Aeris Communications Inc. announced it signed Bell Atlantic Mobile as its latest MicroBurst carrier partner, increasing its U.S. coverage to 60 percent of the nation.
MicroBurst is a short-burst data application transmitted via the cellular control channel. Cellular carriers employing it can offer wireless data and messaging services for various telemetry applications, such as automated vehicle location, automated meter reading and monitoring security alarms remotely.
MicroBurst is a remote access application message technology that uses the control channel of cellular networks using standard signaling mechanisms. Data packets are routed to Aeris’ hub facility, which identifies the service provider and the recipient of the data and then delivers the data via the Internet or dial-up and dedicated connections.
BAM said it will add MicroBurst service to its current AirBridge wireless data portfolio. The carrier plans to begin offering MicroBurst services immediately via its East Coast network, which covers 112,000 square miles and 5.5 million customers.
“MicroBurst complements our strong presence in the wireless data market and provides a cost-effective solution for lower bandwidth applications,” said Bill Davidson, vice president of wireless data sales and marketing at BAM.
The agreement significantly expands Aeris’ presence in the United States. Before the announcement, Aeris claimed only 45-percent coverage of the nation.
“With Bell Atlantic Mobile’s extensive presence on the East Coast, we are well on our way to setting MicroBurst as the North American standard for short-packet data and messaging,” said Dick Gossen, Aeris president and chief executive officer.
Earlier this year, Aeris formed an agreement with little low-earth-orbit satellite provider Orbcomm that gave it full coverage of Canada. Other U.S. carriers include U.S. Cellular Corp., Ameritech Cellular and Western Wireless Inc.
Cellemetry L.L.C., a joint venture of BellSouth Corp. and Numerex Corp., also offers telemetry data services on cellular networks, but with a slightly different technology. Cellemetry also is busy signing cellular carriers across the country. Most recently, it added Centennial Cellular Corp., Cellular One of East Illinois, and Pioneer/Enid Cellular, bringing the number of carrier agreements to 25. Cellemetry said it covers 54 percent of both the United States and Canada, a population of about 158 million, the company said.
