Motient operates a dedicated data network based on the popular DataTAC protocol developed by Motorola Inc. The system operates at 800 MHz and is optimized to operate at 19.2 kbits/second, with 3 to 5 seconds between send and receive. "This allows our 250,000 users to have essentially an IM [instant messaging]-type of experience over a range of devices," said Peter Belman, marketing manager at Motient (Reston, Va.).

Most relevant to the Palm V announcement is Motient's history with Research In Motion's always-on Blackberry e-mail service, which is carried through either Motient's DataTAC network or the competing Cingular Interactive network. "Blackberry software has a lot of traction," said Belman, "especially in some of the larger cities, and particularly among the financial markets, as well as legal and medical. While it's a terrific e-mail device, it isn't a great PDA."

On that basis, the company took steps to extend its eLink software — which it also offers on the Blackberry — and the Motient network connectivity to the Palm V, said Belman.

Silent partners

The company plans to launch Palm V service in October and is beta testing with a number of subscribers. The partners that developed the hardware attachment to the Palm V have not been identified. "We have a couple of partners on the hardware side," said Belman, "and have also extended the eLink software to handle the in/out traffic."

Key features include a transparent interface that lets e-mail hit a user's home PC while concurrently arriving on the wireless device. "The user can then read the e-mail and respond, with the source looking like my desktop's e-mail address. So, [it] looks like I'm in the office," said Belman.

Though pricing is unavailable, Motient plans to have a rollout model whereby the customer will buy the device and then subscribe to unlimited service. While wireless e-mail is the first application, the company plans to migrate to enable microbrowsers at higher data rates.

Despite competition from both wireless datacom and wireless telecom, Belman said Motient remains confident. For datacom, the company faces off against Cingular Interactive's Mobitex network, with the largest number of subscribers — including those on the Palm VII — as well as the Cellular Digital Packet Data (CDPD) network carried by AT&T and Verizon and from which OmniSky leases time, said Belman.

"Many complain about the quality and depth of coverage of these networks," he said. "For example, CDPD covers 150 million people vs. our 280 million and offers a much slower level of throughput — under 5 kbits/second — but the more important issue and complaint is coverage."

As for wireless telecom networks, Belman said that "GPRS [General Packet Radio Service] is only now getting traction. However, its key limitation is that it's a voice-oriented technology, and the handheld is a lousy wireless data interface."