PUBLIC DATA NETWORKS: THE MOBITEX SYSTEM. IN: CONFERENCE RECORD OF PAPERS PRESENTED AT THE FIRST VEHICLE NAVIGATION AND INFORMATION SYSTEMS CONFERENCE, TORONTO, ONTARIO, CANADA - SEPTEMBER 11-13, 1989

This paper presents an overview as to the hierarchy, features and functionality of the Mobitex public data network soon to be in operation throughout Canada and the United States. It touches upon some of the problems and inefficiency factors that are faced by existing PMR, SMR or cellular networks in attempting to address an ever-growing market need for mobile data communications, and how, through the introduction of a public data network such as Mobitex, some of these problems (i.e.frequency allocation and geographical expansion) can be avoided. Mobile data communications has traditionally been afforded by only the largest of user groups (i.e. taxi, courier dispatch). As shared public data network service becomes available to virtually anyone, the market for manufacturers and retailers of mobile radios, peripherals and application software will increase dramatically. Access to a North American wide mobile data market and the effect on specific industries such as transportation, vehicle navigation and fleet management are discussed. In addition, the crucial role of the System Integrator (Value Added Re-Seller) and the distribution philosophy for the Canadian market is outlined.