Nov/Dec 2004

Wireless data network provider Transcomm has added a managed GPRS network service to its existing dedicated Mobitex service. It says the two products together allow it to offer the most flexible portfolio of data-only services in the UK.

Parent company BT will provide the GPRS network airtime and services via its BT Mobile business, taking advantage of a recently-established strategic partnership with Vodafone UK.

The company is emphasising that it will be more than just a standard GPRS product. Added-value features include multiple data links for access to the GPRS bearer network, and secure Internet connection to the customer, which it is providing by means of firewalls, authentication servers and virtual private networks.

Early in 2005 the company also plans to launch a range of branded end-to-end solutions supported by the distribution channels of its business partners and BT parent. These will address key markets, starting with a package providing fleet management, vehicle location and telematics.

 

Transcomm is one of the few survivors of an earlier generation of mobile data providers, Under its previous name, RAM Mobile, it competed with suppliers such as Cognito and Paknet in the data-only market. Last year Cognito discontinued its own dedicated data network, switching its attention to GPRS, and Paknet is now a service of Vodafone.

Transcomm by contrast has persevered with its Mobitex network, which was one of the attractions that prompted BT to buy the company in spring 2004. Indeed, the company is emphasising that it intends to continue building up its Mobitex customer base, targeting a range of markets that include automatic vehicle location, emergency services, field force automation and machine-to-machine markets.

New and existing customers will also now be offered a fully managed GPRS service to meet different levels of data requirements, and with alternative, competitive pricing models.