Message: 1 Date: Tue, 09 Sep 2003 23:58:56 -0000 From: "9/9 Stockton Record" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Subject: ACE tests on-board Wi-Fi internet access, classes
Published Tuesday, September 9, 2003, in the Stockton Record ACE tests wireless Internet service Altamont Commuter Express <http://www.acerail.com> riders tested a new technology Monday that allows train passengers access to a wireless Internet service. The wireless Internet, or Wi-Fi, pilot program is the first in the country to be tested on moving trains, ACE officials said. The technology also is expected to be adopted soon on some other Bay Area rail lines. Officials with Canada-based PointShot Wireless demonstrated the service Monday onboard ACE. ACE plans to offer the Wi-Fi service on a three-month trial basis. After the trial, passengers will be able to purchase monthly connections. The price has not been determined. PointShot <http://www.pointshotwireless.com> hopes to use its technology to expand Wi-Fi services to ferries, commuter buses and even vanpools. Riders will need laptop computers with Wi-Fi cards, available on most new computers. Wi-Fi cards cost about $50. "We're always looking for new ways we can improve the ACE experience," ACE Executive Director Stacey Mortensen said. "Onboard Internet access will help riders dramatically increase their productivity. This enhances passengers' lives, which, in turn, enhances the service." Surveys of ACE passengers indicated that up to 30 percent will use the service immediately. The University of Phoenix <http://www.phoenix.edu> also has started online classes for ACE passengers. Classes are expected to begin Sept. 27. The PointShot Wireless system uses an onboard server connected to a dish receiver on the train car. That dish picks up a satellite signal from an Internet service provider. The system is configured so users won't be dropped from the system even when the train goes into a tunnel, said Warren Gallagher, PointShot's chief technology officer. The system will be faster than a typical dial-up modem and slower than Ethernet, Gallagher said. For more information, call ACE at (800) 411-RAIL. -- general wireless list, a bawug thing <http://www.bawug.org/> [un]subscribe: http://lists.bawug.org/mailman/listinfo/wireless
