Air2Web Forms Agreement with UPS
UPS, the world's largest express carrier and package delivery company, and Air2Web, a wireless application service provider, have formed an agreement to provide domestic UPS customers with two-way, interactive access to UPS services from a variety of wireless devices.
Since Spring 1999, UPS customers have been able to track UPS packages and find the nearest UPS drop-off location using Palm VII organizers. In addition to tracking and drop-off locator, UPS customers will have the capability to calculate rates and find transit-times for shipments on any digital wireless device in the U.S. starting in September 2000. Customers can access these services from a one- or two-way text messaging or Web-enabled phone, a PDA, a pager or any pervasive computing device regardless of carrier or network. UPS will extend these wireless services to UPS customers during the first quarter of 2001.
Wireless phones and other mobile digital devices are replacing PCs as the preferred mode of access to the Internet. The number of individuals using cell phones for wireless data applications among the U.S. Internet population is set to increase from the current three percent to an estimated 78 percent in the next 12 months, according to the E-Business unit of Cap Gemini.
UPS Director of Interactive Marketing, Robert Conner notes, "Air2Web's highly flexible, powerful and extensive wireless technology ensures that our shipping services are easily accessible to the rapidly growing number of consumers who rely on their wireless devices for business transactions."
Consumers can easily access UPS shipping information by simply entering their phone number and identifying their wireless device at UPS.com. Because the Air2Web platform reaches consumers across all types of wireless devices and networks, UPS wireless services will be available to the widest range of users.
For more information, visit www.ups.com or www.air2web.com.