AT&T Inc. (T) is the only provider that supplies an on-demand translation service on mobile devices that efficiently knocks down language barriers and opens up opportunities for millions.
Recently, the company developed a new on-demand interpreter solution in collaboration with Language Line Services, a company that has expertise in providing telephonic interpretation as well as language solutions. This is a service whereby your language will be automatically identified and an interpreter will be put on the line when you call. This could be the first step in breaking down communication barriers in a significant way. The product is called the On Demand Interpreter solution. The system is easy for users to utilize. All they have to do is press *4. Then, through speed dial technology and the efforts of an On Demand Interpreter that selects their language, they will be through to a professional interpreter within seconds. The service is available in 170 different languages, and interpreters for each of those languages will be on call all day every day.
This technology may have a fairly wide reach. For one thing, it could streamline emergency response services. Medical facilities and government services, such as the police, could be vastly more effective in cases where they will be able to get hold of a professional interpreter immediately. Emergency situations will be easier to cope with and lives will be saved. In addition, it will open up business channels for many companies who will now have the opportunity to stop limiting their activities to companies and individuals that speak good English. Through this translation service, companies will be able to communicate with limited English speakers easily with the middle man translator on the line doing most of the hard work.
There will, no doubt, be a number of "growing pains" involved in the development of this service. Technology that recognizes your language could get it wrong, for example, and it will take a while for the system to be perfected. However, in the long run, it could represent a significant breakthrough in communication and make a substantial difference to the lives and businesses of many people. As the world becomes smaller, we have to face the fact that we are going to deal with a variety of different people from a variety of different cultures and language groups on a daily basis. A solution such as this one offered by AT&T is the way forward for all of us. Hopefully, it will not take long for any teething problems that turn up to be dealt with as this could represent a significant milestone for the company.
At this point, the service is available to businesses and government departments, but I feel that in the future, it will become significantly more widespread and will affect the lives of many people.
CenturyLink, Inc. (CTL) is a tech stock that, in my opinion, has the right idea about how to move forward. Although it is in the habit of making enormous investments, these investments do not detract from its ability to maintain a healthy balance sheet and provide large returns for its shareholders and investors. Recently, the company entered into an agreement with the Social Security Administration (SSA). The deal, worth $233 million, states that CenturyLink will provide the Social Security Administration with data network support for a period of five years. This is a significant deal for the company.
Windstream Corporation (WIN) will soon embark on a significant project for Pratt Industries, the fifth largest box manufacturer in the United States. Essentially what Windstream will do is upgrade Pratt's communication system. The company has 72 locations across the world, and the present communication between each of those satellites is simply not good enough. The customized managed Unified Communications services that Windstream has developed for the company will improve this situation significantly and create a situation where Pratt will be in a position to profit more from its business. This is a large project for Windstream and should make a difference to its value on the stock market.
If we take a look at competitor Frontier Communications Corporation (FTR) we can see that it also has a fairly good idea about how to move forward form here. The company recently announced the continuance of its partnership with The Berry Company. This is, in my mind, a wise move to make as the two companies work together to bring advertising solutions as well as the Yellow Pages. This is a highly profitable source of revenue for both companies, and I feel that a continuance of the partnership is in the best interests of investors.
Verizon Communications (VZ) has finally introduced its new Internet tiers and we finally know how much this will cost consumers. Don't have a heart attack when you look at the prices - yes, they are more expensive to a certain degree than what you may be paying now, but you need to remember two things: (1) although Verizon is pushing for users to make use of the new packages, the older packages are still available and (2) you get a lot more speed for your money than with previous packages offered by the tech and communications company.
AT&T has the right idea, in my opinion, about how to move forward. If you look at the new On Demand Interpretations service closely, you will realize that it provides the company with one very important advantage: access to a wider variety of clients. The company is now able to make connections with speakers of 170 different languages and provide them with its services. This is genuinely the best way for the company to makes its presence felt on as wide a spectrum as possible.
Disclosure: I have no positions in any stocks mentioned, and no plans to initiate any positions within the next 72 hours.
