ers to electronic and mechanical devices with computer controllers. Key technologies that enable these services are the Global Positioning System (GPS) technology (which allows any device to calculate its own location on or above the earth's surface within a few meters), the satellite communications network, and the cellular network. Cars already have GPS-based mapping and driving direction services and will have Internet access soon. Cellular networks could compete with satellite services to provide this as GPS location reporting is incorporated into wireless telephone networks. Utility companies are looking into gas and electric meters that report their status, eliminating the need for meter readers. Many campuses are going to smart-card vend- ing machines for everything from soda machines to washers and dryers. Currently, charges are managed on the smart cards. However, the addition of cellular communi- cations could provide these devices, which are already computerized and in locations that are costly to connect with a network, with the ability to report errors or even need for routine service such as restocking of products for sale. Similar devices de- signed for households are already coming onto the market in Japan, which tends to be the first adopter of highly computerized technology. There are refrigerators that order groceries when you run low and microwaves that download recipes over the Internet. Of course, these do not have to be on cellular networks. However, the cellular network is already in place, and providers are seeking more customers, SO it is reasonable that they will compete to provide service to such devices. What will come next? No one can be sure, but there are some incredible uses for wire- less data already. In Japan, a cell phone strapped around a cow's neck calls the cow home from the pasture for milking in the evening. Many of us have heard of the LoJack system that transmits a radio signal from a car if it is stolen, helping it to be recovered. A similar product is now available fo