1999

The Wireless Application Protocol effort gained momentum last week at the GSM World Congress in Cannes, France, with several Global System for Mobile communications carriers and handset manufacturers announcing WAP-compatible …

CHICAGO-Practical Sales Tools Inc. introduced its UnwiredContact wireless data interface for use between contact-management programs and portable devices. The product works with ACT! and the SalesLogix Sales Information System. As …

CANNES, France-RangeStar International revealed its first dual-band embedded antenna for wireless handsets that operates in the 900 MHz and 1800 MHz personal communications services frequency bands. The antenna features a …

WASHINGTON-Omnipoint Corp., Leap Wireless International Inc. and Cook Inlet/VoiceStream PCS could be among the top bidders for the March 23 re-auction of 356 C-, D-, E- and F-block personal communications …

WASHINGTON-Two members of the House Judiciary Committee last week re-introduced legislation to relax export restrictions on encryption products. The bill, known as the Security and Freedom through Encryption (SAFE) Act, …

STOCKHOLM-Ericsson Inc. said it signed a $65 million contract with Etisalat of the United Arab Emirates for a microcell expansion of Etisalat’s Global System for Mobile communication system. The project …

HYANNIS, Mass.-Excel Switching Corp. announced it has enhanced its open programmable switching platform to include an open subscriber-based service layer that enables carriers and developers to offer customized services. EXS …

WASHINGTON-The Federal Communications Commission last week pulled an item from the public meeting agenda that was expected to propose the auction of private wireless spectrum. The proposed rules, implementing the …

SYDNEY, Australia-Formus Communications Inc. formed a joint venture with Bell Canada International Inc. to seek broadband wireless local multipoint distribution services spectrum in the multiple round Australian spectrum auctions this …

WASHINGTON-The Federal Communications Commission last week adopted proposed rules that should make it easier for users of global mobile phones and pagers to cross international borders. The rules implement a …

Ukraine Orbcomm Global L.P. announced it has signed a service license agreement with Transexpo Corp. to provide its satellite data services to the Ukraine. According to the agreement, Transexpo will …

EAST FISHKILL, N.Y.-A new chip technology developed by IBM Corp. could lead to smaller electronic devices, including cellular phones and personal computers, said the company. The semiconductor technology IBM developed …

CANNES, France-InterWave Communications International Ltd. introduced its new packet-switched networking capability that provides interoperability between Global System for Mobile communications wireless and Internet protocol networks at the GSM World Congress …

STAMFORD, Conn.-International Telecommunication Data Systems Inc., a provider of customer-care and billing services to wireless carriers and resellers, formed a strategic business alliance with Novazen Inc. The alliance calls for …

NEW YORK-Moody’s Investors Service has changed to stable from negative its outlook on $279 million in Ba1-rated debt securities issued by SK Telecom Co. Ltd., Seoul, South Korea. “The change …

SAN DIEGO-Pegaso PCS, the Mexican operating company of Leap Wireless International Inc., last week launched its first market in Tijuana, Mexico. The company plans to build a nationwide network in …

BURLINGTON, Mass.-Lightbridge Inc. announced it changed the accounting for its acquisition of Coral Systems Inc. in November 1997. The restatement results in an increase in net income for the fourth …

TOKYO-Anticipating the International Telecommunication Union’s (ITU’s) scheduled March decision regarding key characteristics for the third-generation cellular, IMT-2000, Japanese carriers are mounting efforts to be able to kick off their 3G …

Sources close to International Telecommunication Union activity on third-generation technology say standards likely will not be set during the 31 March meeting in Brazil. The ITU had hoped ideally by …

LITTLE ROCK, Ark.-Alltel Corp., through its 360

The fourth quarter of 1998 marked both highs and lows for the various carriers that make up the paging industry, with companies meeting both significant milestones and facing continued challenges. …

WASHINGTON-PLMRS Narrowband Corp. and the Federal Communications Commission were in federal appeals court last Friday arguing whether the FCC should have canceled the applications for 220 MHz non-commercial licenses when …

HELSINKI-Globe Telecom and Nokia Corp. said they have signed a $60 million contract for the sixth phase of expansion of Globe Telecom’s Global System for Mobile communications-based Handyphone service. Globe …

WILMINGTON, Del.-A bankruptcy court here last week approved Nextel Communications Inc.’s $150 million purchase of Geotek Communications Inc.’s 191 dispatch radio licenses, setting the stage for a fierce fight in …

TOKYO-NEC Corp. plans to cut 15,000 jobs, or 9.7 percent of its work force, over the next three years as it struggles to recover from slumping sales and massive losses …