GTE Deploys ORA Electronics' Breakthrough Programming System; Palmcoder Provides the Means to Easily Reprogram Wireless Phones - Company Business and Marketing

Cambridge Telcom Report, Nov 1, 1999

ORA Electronics Inc. Tuesday announced that GTE is deploying the Palmcoder, ORA Electronics' breakthrough programming system.

Palmcoder is a small hand-held smart module that allows carriers to reprogram wireless phones with preferred system lists, as well as anti-fraud authentication codes and service enhancements or changes, without the subscriber having to bring their handset to the carrier for reprogramming.

The Palmcoder is easy to use. A carrier can program the Palmcoder module with an individual subscriber's information for service changes or enhancements. The preprogrammed Palmcoder would then be sent to the subscriber, who simply inserts the Palmcoder into the accessory receptacle of their phone.

Palmcoder automatically reprograms the phone, which is then ready for immediate use. After the telephone has been reprogrammed, the subscriber simply returns the Palmcoder module to the carrier for redeployment.

A carrier can program its preferred system list directly into the wireless phone with Palmcoder. This ensures that when a subscriber is "roaming," their phone will log onto the carrier's local partner, rather than the first system encountered -- allowing the carrier to capture additional revenues from their roaming customers. If the partnership changes, the Palmcoder can simply reprogram the phone with the new information.

Palmcoder helps a carrier to enhance its fraud prevention programs by enabling the carrier to program a subscriber's wireless telephone with a 26-digit anti-fraud A-Key (authentication-key) code. The carrier system can check that it is a valid key whenever a signal is sent to a cell site, preventing cloning and providing secure roaming for its subscribers.

Palmcoder is also capable of programming wireless telephones with a number of service changes and enhancements. For example, if a subscriber's area code changes, the subscriber can be given a new number immediately -- without having to return the handset to the carrier or dealer for reprogramming.

ORA Electronics is a leading designer, manufacturer and supplier of PCS and cellular accessories; wireless communication peripheral devices; and enhancement products.