Hearings into the possibility of legalising cellphone jamming devices became heated yesterday when it was disclosed that jamming companies are already supplying equipment illegally and the National Intelligence Agency is using the technology illegally.
While cellphone operators argue that jamming cellphones in public places is a bad idea because it would irritate users and cost them money, one of the jamming companies highlights the potential for abuse by car hijackers. Vehicle tracking companies couldn`t agree more.
Most people would agree with blocking cellphones in churches and theatres, and many would support jamming in restaurants. But the debate on mobile telephone blocking devices could become technically and ethically complex.
Protek will supply Malitel, the wireless unit of Mali`s telecommunications operator, with its Customer Care and Billing system and Analytical Business Reporting solution.
The Spyline Big Brother 2 project has recorded more than 800 hours of listening time, says Siemens Information and Communications Group.
Recently issued draft regulations on special telecommunications licences for rural areas could see current operators barred and a one-licence-per-player rule. That is exactly what business analysts are advising against.
The Namitech Bio-Cert non-repudiation solution, which verifies transactions from mobile devices, has been released.
Siemens' Aspect call centre system has added another dimension to the Big Brother II mix - the ability to listen in on the housemates, even when they're not on screen.
Grintek Telecom has expanded the Acterna TestPad 2000 range with the Base Station and Air Interface Test Module BAT-2700.
Standard Bank`s quiet move into the mobile banking arena belies the potential of this market - particularly if it can start attracting "unbanked" prepaid cellphone users.
The Nokia 750 multimedia messaging (MMS) cellphone has been released.
The Clickatell Messenger-Lite desktop short message service (SMS) solution has been released.
The rural masses will soon have access to telecommunication services, if all goes according to plan and pots of money are poured into SA`s poorest areas.