Cellular Data Inc of Mountain View, California has announced that it is to create a wireless packet data network in co-operation with BT North America (CI No 1,855). According to Newsbytes, the two companies demonstrated how the technology works on point-of-sale applications at the recent ComNet Trade Show. BT Cellular Data plans to use the frequencies between cellular call channels to build a digital packet network operating at 2,400bps. The company says that such a network would enable it to charge for dial-up transaction services at or below leased line prices, sometimes with faster response time. Mike Korodi, Cellular’s chief executive, sees wireless data as the frontier of phone technology, and says 95% of transmissions are bursts, just like those used in credit card authorisations. Future tests will be held in San Francisco and Houston, with applications ranging from monitoring fire and burglar alarms to tracking vehicles. The success of the venture will, however, depend on BT Cellular Data signing up other cellular operators to agreements – that 20%-plus holding in McCaw Cellular Communications Inc that BT holds should help.
