QUALCOMM Launches TruckMAIL, a Reliable,
Cost-Effective Communications Solution
Revolutionizing Small-Fleet Management
Real-Time Freeform Messaging and Hourly Position Reports Boost Profits and Cut Costs for
Smaller Fleets
SAN DIEGO, Aug. 10 /PRNewswire/ -- QUALCOMM Incorporated (Nasdaq: QCOM - news), the leading provider of
mobile communications and information management systems to the trucking industry, today announced the launch of
TruckMAIL(TM), a mobile communications system optimized for small fleets of under 100 trucks. TruckMAIL offers the
two-way, freeform messaging and vehicle tracking functionality that smaller fleets need, and the quality and reliability provided
by QUALCOMM, at an affordable price. TruckMAIL is targeted at fleets which utilize traditional manual dispatch and is the
only cost-effective communications solution that offers comprehensive, protected satellite coverage and fully redundant network
management operations. TruckMAIL is expected to begin shipping in the fourth quarter of 1998.
TruckMAIL offers a fleet-management solution for a large segment of the trucking industry whose specific needs have not been
addressed by information solutions providers. ''Ten years ago, QUALCOMM revolutionized the transportation industry with
OmniTRACS, the interactive information management system,'' said Phil White, senior vice president and general manager of
QUALCOMM's OmniTRACS Division. ''We developed TruckMAIL for a significant segment of the market with customers
who may not yet need the full functionality of OmniTRACS. The addition of the TruckMAIL product line further demonstrates
QUALCOMM's commitment to developing wireless communications solutions for the entire trucking industry.''
''QUALCOMM is known throughout the industry for its innovation in wireless communications,'' said Doug Ferrell, president
of Long Bar Transportation, an Ohio-based for-hire flatbed carrier. ''We are evaluating TruckMAIL because it is cost
effective for the size of our fleet and serves our needs today. We like the fact that it's from QUALCOMM, because we know
the product will grow with us and we can expect both innovation and reliability from a company with a proven reputation for
excellence.''
Technical Specifications
The TruckMAIL solution includes a compact, outdoor Antenna Communications Unit and a sturdy driver Display Unit
mounted inside the cab that features a full keyboard, numeric pad and a four-line, 40-character display. Drivers can send and
receive real-time freeform text messages of up to 1,900 characters to dispatch. TruckMAIL enables fleets to maintain
continuous two-way communications with vehicles and drivers, 24 hours a day, with no gaps in coverage. In addition,
TruckMAIL delivers hourly position reports to the dispatch center through QUALCOMM.
Automatic Satellite Position Reporting (QASPR(R)), which uses satellite-based triangulation to provide current and historical
vehicle locations.
TruckMAIL customers will receive the unparalleled quality of QUALCOMM's state-of-the-art Network Management Center,
the same center that processes four million OmniTRACS messages and position reports a day. Located in San Diego, Calif.,
the center maintains fully redundant computer and power supply systems, and a duplicate backup facility in Las Vegas, Nev.
TruckMAIL can be upgraded with a variety of options, from remote pagers to all features supported in a full OmniTRACS
system. TruckMAIL will support Information Reporting Systems such as SensorTRACS(R) and TrailerTRACS(R), and other
popular options like CabCARD(R) Personal Communications.
Pricing and Availability
Starting in the fourth quarter of 1998, QUALCOMM will sell TruckMAIL directly to fleets with less than 100 trucks for a list
equipment price of $2,500 to $2,900 per truck, depending on the volume of units. QUALCOMM is also planning to distribute
TruckMAIL through alternative sales channels.
QUALCOMM's Transportation Industry Expertise
With over 250,000 OmniTRACS units sold worldwide, QUALCOMM is the leading provider of mobile communications and
information management systems to the transportation industry.
QUALCOMM currently has systems operating in the United States, Canada, Europe, Russia, Middle East, Brazil, Mexico,
Japan, Korea and Malaysia.
Headquartered in San Diego, Calif., QUALCOMM develops, manufactures, markets, licenses, and operates advanced
communications systems and products based on its proprietary digital wireless technologies. The Company's primary product
areas are the OmniTRACS(R) system (a geostationary satellite-based, mobile communications system providing two-way data
and position reporting services), CDMA wireless communications systems and products and, in conjunction with others, the
development of the Globalstar(TM) low-earth-orbit (LEO) satellite communications system. Other company products include
the Eudora Pro(R) electronic mail software, ASIC products, and communications equipment and systems for government and
commercial customers worldwide. For more information on QUALCOMM products and technologies, please visit the
Company's web site at qualcomm.com.
Except for the historical information contained herein, this news release contains forward-looking statements that are subject to
risks and uncertainties, including timely product development, change in economic conditions of the various markets the
Company serves, as well as the other risks detailed from time to time in the Company's SEC reports, including the report on
Form 10-K for the year ended September 28, 1997 and most recent Form 10-Q.
QUALCOMM, OmniTRACS, SensorTRACS, TrailerTRACS, CabCARD, QASPR and Eudora Pro are registered
trademarks of QUALCOMM Incorporated. TruckMAIL is a trademark of QUALCOMM Incorporated. Globalstar is a
trademark of Loral QUALCOMM Satellite Services, Incorporated. All other company and product names are trademarks of
their respective holders.
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