Wireless Telecommunications News

Maqta Gateway, a subsidiary of Abu Dhabi Ports signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Etisalat enabling connectivity and bringing digital innovation across the port facilities.The partnership will help transform the port with technologies like cloud computing, IoT and big data, paving the way for a new era of digital transformation in the maritime sector.Dr. Noura Al Dhaheri, Chief Executive Officer, Maqta Gateway, said: “We aim to transform our port facilities with smart solutions and technologies. Etisalat as a partner will help us achieve our vision by delivering digital services that is in line with the Abu Dhabi vision 2030 and ultimately improve customer experience.”Sultan Al Dhaheri…

Abu Dhabi Ports and Emirates Telecommunication Group Company(Etisalat) have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) focused on advancing technological capabilities and business opportunities in support of Abu Dhabi Economic Vision 2030.The partnership focuses on building shared electronic projects and networks, exchanging knowledge, simplifying procedures, securing fixed and wireless telecommunications coverage, and managing operational risk.Etisalat will also help Abu Dhabi Ports to adapt to the latest telecommunications technologies, business models, and customer behaviours. The agreement will broaden Abu Dhabi Ports reach by connecting the business to its ports…

WNI Oceanroutes welcomed its new president and CEO, Jeremy Usher in October. Usher spent five years with WNI Oceanroutes in various business management and technology roles, most recently as chief information officer. In 1998, he left the company to complete his MBA from Duke University and subsequently worked for a venture capital firm, a consulting firm and a new wireless telecommunications venture. “I am extremely pleased that Jeremy has returned to lead WNI’s American sales and global marine operations,” said WNI Group Global CEO, Hiro Ishibashi.

Litton Industries, after seeing its shares drop more than 60 percent over the past 12 months (see chart, page 2), caught in a bearish defense industry down draft, reported great third quarter results last week. Litton Industries reported that diluted earnings per share rose 23% to $1.35 for the third quarter, compared with diluted earnings per share of $1.10 for the third quarter of fiscal 1999. Excluding a one-time gain on sale of businesses, third quarter diluted earnings per share increased 21% to $1.33. Net earnings for the third quarter were $61.8 million versus $50.9 million for the same period last year. Revenue for the third quarter increased 11% to $1.4 billion, compared with $1.26 billion for the comparable period of the prior year.

Litton Industries, Inc. recently reported results for the third fiscal quarter ended April 30, 2000. Diluted earnings per share rose 23% to $1.35 for the third quarter, compared with diluted earnings per share of $1.10 for the third quarter of fiscal 1999. Excluding a one-time gain on sale of businesses, third quarter diluted earnings per share increased 21% to $1.33. Net earnings for the third quarter were $61.8 million versus $50.9 million for the same period last year. Revenue for the third quarter increased 11% to $1.4 billion, compared with $1.26 billion for the comparable period of the prior year. Revenue for the first nine months of fiscal 2000 was $4.1 billion, a 15% increase over the first nine months of fiscal 1999.

Trico Marine Services, Inc. announces the appointment of Larry D. Francois as Senior Vice President of Operations. Prior to joining Trico, Francois served as President of Seabulk Offshore, a subsidiary of Seabulk International, Inc., for approximately three years where he was responsible for their worldwide offshore operations. Prior to his tenure at Seabulk, Larry served as area manager of domestic offshore marine operations for Tidewater, Inc. and prior to that assignment was a division manager for Zapata Gulf Marine Corporation in Mexico. Other overseas assignments included international marketing manager in London for Western Oceanic…

SeaMobile, Inc. has acquired Maritime Telecommunications Network, Inc. (MTN), a provider of satellite-based broadband communications and networking services for the maritime industry. The acquisition has been approved by the Federal Communications Commission. Terms of the agreement were not disclosed. “SeaMobile saw a strategic opportunity to combine the wireless and satellite expertise of the world’s leading maritime communications companies to completely change the way travelers communicate at sea,” said William D. Marks, Chief Executive Officer of SeaMobile. “Cruise travelers can take their own cell phones, Blackberry devices and laptops, read their hometown newspaper, watch live TV, access bank accounts through onboard ATMs and much more.

Wireless Maritime Services, a joint venture between Maritime Telecommunications Network (MTN), of Miramar, Florida, and Cingular Wireless, the largest wireless carrier in the United States, launched its customer and service driven website, www.cellularatsea.com. Wireless Maritime Services (WMS) currently provides wireless service on 15+ cruise vessels of the world’s major cruise lines. WMS was developed specifically for the cruise line industry and offers unique solutions for complete onboard wireless connectivity. Using a combination of the newest technologies available from the parent companies, including the pioneering voice and data satellite capabilities of MTN and the nation’s largest and fastest digital network from Cingular…

MariTEL, the nation's leading provider of VHF marine wireless telecommunications, finalized an agreement with American Tower Corp. to develop a 250-300 tower network. American Tower owns and operates approximately 3,200 wireless communications towers in 44 states. The new towers, which are to be built according to MariTEL's specifications, will serve as the physical backbone of the MariNET, the marine wireless local loop. Under the agreement, American Tower will construct or place MariTEL on tower sites as the anchor tenant. The towers will be sited along the coastal and inland waterways of the U.S.

MariTEL, a nationwide provider of VHF marine wireless telecommunications, has won all nine Federal Communications Commission maritime licenses for an aggregate cost of $6.8 million. After eight days and 44 rounds of competitive bidding, MariTEL won sole rights to 20 channels in the spectrum range 156-162 mHz. The nine territories cover 43 states and 100 percent of U.S. navigable waterways. The licenses will enable the company to create a single nationwide system. Expanded channel coverage, the newly acquired spectrum and amended regulations also allow MariTEL to offer land mobile systems on a secondary basis to approximately 235 million people. In conjunction with its acquisition of VHF licenses, MariTEL will begin construction of MariNET, the marine wireless local loop.