Four of the larger SMR (Specialized Mobile Radio) operators in the United States have merged to create what should be the nation’s largest 220 MHz SMR provider. The combination of Incom Communications Corp., US MobilComm, SMR Advisory Group L.C. and Narrowband Network Systems would create a company with 220 MHz coverage in more than 325 sites across the country.
UBS Global Research said it anticipated first-quarter industry results in the United States to show 17 percent to 18 percent year-over-year cellular subscriber growth. This is down from 20.5 percent growth in the fourth quarter of 1997 as companies have focused on profitability and customer retention while they are impacted by increased PCS competition, according to UBS.
Rural cellular carrier PriCellular Corp., United States, has agreed to be acquired by American Cellular Corp. for about US$1.4 billion.
TMI Communications and Co. L.P. (TMI), Canada, has launched a new packet data network available anywhere in the 50 U.S. states, Canada, Mexico and the Caribbean. The packet data will be carried using the MSAT communications satellite.
U.S. PCS provider Omnipoint Corp. in late April became one of the first C-block licensees to select options from the Federal Communications Commission’s options for struggling PCS licensees. Omnipoint said it elected to return portions of its spectrum in a move it expects will reduce debt and accrued interest by about US$300 million.
U.S.-based Wireless Alliance L.L.C., the company formed from a joint venture between PCS operators Rural Cellular Corp. and Aerial Communications Inc., launched in April what it says is the largest digital wireless service area in the northern midwestern United States. Marketed under the name UNICEL, the Wireless Alliance will offer GSM service to areas in Minnesota, North Dakota and South Dakota.
GSM North America, the North American Interest Group of the European-based GSM MoU Association, announced that Jim Healy, president of Cook Inlet Western Wireless PV/SS PCS L.P., United States, has been elected chairman of the group.
