NEC
Graphics pager
NEC now is offering the APOP98 pager, which is a FLEX-based alphanumeric pager that is able to receive graphic images. NEC has developed software, which will be available from the company’s Web site and runs on Windows. People wishing to send a graphic image to the pager can use the software to draw pictures, graphs and maps or to use clip art and send greeting cards. The image then can be sent directly from the PC to the pager as a bitmap file and viewed on the pager at a resolution of 120×32 pixels. The APOP98 will be available for retail in Europe early this year. www.nec.com
Schlumberger
Chinese language smart-card phone book for mobile phones
Schlumberger announced a smart-card phone book, Chinese Phone Book, that allows Chinese speakers to get the full benefits of mobile phones. Until now, the lack of a Chinese-capable keypad has meant Chinese speakers were unable to use the smart storage and retrieval features of conventional mobile handsets, constraining this market for both service providers and handset vendors. The Chinese Phone Book uses the latest subscriber identity module (SIM) technology to deliver a menu-driven solution, said Schlumberger. The 16K SIM from the Schlumberger Activa family allows the storage of a personal directory of up to 255 telephone numbers and exploits GSM Phase2+ SIM Toolkit commands to provide menu-driven functions such as quick search, abbreviated dialing and caller identification, using a Chinese character display from a conventional Phase 2+ handset. The quick-search facility, which is vital for a directory of this size, is made possible through SIM software that references Chinese names phonetically, according to the company. Schlumberger said it envisions the advanced menu-driven features, such as the quick-search, being of particular value in enhancing the user-friendliness of the new generations of Chinese handsets, expected to be available early this year. www.slb.com
Swisscom
Prepaid roaming
Swisscom introduced a secure, global prepaid roaming solution based on its SICAP (SIM Card Application Platform) system for prepaid GSM services. Compliant with GSM standards, Swisscom’s Prepaid Roaming solution takes advantage of Unstructured Supplementary Subscriber Data (USSD). The SICAP prepaid billing system handles call charges in a secure manner, verifying remaining credit and monitoring costs. To roam, prepaid users simply dial the USSD (a special prefix) and the target number, then hang up. The prefix is verified in the home location register, and the SICAP billing system does a credit check. The system calls the roamer back and provides a credit statement-for example, telling the user the duration of the call cannot exceed “X” minutes. Simultaneously, the system establishes a connection to the target number. For mobile-terminated calls, the caller simply dials the number of the prepaid roamer. The system verifies the number in the HLR, completes a credit check and establishes the connection to the prepaid roamer. ww.swisscom.com
