BellSouth Cellemetry® Data Service And Wireless Data Concepts Monitor Comcast's Cable Battery Supplies
ATLANTA - (March 17, 1998) - BellSouth and Wireless Data Concepts LLC announced today that a trial
to test BellSouth's Cellemetry® Data Service and Wireless Data Concepts' patented cable
monitoring application was successful. The system remotely monitors Comcast's stand-by power
supply units, using Cellemetry Data Service to transmit equipment status information over a cellular
network in Indianapolis to a Wireless Data Concepts information facility for processing.
Wireless Data Concepts' ORION™ Series enables Comcast to collect data and send messages
regarding the operating status of its stand-by power supply units over a wireless network virtually
anytime, anywhere. For example, a stand-by power supply unit can transmit a signal to a central
facility to notify Comcast that commercial power has been interrupted or output voltage has
decreased below acceptable levels. This enables a staff person to visit the site and solve the
problem quickly, before service to customers is interrupted.
Messages are transmitted over the Cellular One network in Indianapolis which is operated by
BellSouth Cellular Corp.
"This test proves that the Cellemetry Service/Wireless Data Concepts monitoring system works,"
said Steve Hart, construction manager at Comcast. "During field testing, the system successfully
detected an alarm event allowing us to proceed directly to the site and repair the damage before
a subscriber registered a complaint."
Cellemetry Data Service, a patented wireless technology developed by BellSouth, enables a
variety of equipment to be remotely monitored by using the existing cellular network's non-voice
data and control channels. Cellular carriers may choose what type of Cellemetry Service
deployment method is appropriate based on their needs. Cellemetry Service's single, centralized
service bureau enables carriers to implement Cellemetry Service in all carrier markets without
requiring additional infrastructure modifications or sales distribution costs. Cellemetry Service
also provides other architectures for carriers wanting closer involvement in the deployment of the
service.
"Cellemetry Service makes it simple for cable companies to deploy monitoring systems wherever
and whenever needed," said Roger Birkle, president of Wireless Data Concepts. "Because of the
cellular network's broad coverage area, the system can be implemented without making extensive
modifications. And, our customers will benefit from BellSouth's experience in the wireless arena."
"Cellemetry Service provides cellular carriers with an additional method for generating revenue
by giving them a way to use a portion of the network they normally wouldn't utilize," said Ed Comer,
director of the Cellemetry Business Unit for BellSouth. "Cellemetry Service transmits messages solely
over the cellular network's control channels, having absolutely no impact on or use of the voice
channels."
Since the introduction of Cellemetry Service in early 1996, BellSouth has signed contracts to provide
Cellemetry with carriers in North America representing approximately 140 million potential customers
(POPs). Carriers include AirTouch-Eastern Region, BellSouth Cellular Corp., Mobility Canada, CommNet,
Frontier Cellular, Kansas Cellular, Rural Cellular Corp., Sygnet, US WEST NewVector Group and Vanguard
Cellular.
Wireless Data Concepts LLC is based in Cincinnati and provides status monitoring equipment for
the cable industry's power supply units using the ORION™ Series. The ORION™ Series is
easily installed in the leading power supplies in use today.
Comcast Cablevision of Indianapolis Inc. serves approximately 144,000 subscribers in Marion County
from five headends. Comcast Cable is the third largest multi-state operator (MSO) nationally.
BellSouth Cellular Corp. companies, BellSouth Mobility (BMI) and American Cellular Communications
Corp. (ACC), provide wireless communications services to nearly 5 million customers in 13 states.
BMI operates with its partners in eight Southeastern states. ACC markets operate under a variety
of names in California, Texas, Virginia and Hawaii and as Cellular One in Indiana.
BellSouth Corp. (NYSE: BLS) is a $20 billion communications services company. It provides
telecommunications, wireless communications, directory advertising and publishing, video, Internet
and information services to more than 29 million customers in 20 countries worldwide.
BellSouth and NumereX Corp. (NASDAQ: NMRX) recently announced an agreement to form a joint
venture called Cellemetry LLC. The joint venture will be operated by NumereX Corp. and will focus
on introducing and developing new applications using the Cellemetry Data Service technology as well
as increasing the availability of Cellemetry through additional contracts with cellular carriers
nationwide.
NOTE: More information about Cellemetry Data Service can be found on the Cellemetry web site at
http://www.cellemetry.com. For more information about BellSouth, visit the BellSouth web site at
http://www.bellsouth.com. Also, BellSouth news releases dating back one year are available by fax
at no charge by calling 1-800-758-5804, ext. 095650.
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Cellemetry is a registered trademark of BellSouth Corporation.
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