AT&T to unveil wireless-data alliances: agreements in US, Japan should help develop lucrative new market

Article Abstract:

AT&T plans to announce alliances in the US and Japan aimed at delivering new hand-held, pen-based computer equipment and wireless data services to millions of users. The new communications devices will let users send and receive electronic messages, retrieve files and make telephone calls. AT&T has already announced a $3.73 billion investment in wireless service provider McCaw Cellular Communications Inc and is expected to line up Japanese giants Matsushita Electric Industrial Co, NEC Corp and Toshiba Corp. It plans to sell machines made by Eo Computer Corp under its own brand name. The Eo machines use Go Corp's PenPoint pen-based operating system, and AT&T plans to disclose that more than a dozen software suppliers will be offering application programs for PenPoint. AT&T is also hoping that its own Hobbit microprocessor will become a standard for wireless hand-held devices; it faces serious competition from Apple's forthcoming Newton, which will use a chip made by UK-based Advanced RISC Machines Ltd. Success in the wireless market would eventually generate vast amounts of new data traffic for AT&T's existing communications network.

Usage, Handheld computers, Services, Personal communications services, Pen-based computers, Strategic Planning, Hand-Held Computers, Cooperative Agreements, Pen-based I/O

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General Magic gives AT&T edge, despite touting 'open' standard

Article Abstract:

Silicon Valley start-up General Magic Inc is apparently favoring its financial backers, despite a pledge to promote an industry standard for wireless data communications. Sources close to General Magic, an Apple Computer Inc offshoot, say the company will allow backer AT and T to use General Magic software for 30 months before rivals such as Sprint Corp can install it. The reported agreement has set back negotiations between General Magic and IBM, another prospective investor. General Magic's backers, including AT and T, Matsushita Electronic Industrial Corp, Philips Electronics NV, Sony Corp and Motorola Inc, are enthusiastic about the potential for a huge market in wireless data communications, but admit that a standard will be required for the market to take off.

Prepackaged software, Standards, Computer software industry, Software industry, Wireless communications, Wireless communication systems, Data communications, NetPhonic Communications Inc.

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Japan's NTT selects AT&T, Motorola and Ericsson to help in cellular project

Article Abstract:

Nippon Telegraph and Telephone Corp named AT and T, Motorola Inc and Telefon AB L.M. Ericsson, along with seven Japanese companies, to help develop a digital mobile telephone system. In the US, officials say the inclusion of US companies in the deal is a sign that Japan's multibillion dollar telecommunications market may be opening up to outside involvement. In Japan, a NTT spokesman denied the contract represents any change in procurement strategy, saying the system is and has been fair and open. The value of the project has not been disclosed, and US companies are likely to only have a modest role in the overall plan.

Japan, Cellular telephones, Wireless telephones, Nippon Telephone and Telegraph Corp., Motorola Inc., MOT, Telefonaktiebolaget LM Ericsson, Telephone systems, Telephone System, Cellular Radio, Mobile Phones

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