Wi-Fi handshakes
Bell Mobility, Microcell Solutions Inc., Rogers Wireless and Telus Mobility have established interoperability standards among the Wi-Fi hotspots they operate. The deal means users will get the same user-interface across all public access points, no matter which carrier happens to run the local hotspot, and users will be able to access various hotspots through a single account. Also last month Vancouver-based hotspot operator FatPort Corp. said it would join Montreal’s Tadaa Wireless Communications Corp., so users can access both companies’ Wi-Fi access points. For more info visit www.fatport.com.
MTS reaches out
Winnipeg-based telco Manitoba Telecom Services Inc. (MTS) last month announced plans to bring digital cellular service to 11 more communities this year, making the MTS wireless network some 97 per cent digital. That means people in places such as Birtle, Flin Flon, Hamiota, Hartney and Reston will be able to use their cell phones to access the Web and a short message service (SMS). They’ll also be able to use their handsets as wireless modems for laptop computers, and they’ll be able to send photos via cell phones with digital cameras attached.
Telus moves O.N.
O.N. Telecom can count Telus Corp. as a strategic partner after the firms signed an alliance last month. Under the terms of the agreement Telus will help manage and support O.N., while O.N. brings to Telus a foothold in the Northeastern Ontario communication market. O.N. will also get access to Telus’s product portfolio, including the B.C. company’s national IP network, so the North Bay, Ont. carrier can extend its offerings beyond plain old voice and data access. O.N. is a subsidiary of the Ontario Northland Transportation Commission, which is a provincial government company.