Wireless Access Inc. said it is volume shipping its AccessLink two-way wireless messaging device to SkyTel Corp. The AccessLink is a narrowband personal communications services device that allows end users to send, receive and reply to e-mail. AccessLink also allows users to create custom messages using an integrated keyboard. Additional features include a folder-based user interface, the ability to sort and save messages by topic and maintain a personal address book. SkyTel will market AccessLink in conjunction with its SkyWriter service.
Century Communications Corp., parent company of Centennial Cellular Corp., sold an issue of $250 million 8.88 percent senior notes maturing 2007 through underwriter J.P. Morgan Securities Inc. The bonds are non-callable for life and will have no required amortization prior to maturity, the company said. The net proceeds will be used to retire $204 million aggregate principal amount of 11.88 percent senior subordinated debentures due 2003. Funds required for the retirement including a call premium of 5 percent is $214.2 million.
ProNet Inc. delayed the release of fourth quarter and year-end 1996 financial results, originally scheduled for Jan. 30. Company spokeswoman Kelly Love said, “We are in the process of finalizing … the numbers in our earnings report and within the next week we will announce the definite timing of the release.”
Peninsula Wireless Communications changed its name to Repeater Technologies Inc. The company’s board of directors said the name is meant to “reflect the firm’s focus on repeater solutions for wireless network buildouts worldwide.” The company also announced new executives and financing to fund the company’s growth in developing repeaters for the wireless infrastructure market. Ken Kenitzer was promoted to president and chief executive officer, while David Bolan is the new vice president of marketing.
WirelessNorth, a partnership of several independent telephone companies and Minnesota Equal Access Network Services Inc., acquired personal communications services licenses in markets throughout Minnesota, Wisconsin, Iowa, North Dakota and South Dakota. Initial PCS networks are scheduled to begin testing by the third quarter. WirelessNorth said its coverage area has a potential customer population of more than 2 million. The company’s coverage area includes the cities of Fargo and Grand Forks, N.D., Fergus Falls, Brainerd, Willmar, Marshall, Duluth, Worthington, Rochester, Bemidji and Mankato, Minn., Eau Claire, La Crosse and Superior, Wis., and Watertown, S.D.
TSR Paging Inc. turned on its 1 millionth subscriber last week. TSR has retail stores in more than 140 locations primarily operating under the Beeper Warehouse and TSR Paging names. Mitchell Sacks, chief financial officer and executive vice president of TSR, said the company’s goal is to become America’s top retailer of wireless communications services and equipment.
