November 2002

Winds of change are sweeping through the UK's dedicated mobile data networks. One of the leaders, Transcomm, has launched a new service which harnesses its existing resources to offer a new, use-friendly always-on mobile Internet service called Grapevine. It comes complete with a proprietary PDA-style handheld terminal, and rivals GPRS with some very keen charging.

Cognito, another leading contender, has taken a very different line; it has re-engineered its existing service to work on the mainstream GSM and GPRS networks, and plans to close its dedicated network at the end of January.

One of its big selling points of Transcomm's Grapevine system is that unlike standard GPRS, it offers always-on communication for a flat fee. The company is charging £29.95 per month for unlimited data transfer. Furthermore, as a special offer until Christmas, users get 12 months' use for the price of 11. Transcomm is also offering optional "push" services (messages sent actively to users without having to be called up).

By providing links to users' corporate Web servers, Transcomm has effectively opened up its network to the full range of data communication possibilities available through the Internet - including email - and wrapped it in an attractive package with a familiar PDA-style front end. Its mono-screen PDA costs £299 on a one-off basis, with discounts for quantity purchases.

 

Cognito was the first UK company to be awarded a private mobile radio licence in 1992. Transcomm, then called RAM Mobile Data, soon established a rival foothold. Cognito has so far stuck to its proprietary radio technology to provide a full range of mobile data services; but it says customer demand and the arrival both of GSM and GPRS-enabled handsets has led to its decision to switch to this technology.

However, its new G21 service offers enhancements over standard GPRS, including "push" as well as pull communications.

Cognito says the majority of its existing customers are already committed to its G21 service, including Avery Berkel, Balmoral Trading, SG Maintenance Services and Transco. Migration is seamless, says Cognito, and there is an upgrade path for hardware.

SGMS managing director Terry Smith comments: "Following a successful trial we are rolling out the G21 units to all our engineers. Migration is progressing smoothly, and our service team are enjoying the additional benefits of the new service."