Aircall to operators
Page 15
If you've noticed an error in this article please click here to report it so we can fix it.
UNIQUE AIR, the latest cellular mobile phone company, was launched this week as a wholly-owned subsidiary of Unipart.
While it appears to be aimed firstly at the booming 'car phone business, it may prove attractive to light van users (one was demonstrated at the launch in a Landrover).
Inquiries from operators of larger commercial vehicles will be dealt with separately, Unique Air managing director, David Jones, who has joined the company from British Telecom, told CM.
In order to cope with the different problems involved with different vehicles, a series of compulsory training courses has started for dealers who have applied,to join the Unique Air network.
For longer-distance operators a disadvantage may be that the network at present does not cover the whole of the UK, although it is claimed that it does cover most motorway routes south of Leeds. However, this is expected to expand quickly, and the company plans to provide a range of equipment suitable for all types of vehicle.
Unique Air says that its system ensures that: electronic systems are not adversely affected by cellular communications; transit signals do not interfere with on-board electronics; special cabling from battery to handset to transceiver avoids engine pick-up noise; and there is reduced parasitic current drain on the battery.
The training scheme for cellular fitters is registered with the Road Transport Industry Training Board and qualifies for a training grant. The operation is being developed with the American communications giant AT & T and the service operates from Unipart's headquarters at Cowley, Oxford. The company has been working closely with the Austin Rover Group to test equipment.
A phone costs 11,475 plus 8:1 0 0 installation. One month's rental costs £27. Calls cost 25p a minute at peak periods and 12p off-peak incoming calls are extra).