A low-speed, packet-switched, wireless data network from Motient Corporation, Reston, VA (www.motient.com) that transfers data up to 19.2 Kbps in the 800 MHz band. Motient offers e-mail and wireless Internet services over the DataTAC network for BlackBerry and eLink devices.

Deep Penetration into Buildings
Due to its lower frequency range, the DataTAC network can penetrate buildings better than other higher-speed networks. DataTAC 4000 describes the U.S. public network. DataTAC 5000 is used in Europe, and DataTAC 6000 is implemented in Asia.

From ARDIS to Motient
DataTAC was the technology behind the ARDIS network, which was created by IBM and Motorola in 1983 for IBM field service technicians. In 1998, ARDIS merged with American Mobile Satellite, and the newly formed company became Motient. In 2000, the ARDIS service took the name of its DataTAC network.