom said the acquisition is part of its strategy to provide a worldwide sales and support network. Condor has offices in Caracas, Venezuela, and Prague, in …

NEW YORK-Anyone who has tried to find a wireline pay phone or use a wireless handset at crowded public entertainment events can understand why International CellComm Corp. has found a lucrative niche providing portable cellular pay phone services. The Titusville, …

“The industry created two decades ago to foster dispatch wireless communications in the United States stands at a crossroads as regulatory, technological and market forces conspire to put mom-and-pop two-way radio businesses out to pasture. “Nextel Communications Inc., the largest …

ComTel Ltd., a United Kingdom-based cable TV company, said it plans to offer its customers mobile telephone service through an agreement with U.K. cellular carrier Cellnet. ComTel business customers will be able to purchase mobile phones at competitive prices, said …

NORMAN, Okla.-The University of Oklahoma’s EMC Center reported recent findings indicate that interaction may occur between a small number of wireless phones and some implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICDs). ICDs are electronic devices inserted within a patient’s body to monitor and …

Bell Canada International Inc. said it will acquire 29 percent of South Korean personal communications services operator Hansol PCS Co. Ltd. for $180 million. Hansol is one of three PCS operators in South Korea that launched service in October. The …