With SiriCOMM going the way of Truckstop.net I thought it might be time to get in touch with a certain senior official at Flying J Communications. He prefers I keep his name out of print but over the last couple of years, especially while I was writing “Over the Road Wireless For Dummies”, he’s been especially open, honest and helpful.

When Truckstop.net folded, still holding the funds of many a good trucker, Flying J offered to honor the obligations left unfulfilled by Truckstop.net. So I asked him; “will Flying J be stepping in and coming to the rescue as it did in the previous debacle?” His emailed answer included a surprising revelation along with an invitation to call and discuss the situation further. I accepted that invitation, earlier today, and I now know that Flying J is offering the solution to nearly every trucker’s complaint concerning WiFi services.

SiriCOMM is (can’t use the past-tense yet) a publicly held company; as such their financial situation is, quite literally, an open book. Not surprisingly, folks at Flying J availed themselves of the opportunity to study that book and, quite some time ago, came to the conclusion that the business model employed by SiriCOMM was unlikely to succeed. Because of this, they began discussing the position they’d likely take if SiriCOMM ceased operations. At this moment, Flying J is still “…discussing how and with what offer we should present to Siricomm customers….” I suspect (of course, I don’t presume to know for sure) that something could be announced soon.

As with the offer to bail out Truckstop.net subscribers, any potential offer would, no doubt, be designed to increase the Flying J subscriber base. As it should be. If they decide to accept the responsibilities abdicated by SiriCOMM they should be allowed the opportunity to gain the benefits. All well and good - but here’s the big revelation I alluded to:

Flying J is Offering to Create a Single WiFi Network

Calls have been made. Meetings have even taken place. At this moment, however, it seems that the pleas made by Flying J to the other major truck stop operators have, unfortunately, fallen on deaf ears. The goal that Flying J seeks to achieve is the creation of “an industry wide wifi network.” They feel, and I agree, that “a single large wifi network would compete better with the aggressive cellular data programs now available.”

The gentleman with whom I spoke went on to say that a single network “would be better for the customer and better for the technology.” The biggest stumbling block, though, seems to be in getting all the parties to the bargaining table. A few of them won’t even return calls. Granted, the major truck stop operators are competitors, and other issues are likely overshadowing any desire some may have to enter discussions, but it’d be really nice if they’d look beyond their differences and just do what is best for their customers.

I like Wi-Fi. I prefer it, for a number of reasons, to cellular broadband. I’d really like it if I could have a single Wi-Fi subscription. One I can use no matter the truck stop in which I find myself parked. Right now, even without any formal agreement, it’s possible to connect to the Flying J network from most TA and Petro Travel Plazas; that’s because Flying J has installed equipment in adjacent areas. With an agreement, though, that equipment could be positioned for maximum coverage and signal strength.

We need to voice our support

One thing I know, for sure, is that truck stop operators really do care about enticing customers into their facilities. I haven’t really thought out the method by which we can make ourselves heard in regard to this issue. If we want to see a single industry-wide WiFi network become a reality, and I can’t imagine why we wouldn’t, we do have to make our voices heard - clearly and loudly.

At this time and from this place I’m urging the decision makers at Travel Centers of America (who now also own Petro), Pilot Travel Centers, Love’s Travel Centers, and any other interested truck stop operator to contact your counterparts at Flying J Communications. And, you know, if they’ve already called you, at least return the call; its the polite thing to do.