September 23, 1996
CUE Network Corporation today announced the introduction of the company's new UniversalMessage(TM) system.
The UniversalMessage system is designed specifically for web TVs and PCs. CUE will send pages, e-mail alerts, and voice mail alerts over its nationwide network to small FM receivers installed in web TV products and PCs on an OEM basis.
CUE's UniversalMessage system allows the television to become a complete communication center for e-mail, voice mail, and paging. The system allows the user to access e-mail by the telephone incorporated in the Curtis Mathes UniView(TM) product. The message flags for both e-mail and voice mail appear on the television regardless of whether your television is on. The nationwide paging is provided on a caller pay basis so there is no charge to the TV set owner.
Gordon Kaiser, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of CUE stated, ``Internet television represents a significant opportunity for CUE. Wherever there is a television set in America, we have an FM station broadcasting data. UniversalMessage turns the television into the most advanced communication system in the home.'' Kaiser added, ``We believe the ability to pick up e-mail by telephone will rapidly expand e-mail into the consumer market, Internet TV will take the Internet into the home to those who are not computer literate. UniversalMessage will do the same for e-mail.''
Based in Toronto, CUE (http:/www.cue.ca) provides nationwide and regional messaging throughout North America over the FM subcarrier facilities of over 500 radio stations. The network covers 95% of the population of Canada and the United States with a seamless footprint covering more than two million square miles that serves over 150,000 subscribers.
CUE also distributes real-time Differential Global Positioning correction data over its North American network. This service increases the accuracy of location data received from the global positioning satellites from 100 metres to under one metre. Applications include navigation, surveying and mapping, and are marketed under the trade names ACCQPOINT and RTK FM. Services are offered in Singapore in a joint venture with the National Trade Union Congress (NTUC).
CUE also uses its subcarrier network to distribute real-time, route-specific traffic information. The company has been awarded grants from the Federal Highway Administration to install systems in California and Texas.
A CUE subsidiary, Computer Radio Network (CRN), will soon broadcast to PC's and Internet connected TV's using the RadioCard OEM receiver. Wireless alerts of headline news, emergency alerts, and traffic alerts will be delivered real-time. EmergencyAlert is provided as a free public service in cooperation with the National Weather Service. CRN also offers personal messaging with e-mail and voice mail notification through the UniversalMessage system designed for Internet TVs. The company's NetToday(R) service will provide advertisements for specific web sites on a daily basis. CRN recently applied for a nationwide LMCS license in Canada to provide wireless electronic commerce, Internet access, and interactive television.