McLeod adds dispatch via cell phone

A new cell phone application called mPhone lets fleets quickly add owner-operators and others to their McLeod LoadMaster dispatch system and their existing Qualcomm data communications network.

Developed with Qualcomm, mPhone allows leased operators and others to provide real-time updates directly to LoadMaster without upfront hardware costs or costly integration services. The service uses GPS-equipped cell phones from Sprint and Nextel, as well as a data cell phone plan from the service provider. Users can also add an optional voice plan with separate direct billing for that service.

On the fleet side, a subscription to Qualcomm Mobility Services and the LoadMaster Symphony Mobile Communications Module are required. Time- and location-stamped information from the cell phone is sent to the Qualcomm network hub, where it is then integrated with wireless data flowing from other Qualcomm services. The LoadMaster module handles the interface with dispatch and other fleet management functions.

Support services for mPhone are provided by Qualcomm and McLeod. Billing for the cellular data service is handled directly by Sprint.