Flying J Inc., a Utah-based corporation, SmartStop Wireless Solutions of Oregon and Petro Stopping Centers of El Paso, have announced the formation of a strategic alliance in wireless communications called the Travel Plaza Alliance Network.

The collaboration gives fleet carriers and professional truck drivers easy access to a secure wireless communications network at participating Flying J Travel Plazas and Petro Stopping Centers across the United States and Canada.
The Travel Plaza Alliance Network will use the rapidly growing IEEE 802.11 technology -- more commonly known as WiFi. Flying J has been installing its 802.11 systems and technology over the last few months and has its network about 50% complete.
The company expects to begin selling services in mid-April. Access to the enlarged network provided by the alliance will follow shortly thereafter. Flying J will be working with Petro and Petro's strategic partner, SmartStop Wireless Solutions, to provide carriers and drivers a common platform upon which personal and business data traffic may be transmitted and received. In addition, it will provide wireless Internet access to the traveling general public who frequent highway facilities all across the country.
Flying J President J. Phillip Adams, said, "We know that carriers and drivers alike will want to take advantage of the convenience of WiFi technology within Flying J's network of facilities. We look forward to working with Petro and SmartStop Wireless Solutions in building an enhanced network for those customers we have in common. In addition, we invite other travel plazas, travel centers, and related facilities to participate. The alliance will help to eliminate a major part of the confusion and cost associated with incompatible and fragmented services across the industry."
Jim Cardwell, Chief Operating Officer for Petro Stopping Centers added, "Petro is very excited to join this effort to create a WiFi network for the travel plaza industry. Increasing the number of accessible locations will enhance the value of the product and services offered by this incredible technology. The Travel Plaza Alliance Network provides an opportunity for our industry to take a cohesive, major step forward technologically while maintaining our own individual business interests."
Expansion of the alliance to include other industry service providers will better meet the industry's need for a standardized wireless communications solution that offers security and interoperability. Additionally, as 802.11b technology matures, a seamless migration path to higher speed 802.11 standards will be addressed by the alliance, resulting in a more cost-effective solution for the Travel Plaza Alliance Network participants, and ensuring that members are not left behind with obsolete equipment and systems as 802.11 rapidly grows and develops.