AT&T reaches licensing pact with tiny firm; Spectrum Information's broad patents enhance wireless data market
Article Abstract:
AT and T licenses software and hardware patents for data transmission over cellular networks from Spectrum Information Technologies Inc. The wireless data market is expected to have 5 million users in 1997, up from 600,000 in 1993. The license agreement covers AT and T affiliates Eo, which makes portable data communicators, and cellular phone operator McCaw Cellular Communications Inc. Under the agreement, AT and T also issues a $10 million interest-free note to Spectrum, which the company will have to repay in five years if its stock price reaches $5.50. The agreement is the first major deal by Spectrum. Company president Peter Caserta has complained about patent infringement by some of the biggest computer and communications companies. The agreement effectively validates Spectrum's complain that AT and T's Safari laptop computer infringed on Spectrum's patents.
Publication Name: The Wall Street Journal Western Edition
Subject: Business, general
ISSN: 0193-2241
Year: 1993
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New wireless phone networks take first step toward reality
Article Abstract:
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) plans to auction off as much as $10 billion in licenses for providing personal communication service (PCS) networks. The PCS networks are expected to change society by providing millions of subscribers with miniature wireless phones for faxing, communicating by voice, and computing. Analysts estimate that by the year 2000 over 25 percent of the US population will want some kind of cordless phone service. The main obstacle that may block PCS's market success is the already established cellular communications industry. Among cellular technology's backers is telecommunications giant AT and T, which has $9.8 billion in yearly cash flow and has just acquired cellular giant McCaw Cellular Communications Co.
Publication Name: The Wall Street Journal Western Edition
Subject: Business, general
ISSN: 0193-2241
Year: 1993
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Washington Post Co. agrees to finance experimental wireless-phone system
Article Abstract:
Washington Post Co and American Personal Communications Inc announce a limited partnership to develop an experimental wireless communications system. Under the partnership, Washington Post will invest $6 million for research and other costs over a two-to-three year period. American Personal Communications has received a license from the FCC to build and test its system in the Washington D.C. area. The wireless networks will operate in a manner similar to current cellular networks, but they will require less electricity and thus will be lighter and more portable. American Personal envisions the phones selling for around $75, with a $35 to $45 monthly fee once the networks are installed.
Publication Name: The Wall Street Journal Western Edition
Subject: Business, general
ISSN: 0193-2241
Year: 1990
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