Hi-speed satellite service in field test

Field tests for a new high-data-rate satellite communications service started last month, according to Qualcomm Inc. The new technology will offer data transmission speeds that are up to 10 times faster than the company's current wireless satellite-based service.

Qualcomm began laboratory testing the technology in March and recently sent a truck fitted with a prototype unit out on the road for an extended field trial. The test will help evaluate the high-speed technology's performance under a wide variety of weather and coverage conditions.

The company also says that all of its future wireless services will offer full compatibility with SAE's J1939 standards for vehicle electronic data networks. Those standards are the basis for automated communications between vehicle components and will play an important role in developing remote security features such as over-the-air disabling of trucks and remote trailer locking.