A telephone visionary who is cutting the cords for consumers: with AT and T's help, McCaw imagines a network of wireless communication

Article Abstract:

McCaw Cellular Communications Chmn Craig O. McCaw is trying to lead the US in establishing a nationwide cellular telephone network called the North American Cellular Network by selling one-third of his firm to AT and T for $3.8 billion. The deal eliminates competition from AT and T and finances the project at the same time. The deal also brings in AT and T's experience in handling large networks. The proposed network would provide service as widespread as the present wired network but offering more features, most notably mobility. Cellular service is most expensive when traveling between areas served by different carriers, and a nationwide network would reduce the high prices caused by having over 120 carriers. A national network might also allow one portable telephone number per person rather than separate fixed numbers for home, office and car. The deal brings 900,000 customers to McCaw's network in addition to the present 600,000 McCaw customers.

Electronic computers, Radiotelephone communications, Television broadcasting stations, Telephone communications, exc. radio, Management, Officials and employees, Mergers, acquisitions and divestments, Cellular telephones, Wireless telephones, Forecasts and trends, Cellular telephone services industry, Cellular telephone services, T, Divestiture, American Telephone and Telegraph Co., AT&T Wireless Services Inc., Divestment, Executive, Strategic Planning, Acquisition, MCWA, McCaw, Craig O., Cellular radio

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Caller ID: consumer's friend or foe?

Article Abstract:

Consumers in New York are debating the pros and cons of the caller identification (caller ID) telecommunications service, after the state's Public Service Commission decided to allow the service to continue. Advocates of caller ID believe the service can help protect citizens from unwanted calls, while critics believe that the service infringes on the privacy of the caller. People who call mail-order services could be inadvertently offering their phone numbers to potential telemarketers and salespeople. Fewer than six percent of New Jersey's eligible customers signed up for the service, which has been available in the state since 1987. Caller ID is not compatible with the Centrex phone system, does not work with anyone calling from a state that does not offer caller ID and does not identify long-distance callers.

Telephone and telegraph apparatus, Usage, Services, Telecommunications services industry, Telecommunications industry, Privacy, Telephone systems, End users, New Product, Telecommunications, Telephone System, User Need, Legal Issues, Caller ID telephone service, Caller ID, Automatic number identification (Telecommunications)

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