Wireless Carriers - Which One is Best For Your Business?

*Please note: This article is out of date and will be updated by September 15, 2006.

This article will enlighten you on the fundamentals about wireless networks: 2G, 2.5G, 3G, Always-On, Always Connected Packet Data, etc... We will explore the differences between each of them, which carrier is using which technology, and which one your company should be using.

Index

1. The Transition from Voice to Data
2. Early Data Systems
3. A New Ballgame
4. Wireless Packet Data Evolution
5. Determining Device and Data Requirements
6. Choosing the Best Data Network

The Transition from Voice to Data

Most organizations with a field workforce depend on wireless communications to maintain a high level of productivity and customer service. Wireless voice communications has been a critical element in the efficient operation of most service companies for many, many years. Taxi, limo, courier, field repair, utilities, medical, public safety, just to name a few, depend heavily on various types on voice communications systems, such as two-way radio, paging and cellular.

While wireless voice communications has been a staple of the service industry for decades, wireless data has been steadily gaining ground as a means to further improve operating efficiency, reduce operating costs and increase safety. Some examples:

	On-board computers in Police cruisers allow field officers direct and immediate access to criminal records, stolen vehicle reports and a wealth of other important information as required in the field. As a result, they are better informed and both their safety and the safety of the public at large is improved. By empowering their field workers through mobile data, public agencies also increase their own internal efficiency, resulting in a reduced need for Call Takers and Dispatchers.
	In transit buses, the safety of our children is enhanced, through the combination of GPS vehicle location and emergency data communications. At the same time, mobile data improves schedule adherence, tracks passenger loading and reduces vehicle maintenance costs by monitoring engine parameters.
	Field repair technicians use mobile data to track traveling time, record accurate parts and labor costs, maintain warranty records, access troubleshooting information and monitor work-order history. This results in improved service to both customers and suppliers, as well as an improved bottom line.
	Real-time data from wirelessly dispatched delivery workers allows for on-line package tracking, which allows manufacturers to maintain efficient production schedules, as well as improved service to consumers. In addition, mobile data greatly increases the efficiency and accuracy of courier dispatching and streamlines driver routing.
	Taxi, one of the first industries to adopt mobile data, uses it to save significant dollars on human resources, while making the whole operation more professional. Passengers and drivers do not have to listen to annoying two-way radio chatter. Automated dispatch takes dispatcher favoritism out of the picture, as the system assigns trips to the first vehicle available in the closest zone to the pickup. Emergency vehicle location improves driver and passenger safety, while automated credit card transactions enhance customer convenience and improve service.