NeoMedia Technologies, Inc (NEOM)

[ss9173]

I am fairly confident Peter Mannetti founded US West Wireless in 1997, which was susequently acquired by Qwest in June 2000. He was hired by US West during January 1995. See this link: http://www.cbronline.com/companies/qwest_wireless_llc

As head of US West Wireless, I believe this article summarizes his major accomplishment - http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m0BFP/is_1999_Nov_22/ai_57758541/

U S WEST Launches Breakthrough Wireless Open-Network Technology; Promises to Expand Wireless Data Access to Millions More Customers - Company Business and Marketing



U S WEST Wednesday launched an award-winning new kind of advanced wireless network -- one the world hasn't seen before. The open-network technology -- available to customers first in Salt Lake City -- will enable speedier, more efficient delivery of the latest in Internet-based wireless services to millions more Americans, including many outside major metropolitan markets.

The innovative technology -- built in partnership with Alcatel, Ericsson, Nortel Networks and Tekelec -- won an international design award at Global Telecom 99 in Geneva this fall. It features a first-in-nation, open-network architecture that enables U S WEST -- and potentially other companies across the U.S. -- to more quickly and broadly deploy advanced Web-based wireless services. It uses new 'PICOcell' mini-tower antennas that are smaller and more environmentally friendly than past cell towers.

"This breakthrough wireless technology will help put the power -- and now mobility -- of the Internet in the palms of consumers' hands," said Solomon D. Trujillo, chairman, president and CEO, U S WEST. "It's fitting we're launching this in Salt Lake City, where in 2002 athletes will be swifter, higher and stronger. This new service lets consumers do the same. Wednesday, they can get sports scores, the weather, stock quotes and more -- all on their wireless phones. Early next year, they'll be able to get full 'Web-to-go' interactive Internet services. That's exciting."

U S WEST's Salt Lake City wireless network -- which was built entirely with the new open-network architecture and PICOcells -- will be a launching pad for further deployment of new network technology in 11 states in U S WEST's region. This will include:

-- Both open-network architecture and PICOcells will be used by U S WEST in expanding wireless service to 22 new markets - primarily in the company's northern tier states;

-- Open architecture and U S WEST Wireless's Intelligent Network will be used to more cost-effectively deploy additional advanced services in 24 existing U S WEST Wireless markets - including in the Denver, Seattle, Portland, Phoenix and Minneapolis-St. Paul metropolitan areas.

Phase-One Wireless Information Data Services Along with the launch of its new wireless network technology, U S WEST is providing its initial set of Web-based wireless information services.

-- U S WEST's unique Information Services package, available immediately, lets customers select up to six categories of information -- including sports scores, stock market results, weather and news bulletins -- and have up-to-the-minute news sent from Internet-based and other sources directly to their wireless handsets throughout the day.

-- Dial-Up Access to Wireless Data Services, which will also be available in most markets beginning this month, turns customers' wireless handset into a modem that can be used to dial into an ISP or a corporate data network. The handset can also be used as a fax modem.

-- Enhancements to the leading-edge Data Mail Service, which allows customers to receive text and numeric messages on their handset, include group messaging and personal account set up.

-- U S WEST 'Web-to-Go' service, enabled by technology already built into the phone, will let customers access text-based Internet information wirelessly by early next year. Features include:

-- The U S WEST DEX online directory that gives customers instant access to the Yellow Pages as well as business and white pages;

-- A mailbox that can receive, display, store and send e-mail messages; and

-- Additional Internet sites offering business and financial news, sports, weather, local events and travel tips.

Unique U S WEST 'One-Number' and Other Integrated Wireless Features

The Financial Times Global Telecoms award for 'Best in Intelligent Network Applications' was presented to U S WEST Wireless at Telecom 99 for the company's breakthrough open-network architecture, and also for its innovative integrated wireless features, including unique 'one-number' service that integrates a customer's home or business phone number with their wireless phone. U S WEST Wireless offers customers the following innovative features:

-- Gives customers unprecedented simplicity. It's as easy as using a home or office phone, with just one number to remember -- no juggling of multiple numbers; no need to change business cards.

-- Automatically routes customers' home or office phone calls to their mobile handset when they're on the go. This 'wireless extension' gives customers added flexibility and control over their calls.

-- Offers the highest degree of wireless integration available with popular PBX office telephone systems. U S WEST handset will act as an extension to many types of desktop office phones.

-- Includes the mass availability of 'Mobile Dial Tone,' a new feature that lets customers know instantly that their mobile phone is ready to make or receive calls.

-- Provides one-stop customer care and billing with other U S WEST services.

"Our Salt Lake City wireless system is a first of its kind," said Peter Mannetti, president, U S WEST Wireless. "In addition to making the cell sites more environmentally friendly, we taught the network to speak the language of the Internet. Before we developed this new architecture, our network spoke the language of the wireless PCS telephone. Now it speaks the language of the Internet -- TCP/IP. With this breakthrough, it will be easier for us to deliver new, data-driven features to our customers."

U S WEST (NYSE: USW) provides a full range of telecommunications services -- including wireline, wireless PCS, data networking, directory and information services -- to more than 25 million customers nationally and in 14 Western and Midwestern states. More information about U S WEST can be found on the Internet at http://www.uswest.com.