AirTouch opens Internet pathway

AirTouch Cellular is bypassing conventional methods for delivering wireless data and opting instead to offer its Seattle customers access to Ricochet service from Metricom.

The two companies last week announced a four-month trial resale arrangement under which AirTouch's existing sales force in the region will market the Ricochet wireless modem and the service's flat-rate unlimited access to the Internet, e-mail, corporate intranets and other applications. Ricochet service will be delivered over Metricom's existing radio network.

AirTouch's own network in Seattle is equipped to deliver circuit-switched data but lacks cellular digital packet data capabilities.

"This gives our customers another wireless data choice," said Rhonda Jobe, manager of the wireless data group for AirTouch in the region.

The deal is even more significant for Metricom, which has only been offering Ricochet in Seattle since August and serves just two other markets (Telephony, Nov. 25, 1996, page 34).

"They reach a lot of people we don't and have an established sales force and brand recognition," said Alan Salbich, director of business development for Metricom. "It's a good way for us to leverage ourselves.

As to the trial's bearing on future data upgrades for AirTouch's network, Jobe said the carrier's goal is to migrate to digital and tap into data capabilities inherent in its technology selection.

"Our long-term plans are for [code division multiple access]," Jobe said.