OMNIPOINT MAKES 'WAVES' AT NORTH AMERICAN INTERNATIONAL AUTO SHOW 2000; COMPANY INTRODUCES INNOVATIVE WIRELESS VEHICLE SYSTEM
January 11, 2000 - DETROIT, Jan. 10 - PRNewswire -
Wireless service provider Omnipoint Communications today is debuting the W.A.V.E. (Wireless Advanced Vehicle Equipment) system at the North American International Auto Show 2000 in Detroit, Michigan.
The W.A.V.E. system is the latest in wireless voice and data communications equipment -- all of which operates on Omnipoint's existing Global System for Mobile (GSM) wireless communications network -- installed in a 2000 Lincoln Navigator.
"We're going to make a splash with the W.A.V.E.," said Omnipoint President George Schmitt. "From the voice-activated, hands-free kit to the rear seat mobile office, the W.A.V.E. was built to show safe and practical ways of integrating wireless communications equipment into cars. But the modifications do not significantly change the overall comfort or style of the vehicle."
The W.A.V.E. system represents a major innovation in the direct application of wireless technology into the automotive industry.
"Omnipoint has created the first truly wireless mobile office environment that's safe, simple and fully integrated," continued Schmitt. The W.A.V.E. system includes GSM wireless connections to the Internet, e-mail and corporate Local Area Network (LAN) as well as a ComROAD telematics unit for remote monitoring, entertainment and emergency services. Omnipoint Technologies' Redhawk data communications module provides an interface to GSM networks for telematic and telemetry applications.
As the official wireless sponsor of NAIAS 2000, Omnipoint will be offering "Ride and Drive" demonstrations of the W.A.V.E. system from Wednesday, January 12th until Friday, January 14th. Those who want to arrange for a hands-on test ride should contact Tracey Kilbey at 313-567-5074.
GSM is the world's leading wireless standard, used by more than 220 million people in 142 countries. In North America, there are six million GSM customers. This digital technology delivers crystal-clear voice conversation, ensures caller privacy, and provides advanced data wireless services including fax/data transfer, Internet e-mail, and information services such as real-time stock quotes.
All Omnipoint handsets can connect customers to the Internet. Every Omnipoint phone number is also an e-mail address. Omnipoint's GSM handsets can also make wireless connections for laptops and PDAs. Additionally, Omnipoint offers customers international roaming to more than 60 countries including most of Europe, as well as parts of the Middle East, Africa, South America, the Pacific Rim and Asia.
"What's perceived as wireless gizmos today will become standard features in the not too distant future," noted Schmitt. "Motorists will come to expect their cars to have voice-activated phones, navigation systems and Internet access that work in a safe and simple manner just as they have come to expect air conditioning and AM/FM stereos."
The following components in the W.A.V.E. system are currently available to consumers or will be available in the near future:
-- A Motorola L7089 "Leap" handset, which is a triple-band GSM phone capable of working around the world.
-- A Motorola VR (Voice Recognition) DSP (Digital Signal Processor) hands-free car kit, which allows the user to make and receive phone calls entirely through voice commands.
-- An Applied Data Trends Q-PC automotive computer, which is one of the
first fully functional (450 MHz, Windows 98) car-specific computers to be available for consumer applications.
-- A ComROAD Street Guard in vehicle telematics management system. It is a DIN radio-sized computer designed for remote fleet management, security, and emergency/roadside assistance services communications.
-- An Omnipoint Technologies' Redhawk GSM wireless data module that connects to the Q-PC for access to the Internet, e-mail and corporate LANs.
About Omnipoint
Omnipoint currently provides advanced wireless communications services in New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, Eastern Pennsylvania, Delaware, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Southern Florida, Michigan, Ohio, Indiana and Maryland. It intends to provide those services in additional areas.
Omnipoint is a founding member of the North American GSM Alliance, a group of North America's leading digital wireless Personal Communication Services companies. Using Global System for Mobile (GSM) communications technology, Alliance companies provide superior voice clarity, unparalleled security and leading-edge wireless voice, data and fax features for customers, whether at home, away or abroad. GSM is the world's most popular wireless standard, with more than 225 million subscribers in 142 countries, including six million customers in North America.
Other GSM Alliance members include: Aerial Communications, Inc.; Airadigm Communications, Inc.; BellSouth Mobility DCS; Conestoga Wireless Company; Cook Inlet VoiceStream PCS; DIGIPH PCS; Iowa Wireless Services; Microcell Telecommunications Inc.; NPI Wireless; Pacific Bell Wireless; Powertel, Inc.; STPCS Joint Venture, LLC; VoiceStream Wireless; and Wireless 2000 PCS. The GSM Alliance works in cooperation with North American GSM equipment manufacturers: Siemens, Motorola, Lucent Technologies, Nortel Networks, Nokia and Ericsson.
Omnipoint Communications is a subsidiary of Omnipoint Corporation (Nasdaq: OMPT). Founded in 1987, the parent company is a leader in commercializing PCS. In addition to Omnipoint Communications, Omnipoint Corporation also includes Omnipoint Technologies, Inc., a developer and supplier of wireless communication technologies, products and engineering services. As a pioneer in the industry, Omnipoint Technologies is on the forefront of developing and integrating advanced wireless technologies, such as GSM, GPRS packet data, EDGE, and wireless location. Omnipoint Technologies supplies GSM-based wireless data modules for integration into product applications and designs. Further information can be found by visiting the company's Website at www.omnipoint-tech.com.
On June 23, 1999, Omnipoint Corporation and VoiceStream Wireless Corporation agreed to merge. On September 17, 1999, VoiceStream and Aerial Communications, Inc. agreed to merge. On October 22, 1999, Omnipoint announced that it had signed definitive agreements to acquire East/West Communications, Inc. Completion of these mergers is subject to customary shareholder and regulatory approval. When the mergers are completed, the three companies together will have licenses to provide service to over 220 million people. As of September 30, 1999 Omnipoint, VoiceStream and Aerial served more than 1.7 million customers combined.
More information is available on the company's Website (www.omnipoint.com).
SOURCE Omnipoint Communications
Web site: omnipoint.com naias.com (OMPT) |
