Under a new agreement with Aeris Communications, Cadec Global is offering users of its fleet management system national wireless data service over a cellular network developed specifically for telematics and other machine-to-machine (M2M) applications.

The new communications option provides seamless North American coverage, allowing fast but relatively low-cost data exchange between Cadec onboard computers and fleet back-office operations, according to the company.

"The Aeris network is optimized for M2M telematics applications such as ours, and because it's geographically comprehensive, no roaming is needed," said Doug Frank, Cadec VP of professional services.

Working with 40 N.A. cellular providers, Aeris has deveoped a CDMA cellular network solely for M2M data communications.

Currently fleets using the Cadec onboard system contract directly with cellular providers for wireless service. Going forward, they will have the option of remaining with those providers or switching to the Aeris M2M network, according to a Cadec spokesperson.