Sprint PCS and Sanyo Fisher Co. announced the nationwide availability of the Sprint PCS SCP-4000 dual-band, Internet-ready wireless phone by Sanyo. The phone offers access to the Sprint PCS Wireless Web via an integral Web mini browser. With the optional Sprint PCS Wireless Web Connection Kit, the phone also can be used in place of a computer modem. The Sprint PCS SCP-4000 phone offers up to three hours of talk time and 200 hours of standby time, a 300-number internal phone book, caller ID and one-touch message access, among other features. It is available for $180, said Sprint PCS.
Aquis Communications Group Inc. announced it ended merger talks with Intelispan Inc., a virtual private network operator. The two companies initiated merger talks in June. Aquis gave no reason for terminating the discussions.
SkyTel Communications Inc., a WorldCom company, announced plans to redeem all outstanding 13.5-percent senior notes due Dec. 15, 2002, and all outstanding 6.75-percent convertible subordinated debentures due May 15, 2002, by Dec. 15 of this year. The aggregate outstanding principal of the notes is about $265 million, and about $919,000 for the debentures.
Metricom Inc. announced Sierra Wireless Inc. licensed its technology and agreed to make wireless modems for Metricom’s Ricochet 128 kbps service. The supply agreement is valued at more than $30 million. Plans call for modems to be delivered over a 12-month period beginning in 2001. In addition, Metricom became a member in Sierra Wireless’ Wireless Ready Alliance.
American Mobile Satellite Corp. said United Messaging Inc. will resell its eLink wireless e-mail service under an agreement the two formed. The companies also agreed to connect their respective platforms to allow seamless messaging between them. United Messaging makes an e-mail platform for large public and private companies, as well as government agencies.
Paging Network Inc. announced it has converted customers in the San Francisco Bay area to its Centers of Excellence infrastructure.
