BSkyB awards handheld PC order

British Sky Broadcasting, the operator of the UK's largest digital pay TV platform and broadband provider, has equipped its field service team with rugged mobile computers from Intermec.

BSkyB has purchased over 2,000 of the compact, rugged, IntermecCN3 handheld computers with an extended life battery.

This will enable more integration between the entertainment company's engineers and support systems.

Integrated technology on the deployed CN3 includes GPRS and 2D Area Imager. Accessories purchased include in-vehicle suction cup mounting units, home and office based charging docks, and Sky branded holsters.

BSkyB engineers will now receive updated work instructions throughout the day via GPRS, which will also be used to send job details back to the company's central IT system once a job has been completed.

Through the use of the IntermecCN3 devices, BSkyB expects to benefit from exceptionally user-friendly communication tools for their people as well as a greater capacity to manage exceptions on the day.