ATX, TruePosition Team for Network-Based Telematics Services

Dallas-based ATX Technologies, Inc. (ATX) has formed an agreement with ATX Technologies, Inc. Inc. to develop telematics products and services enabled by network-based location identification technology. The companies plan to develop network-enabled versions of existing ATX services for the wireless and automotive markets, as well as collaborate on additional new products and services. The companies expect a telematics trial with a major wireless carrier in the first quarter of 2000.

"This partnership will lead to greater exposure of telematics to consumers immediately in the wireless market," said Steve Millstein, president, ATX Technologies Inc. "It is important to us because TruePosition technology gives us a great tool for interfacing our services with the wireless carriers that prefer a network-based location solution."

Among the services ATX and TruePosition are considering for trial and marketing:

• Manual Activated Emergency Calls—A telematics subscriber activates an emergency call feature to transmit location and vital information to the ATX Response Center. The call is screened for false alarm, and emergency assistance will be dispatched if needed.

• Roadside Assistance Connection—A subscriber activates this feature to contact the response center. The center verifies location and contacts a roadside service provider.

• Enhanced Roadside Assistance—An electronically integrated version of roadside assistance that allows direct transmission of motorist location and data to a roadside service provider partner, for faster response and better service.

• Lost & Found—A "peace-of-mind" service that locates missing or delayed persons carrying a handset device. The person requesting location information must have a password.

• Emergency Navigation—Turn-by-turn directions to a specified address or essential services for lost or distressed travelers, including ATMs, gas stations, and hotels.

• Voice Navigation—A service in development to deliver automated, voice-activated, text-to-voice navigation to the subscriber at a faster speed than first-generation solutions.

ATX supports open systems for live operator and automated emergency response, navigation, and location-based information services. ATX location-based services can be enabled by most location identification technologies, including GPS, and they can be delivered to virtually any type of wireless communications terminal. The company plans to maintain service delivery flexibility to meet shifting customer needs in the developing telematics market.

TruePosition's Wireless Location System technology uses a patented Time Distance of Arrival (TDOA) solution to determine the geographical position, direction of travel, and velocity of mobile transmitters. The company developed this network-based location identification solution to help wireless carriers meet FCC Phase II requirements for locating wireless 911 calls and to bring location-based information services to market.

Edited by Ellen Jensen