AT&T plans to offer Internet over a $500 wireless phone

Article Abstract:

AT&T Wireless Services is introducing AT&T Pocketnet, a new service that provides access to the Internet from cellular phones. Users will be able to send and receive data over existing cellular networks. AT&T is developing a $500 cellular phone that will integrate voice and Internet services. Data will be displayed on a three-line LCD display. Mitsubishi Electric America and Cirrus Logic's PCSI subsidiary are also developing cellular phones with data capabilities. Unwired Planet has developed the Up.link software used by Pocketnet as well as the other large cellular services in the US. The Pocketnet service is currently available in 22 regions in the US and should be available nationwide later in 1996. The service will cost about $30 per month in addition to standard cellular voice services as well as a per minute charge above an as yet undetermined number of minutes each month. This places the service beyond the reach of the mass market, but there are currently 35 million cellular users.

Internet, Company service introduction, Service introduction, AT&T Wireless Services Inc., MCWA

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Deals to move Global Positioning Technology toward everyday use

Article Abstract:

Nokia, Ericsson and Hitachi announced separate deals with Sirf Technology to produce inexpensive chips designed for installation in cellular telephones. Terms call for Finland-based Nokia to invest $3 million, while Ericsson and Hitachi will unveil development partnerships. The licensing moves underscore a shift toward raising the commercial use of GPS devices, which can identify any worldwide location through the use of satellite signals. Sirf is a relatively unknown Silicon Valley startup that seeks to place GPS technology in various consumer electronics gadgets and in nearly all movable objects such as automobiles or luggage. The company, founded in 1995 by Kanwar Chadha, also is striving to organize a GPS industry that features different company proprietary systems. Finland-based Nokia and Sweden-based Ericsson rank as two of the top international digital cellular phone companies, while Japan-based Hitachi is a microelectronics giant.

Search, Detection, Navigation, Guidance, Aeronautical, and Nautical System and Instrument Manufacturing, Other Electrical Equipment and Component Manufacturing, Electronic Components and Accessories, Search and navigation equipment, Global Positioning Systems, Electronic Components, Product development, Company investment, Investments, Electronics industry, Hitachi Ltd., Telefonaktiebolaget LM Ericsson, Global Positioning System, Cooperative agreement for product development, Alliances and partnerships, Nokia Oy AB, SiRF Technology Inc. (Bracknell Berkshire, England)

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Untying cellular phones from those annual contracts

Article Abstract:

An increasing number of wireless telephone customers are paying close to full price for the phones, as well as contracting for service on a monthly basis. Many users who agreed to a mandatory one-year contract have discovered that they still owe payments even in case of loss, theft or a move out of the network's area. By comparison, some original analog phones are still sold with annual contracts. Some experts expect future digital phone sales to be separate from the service contract. Competition has driven much of the change to cellular phones service since its 1985 introduction, with five or six providers operating in some geographic areas. Wireless companies have been reluctant to enforce the fine print of contracts that include hardware sales, for fear of alienating customers. Companies say they still usually subsidize telephone costs but decline to disclose the amounts.

Forecasts and trends, Industry trend, Customer service

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