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March 15, 2011

FreeWave touts industrial radio for 2.4 Ghz band

FreeWave touts industrial radio for 2.4 Ghz band
By:  Howard Solomon On: 14 Mar 2011 For: Network World Canada
Wireless devices for remote monitoring equipment will operate in less congested band, giving energy, utility and agriculture industries better equipment

A Colorado company has become the latest wireless industrial radio manufacturer to add the ability to transmit data over the unlicenced 2.4 Ghz band to its lineup.

FreeWave Technologies Inc. said Monday that its new GX family gives network managers, solution builders and original equipment manufacturers a better choice for organizations wanting to take advantage of unlicenced spectrum.

“It provides another option where the 900 Mhz band is congested, or where OEMs or partners manufacture products that are shipping globally,” said Tim Stevens, FreeWave’s product manager for embedded systems.

Wireless industrial modems connect to supervisory control and data acquisition  (SCADA) devices, and are used in wide range of industries to send data from remote sensors to collection servers. The oil and natural gas industries may come first to mind, but they can also be found in the agriculture industry regulating irrigation systems, monitoring hydro equipment.

Police agencies use wireless modems attached to video cameras, while armed forces use them in remote flying drones. And they have been attached to golf carts so their locations can be tracked.

There are hardened cellular modems, but they aren’t of much use in outlying rural areas. And, carriers charge monthly data fees. Unlicenced spectrum, on the other hand, is free.

The GX series is almost identical to FreeWave’s MM2 radios for the 900 Mhz band, with one major difference: Because the propagation characteristics of the 2.4 Ghz band isn’t as good as the lower band, signals can only carry up to 20 miles (32 km) under ideal conditions – about one-third of the MM2′s capability.

But increasingly the 900 Mhz band is running out of room.

“Getting crowded is putting it mildly,” says Michael Rozender, a wireless consultant based in Grimsby, Ont. “You can’t get 900 Mhz frequency allocations from Industry Canada for anything more than a few kilohertz of bandwidth, and that’s not enough for broadband throughput.”

And broadband is the key, he said. It used to be that SCADA devices put out a small amount of data – is the sensor or control unit working or not. Today, companies want a large range of data about sensors, including video. So the relatively unpopulated 2.4 Ghz band is in demand.

Barry Blight, manager for field automation at Spartan Controls of Calgary, which resells FreeWave modems, said the GX series’ 2.4 Ghz capabilities might be useful in factories, where noise interference from machinery is a concern, as well as foreign countries Spartan sells to.

However, he added, Spartan’s oil and gas customers in B.C. and Alberta aren’t seeing any transmission problems yet in the 900 Mhz range.

Some FreeWave competitors, such as Synetcom Inc., have already released 2.4 Ghz versions of their products.

Initially the GX series will have three versions: The GX-C, [pictured] which lists as US750 for OEMs, integrators and companies that already have an equipment cabinet the circuit board can slip into; the GXM, which lists at US$650, for use in embedded devices, and the GX-CP, which lists at US$900, for companies that use cathodic corrosion protection for buried pipes and tanks.

Later this year it will release two enclosed versions for end users that will be similar to FreeWave’s FGR2 900 Mhz shoe or rail mount radios: the GX-PE, with two Ethernet and two serial ports; and the GX-CE, with four serial ports.

The GX series outputs 500 milliwatts of power, but that can be capped at 100 mM to meet European standards.

Click here to see the article on Network World Canda’s website: (http://www.itworldcanada.com/news/freewave-touts-industrial-radio-for-2-4-ghz-band/142709)

FREEWAVE INTRODUCES NEW LINE OF WIRELESS DATA RADIOS FOR GLOBAL USE

FREEWAVE INTRODUCES NEW LINE OF WIRELESS DATA RADIOS FOR GLOBAL USE

Company now provides its trusted wireless radio solutions for industrial applications across the globe with introduction of the GX line

BOULDER, Colo. March 14, 2011 — FreeWave Technologies, (http://www.freewave.com), manufacturer of the most reliable, high-performance spread spectrum and licensed radios for critical data transmission, today announced the introduction of its new GX product line operating in the globally available 2.4 GHz spectrum with the release of the GXM, GXCP, and GX-C Serial radio.  The GX line of radios provides OEMs, integrators, and end-users who have adopted FreeWave’s popular 900 MHz FGR and FGR2 product families with a familiar option in 2.4 GHz with FCC, IC, ETSI, and UL Class 1 Division 2 compliance in a single radio.  The GXCP is ideal for cathodic protection applications and the  GXM offers the same tiny foot print as FreeWave’s 900 MHz MM2 radio (2-inches tall X 1.4-inches wide), making it ideal for industrial and manufacturing applications. The GX-C radio is suited for use in a variety of markets, including oil and gas, water/wastewater, and industries with similar SCADA applications.

 
“Meeting customer requirements has always been FreeWave’s top priority.  The development of the GX family furthers our product evolution and is in direct response to customers’ requests for this solution set,” said Tim Stevens, product manager of embedded systems at FreeWave. “The GX line gives them the capability to expand their deployments and use our technology outside of North America. By providing this option we aim to offer FreeWave radios’ unmatched reliability and flexibility across the globe.

“The needs of our customers also motivated us to introduce two new features with the GX product line:  LPA or Linear Power Adjustment and the addition of remote LED support to our embedded GXM products. LPA enables the output power of a GX to be specified in dBm, and a new backward compatible 24-pin connector option enables OEMs to add radio status LEDs to their products,” he added.

The GX-Line
The entire GX line, which transmits data in the 2.4 GHz spectrum for international use, is an alternative to the 900 MHz spectrum. This allows current North American customers with international locations to easily leverage their existing investments by communicating in one or both spectrums. The GX line is RoHS (Reduction of hazardous substance) compliant and ETSI (European Technical Standard Institute) labeled.
The new line also offers the same proven features as FreeWave’s FGR2 900 MHz line of radios. Some of the key benefits and features include:

• Long range – 20-mile range with clear line of sight.
• Versatile – a single radio can operate as a master, slave, repeater or slave/repeater.
• Unparalleled signal performance – technology built in for filtering that has unmatched combination of overload immunity and sensitivity.
• Industry-leading, money-saving low power consumption.
• Supported by FreeWave Tool Suite, a network diagnostics and radio configuration software.

Availability, Configurations, and Pricing
The GXCP, GXM and GX-C are available now and can be purchased in multiple configurations, including point-to-point and point-to-multipoint, slave or repeater. Pricing varies, depending upon customer configuration. For more details about the GX line please visit: www.freewave.com.

About FreeWave Technologies
Founded in 1993, FreeWave Technologies manufactures the most reliable, high performing, lowest power consumption, spread spectrum and licensed radios for mission-critical data transmission. Through engineering excellence and a relentless commitment to best-in-class manufacturing, FreeWave customers enjoy superior radio up-time, range and the lowest cost of ownership available. Based in Boulder, Colorado, FreeWave designs and manufactures radios that are the leading choice for oil and gas, utility, military and numerous other industrial applications. Organizations that count on radio data communications for operational success – where failure and down-time are not an option – trust FreeWave for custom network design, system engineering and customer support that are unparalleled in the market. For additional information, contact FreeWave directly at 866.399.4930 or at newsinfo@freewave.com. Visit the company’s website at www.freewave.com.

###
Press Contact:
Christin Jeffers
Catapult PR-IR
303-581-7760 ext. 19
cjeffers@catapultpr-ir.com

March 10, 2011

FREEWAVE TECHNOLOGIES OFFERS WIRELESS BATTERY-POWERED RADIO OPTION FOR REMOTE MONITORING

FREEWAVE TECHNOLOGIES OFFERS WIRELESS BATTERY-POWERED RADIO OPTION FOR REMOTE MONITORING

Company releases the first submersible solution for cathodic protection remote monitoring

BOULDER, Colo., March 9, 2011 — FreeWave Technologies, (http://www.freewave.com), manufacturer of the most reliable, high-performance spread spectrum and licensed radios for critical data transmission, announced the first wireless battery-powered proprietary radio network device for cathodic protection remote monitoring. The wireless Battery-powered Waterproof Submersible BPRM CP RMU is the first of its kind on the market today. It is ideal for pipe-to-soil cathodic protection applications in the water/wastewater and oil and gas industries where users only require access to the radio once every two years. This solution is especially suited for applications in need of a polling frequency once a week or less.

“The battery-powered solution was created based on customer demand,” explained Craig Held, General Manager, International at FreeWave. “We needed to provide a solution that can keep a low profile and is water-proof, submersible and targeted toward installations with access issues. Our battery-powered solution meets these needs. Not only does it help operators work toward regulatory compliance with monitoring, but is a step toward reaching active mitigation.”

A game changer in cathodic protection remote monitoring, the Battery-powered Waterproof Submersible BPRM CP RMU is available in both 900MHz and 2.4 GHz frequencies. With a battery life forecasted at 4.5 years, this new radio solution allows for minimal maintenance at sites where access is limited. The new BPRM CP RMU also offers three pipe-to-soils instead of one. Additionally, the antenna is the only piece of the equipment that is visible above ground, making it less vulnerable to vandalism and theft.

The three key benefits that make this solution unique include:

• Three pipe-to-soils, making it an ideal solution for monitoring pipe-to-soil potential.
• Waterproof and submersible, making it especially suitable for water/wastewater applications.
• It is battery-powered, offering minimal human intervention.

“We are pleased to be the first to provide this specialized type of solution for cathodic protection remote monitoring,” said Held. “As with all FreeWave wireless data radios, the battery-powered solution provides flexibility, reliability, long range and low power consumption that our customers have grown to expect in our products.” 

Availability, Configurations, and Pricing
The Battery-powered Waterproof Submersible BPRM CP RMU will be available for shipping in the second quarter. Pricing varies, depending upon customer configuration. For more information please visit: www.freewave.com.

About FreeWave Technologies
Founded in 1993, FreeWave Technologies manufactures the most reliable, high performing, lowest power consumption, spread spectrum and licensed radios for mission-critical data transmission. Through engineering excellence and a relentless commitment to best-in-class manufacturing, FreeWave customers enjoy superior radio up-time, range and the lowest cost of ownership available. Based in Boulder, Colorado, FreeWave designs and manufactures radios that are the leading choice for oil and gas, utility, military and numerous other industrial applications. Organizations that count on radio data communications for operational success – where failure and down-time are not an option – trust FreeWave for custom network design, system engineering and customer support that are unparalleled in the market. For additional information, contact FreeWave directly at 866.399.4930 or at newsinfo@freewave.com. Visit the company’s website at www.freewave.com.

###
Press Contact:
Christin Jeffers
Catapult PR-IR
303-581-7760 ext. 19
cjeffers@catapultpr-ir.com

February 28, 2011

FREEWAVE TECHNOLOGIES CONTINUES TO REWARD EMPLOYEES AS COMPANY CONTINUES PATH OF GROWTH AND SUCCESS

FREEWAVE TECHNOLOGIES CONTINUES TO REWARD EMPLOYEES AS COMPANY CONTINUES PATH OF GROWTH AND SUCCESS

Company pays out 32nd consecutive bonus to its employees as it expands workforce by almost nine percent

BOULDER, Colo., Feb. 28, 2011 – FreeWave Technologies, (http://www.freewave.com), manufacturer of the most reliable, high-performance spread spectrum and licensed radios for critical data transmission, today announced that it has distributed its 32nd consecutive bonus payout to its employees. Two times a year, the company rewards its employees with a bonus, which it consistently has paid since FreeWave hired its first employee in 1995. The bonus is based on profitability and growth, and is distributed in the form of both cash and contributions to employee-managed pension plans. This bonus distribution is a reflection of the company’s dedication to attracting and retaining a highly skilled and motivated workforce. FreeWave averages seven years in regards to employee retention and also has very little turnover. In addition, the company continues to invest in its success by increasing its workforce last year by almost nine percent and expanding its geographical presence around the globe.

“FreeWave’s team continues to focus on customers each and every day – from the employees in manufacturing to the senior management and executive staff,” explained Ashish Sharma, chief marketing officer (CMO) and general manager of products at FreeWave. “Our employees are the lifeblood of our organization and are dedicated to serving our customers in the highest quality manner. We believe our success is a direct result of their contributions and we are happy to reward them through these semi-annual bonus payouts among other benefits.”

Although employment rates remain unstable throughout the U.S., FreeWave has continued to add to its team – almost nine percent last year — in order to maintain its top-notch customer service. With new international radio solutions launched and more in development, FreeWave plans to make its mark globally this year. In addition, the company has continued to increase its efforts within renewable energy and utility markets, such as Renewable Energy and Smart Grid, while remaining a leading provider of wireless data radio solutions for industries, such as oil and gas, military, agriculture and more.

“In 2011, we expect to see our global presence increase dramatically,” explained Sharma. “With our recent launch of new licensed radios for international use and additional global products in development, we will be able to meet the needs of customers with installations overseas and will aim to secure new customers by offering new solutions that meet their needs.”

About FreeWave Technologies
Founded in 1993, FreeWave Technologies manufactures the most reliable, high performing, lowest power consumption, spread spectrum and licensed radios for mission-critical data transmission. Through engineering excellence and a relentless commitment to best-in-class manufacturing, FreeWave customers enjoy superior radio up-time, range and the lowest cost of ownership available. Based in Boulder, Colorado, FreeWave designs and manufactures radios that are the leading choice for oil and gas, utility, military and numerous other industrial applications. Organizations that count on radio data communications for operational success – where failure and down-time are not an option – trust FreeWave for custom network design, system engineering and customer support that is unparalleled in the market. For additional information, contact FreeWave directly at 866.399.4930 or at newsinfo@freewave.com. Visit the company’s website at www.freewave.com.

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Press Contact:
Terri Douglas
Catapult PR-IR
303.581.7760, ext. 19
tdouglas@catapultpr-ir.com

February 23, 2011

FREEWAVE TECHNOLOGIES’ COLIN LIPPINCOTT TO PRESENT AT THE 2011 WINTER SMART GRID VIRTUAL SUMMIT

FREEWAVE TECHNOLOGIES’ COLIN LIPPINCOTT TO PRESENT AT THE 2011 WINTER SMART GRID VIRTUAL SUMMIT

Company expert will present on the communication technology alternatives for designing the Smart Grid

WHO: Colin Lippincott
         General Manager, Energy Markets
         FreeWave Technologies, Inc.
         (www.freewave.com)

Colin Lippincott has been with FreeWave Technologies, Inc. for eight years. In his current position as general manager of energy markets, he works primarily with solar, wind and Smart Grid technologies to advance remote automation, condition monitoring, positioning and SCADA success with affordable wireless systems and unmatched reliability. Prior to FreeWave, he served in various management and operations roles with several companies since graduating from the University of Colorado with a Masters in Business Administration.

Founded in 1993, FreeWave Technologies is a world leader in the innovative design/manufacture of license-free spread spectrum, licensed band radios and wireless data solutions that are trusted for mission critical applications around the world (www.freewave.com).

WHAT: Technical Presentation: “Designing the Smart Grid: Technology Alternatives and Case Studies”

Many Smart Grid utility operators are finding the need for newer, more efficient forms of communication to effectively deploy distribution automation. There are, of course, a variety of options for implementing communications and some emerging solutions as well, such as recently available wireless data radios. This presentation will highlight real-life, case study examples of wireless technology installations for distribution automation that can save time, money and increase efficiency of system management while meeting a “best fit” requirement to the objectives of the organization. Attendees will learn about the different solutions available for critical data monitoring and discover the advantages of using wireless communication systems.

Lippincott will be one of three speakers during this presentation time slot. Each speaker will present for 20 minutes, reserving 15 minutes after the final presenter for Q&A with the audience.

WHERE: Smart Grid Virtual Summit – Winter 2011
            Online at (http://www.smartgrid-vsummit.com)   
   
WHEN: Thursday, Feb. 24 from 1:15 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. EST

CONTACT: For more information on FreeWave Technologies, or to set up an interview with Mr. Lippincott, please contact:

Christin Jeffers
Catapult PR-IR
(303) 581-7760, ext. 19
cjeffers@catapultpr-ir.com

February 22, 2011

HEAD OF THE HOOCH ROWING RACE RELIES ON FREEWAVE WIRELESS DATA RADIOS FOR ACCURATE TIMING

HEAD OF THE HOOCH ROWING RACE RELIES ON FREEWAVE WIRELESS DATA RADIOS FOR ACCURATE TIMING

Race organizers discover a new use for industrially hardened FGR2-PE radios

BOULDER, Colo., Feb. 22, 2011 — FreeWave Technologies, (http://www.freewave.com), manufacturer of the most reliable, high-performance spread spectrum and licensed radios for critical data transmission, is a trusted solution in several industries including, oil and gas, water/wastewater, military, electric power, renewable energy and several more. Although FreeWave radios are typically used for utility and industrial grade applications, organizers of the Head of the Hooch rowing race have discovered an “outside of the box” application by using them for timing at the annual event in Chattanooga, Tenn.

FreeWave FGR2-PE 900 MHz radios are set up along the 5,000 meter (3.1 mile) racecourse, one at the start, one on a building roof to ensure line of sight, and another at the finish. The radios are installed in conjunction with a dual chronometer timing system that offers accuracy down to a tenth of a second. Each of the 2,000-plus crew’s start and finish times are captured in the timing system database as they race and the FreeWave radios transfer the times from the start line chronometer to the timing computer system located at the finish line. Originally, the start line time transfers were done over voice radio, but as the number of race participants has grown over the years this became impractical.

“We implemented this solution with FreeWave’s radios because of the reliability and excellent performance they exhibited for a research project at Georgia Tech Research Institute (GTRI),” explained Bob Kerr, Principal Research Engineer at GTRI and 30-year member of the Atlanta Rowing Club, which organizes Head of the Hooch annual event. “Using radios that are typically relied upon for industrial applications ended up being a great idea because they are highly reliable and can maintain a link under stressful interference conditions.”

The FGR2-PE has both serial and Ethernet wireless connectivity and uses license-free spread spectrum for data communication over long distances. It is compatible with other FreeWave FGRPlus family radios and offers a second, switched Ethernet port as well as two serial ports to meet the needs of a variety of automation requirements. In addition, the FGR2-PE has improved noise rejection and additional performance enhancements that allow it to maintain wireless serial or Ethernet communications over long distances or in congested RF environments – making it perfect for a race taking place in busy downtown Chattanooga.

“The radios are easy to install and have provided a consistently reliable data link over the years,” said Kerr. “By updating our system to the FGR2-PE this year, we believe timing will continue to run smoothly for years to come.”

“We are pleased to see that Head of the Hooch selected FreeWave radios for this unique application,” said Ashish Sharma, chief marketing officer (CMO) and general manager of products at FreeWave.  “Our products unmatched flexibility, reliability and long range coverage have been trusted for utility scale industrial applications for years.  It’s very rewarding to see them successfully deployed in a new way.” 

About FreeWave Technologies
Founded in 1993, FreeWave Technologies manufactures the most reliable, high performing, lowest power consumption, spread spectrum and licensed radios for mission-critical data transmission. Through engineering excellence and a relentless commitment to best-in-class manufacturing, FreeWave customers enjoy superior radio up-time, range and the lowest cost of ownership available. Based in Boulder, Colorado, FreeWave designs and manufactures radios that are the leading choice for oil and gas, utility, military and numerous other industrial applications. Organizations that count on radio data communications for operational success – where failure and down-time are not an option – trust FreeWave for custom network design, system engineering and customer support that are unparalleled in the market. For additional information, contact FreeWave directly at 866.399.4930 or at (newsinfo@freewave.com). Visit the company’s website at (www.freewave.com).

###
Press Contact:
Christin Jeffers
Catapult PR-IR
303-581-7760 ext. 19
cjeffers@catapultpr-ir.com

February 14, 2011

FREEWAVE TECHNOLOGIES’ DAN STEELE, TO SPEAK AT THE 30TH ANNUAL COLORADO RURAL WATER ASSOCIATION CONFERENCE

FREEWAVE TECHNOLOGIES’ DAN STEELE, TO SPEAK AT THE 30TH ANNUAL COLORADO RURAL WATER ASSOCIATION CONFERENCE

WHO:  Dan Steele
          Business Development Executive
          FreeWave Technologies, Inc.
          (www.freewave.com)

Daniel G. Steele is a business development executive at FreeWave Technologies, Inc. Steele has more than 25 years experience selling SCADA networks for the water and waste water, oil and gas, electric utilities, railroad, traffic and process control instrumentation markets. Some of Dan’s previous experience includes working as a system integrator; as a branch manager for Water Works Equipment; as a regional sales manager for Rockwell Automation; as a regional area manager for Microwave Data Systems; and, as a senior vice president of sales for Bluewave Antenna Systems.

Founded in 1993, FreeWave Technologies is a world leader in the innovative design/manufacture of license-free spread spectrum, licensed band radios and wireless data solutions that are trusted for mission critical applications around the world (www.freewave.com). 

WHAT: Technical Session: “What’s In Your Radio Communication Tackle Box?”
 
Numerous communication technologies have been introduced into the irrigation and water management market over the years all claiming to be the best and most reliable communication tool. Radios have become faster, smarter and easier than ever to program and upgrade firmware. The biggest advancements are happening on the I/O side of the pond. We see more options and frequencies that can be used today than ever before. Some of those trends are 2.4 GHz for short range I/O and 900MHz for long range or for those networks that might only have a couple of sites that require I/O. 

This presentation will review what tools attendees should have in their communication tackle box and how they can make managing their radio communications network easier with more information at their disposal. Tips will be shared for determining what is best for each situation as well as how to plan for organizations’ changing needs.

Hands-on Class:

During this hands-on class, Steele will teach attendees how to set up, install and troubleshoot serial wireless networks using spread spectrum radios.

WHERE:  Colorado Rural Water Association Annual Conference
             Crowne Plaza Hotel
             2886 S. Circle Drive
             Colorado Springs, CO 80906

WHEN: Technical Session (during the Advanced Water Track):
           Wednesday, February 16
           1:00 – 2:00 pm
           Pikes Peak Room 2

          Hands-On Class (during the Advanced Water Track):
          Thursday, February 17
          4:15 – 5:15 pm
          Grand Ballroom G

CONTACT: For more information on FreeWave Technologies, or to set up an interview with Mr. Steele, please contact Christin Jeffers at Catapult PR-IR (303) 581-7760, ext. 19 or cjeffers@catapultpr-ir.com

FREEWAVE TECHNOLOGIES’ COLIN LIPPINCOTT TO MODERATE PANEL AT COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY PROFESSIONALS’ 11th ANNUAL FUTURE OF COMMUNICATIONS EVENT

FREEWAVE TECHNOLOGIES’ COLIN LIPPINCOTT TO MODERATE PANEL AT COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY PROFESSIONALS’ 11th ANNUAL FUTURE OF COMMUNICATIONS EVENT

WHO: Colin Lippincott
         General Manager, Energy Markets
         FreeWave Technologies, Inc.
         (www.freewave.com)

Colin Lippincott has been with FreeWave Technologies, Inc. for eight years. In his current position, general manager of energy markets, he leads FreeWave practice in smart grid, traditional electric power and utility scale power generation in both solar and wind to advance remote automation, condition-based monitoring, positioning and SCADA success with industrially hardened, affordable wireless systems and unmatched reliability. Prior to FreeWave, he served in various management and operations roles with several companies since graduating from the University of Colorado with a Masters in Business Administration.

Founded in 1993, FreeWave Technologies is a world leader in the innovative design/manufacture of license-free spread spectrum, licensed band radios and wireless data solutions that are trusted for mission critical applications around the world (www.freewave.com).

WHAT: Keynote and Executive Panel Discussion

Lippincott will lead an executive panel of experts, many of whom have leveraged their telecom backgrounds to impact the smart grid revolution. Panelists will discuss machine-to-machine (M2M) communications and how the smart grid of tomorrow can utilize the technology and lessons learned from the telecom industry. It will focus on the Smart Society, a collaboration of M2M communications giving everyday devices the ability to share important data points and make intelligent decisions.

Panelists will discuss how industries are utilizing existing networks via numerous forms, to process data, draw conclusions, control devices and build impactful applications. In addition, they will share how some of the most dominate leaders of M2M communications are companies working in the Smart Energy space. Panelists will cover what the future holds for the smart grid technology transformation and how the wireless and telecom ecosystem will play a role.

WHERE: Communication Technology Professionals (CTP) 11th Annual Future of Communications Event
             The Brown Palace Hotel
             321 17th Street
             Denver, CO 80202
   
WHEN: Tuesday, Feb. 15 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.

CONTACT: For more information on FreeWave Technologies, or to set up an interview with Mr. Lippincott, please  contact:
              Christin Jeffers
              Catapult PR-IR
              (303) 581-7760, ext. 19
              cjeffers@catapultpr-ir.com 
 

February 8, 2011

FREEWAVE TECHNOLOGIES RADIOS PROVIDE AUTOMATED VOLCANIC MONITORING IN ECUADOR

FREEWAVE TECHNOLOGIES RADIOS PROVIDE AUTOMATED VOLCANIC MONITORING IN ECUADOR

FreeWave radio series deployed to help protect human lives near active volcanoes by providing real-time data

BOULDER, Colo., Feb. 8, 2011 — FreeWave Technologies, (http://www.freewave.com) manufacturer of the most reliable, high-performance spread spectrum and licensed radios for critical data transmission, today announced it was chosen by the Institute of Geophysics of Ecuador as the data communications source for real-time monitoring of several active volcanoes. The Institute has deployed several FreeWave radios and is responsible for seismic and volcanic monitoring throughout the country in order to improve disaster preparedness and protect the lives of those that live in harms way.

“The data collection equipment that we previously had was fairly reliable, but it was not robust enough to withstand difficult terrain,” explained Cristina Ramos, researcher at the Institute of Geophysics of Ecuador. “FreeWave offered a solution that could handle the interference, weather and terrain associated with active volcanoes, and also transmit data across long distances. This was exactly what we needed in order to continue to fulfill our commitment of protecting the community.”

Currently, the Institute has added FreeWave radios for its monitoring networks and uses them in various applications and implementation activities. The primary monitoring applications include real-time broadband seismic stations in the Imbabura and Tungurahua Volcanoes; meteorological stations; stations to monitor volcanic gases; deformation stations using GPS technology and borehole sensors; remote digital cameras; and soon stations to quantify mud flow.

“Since implementing the radios, FreeWave has met the Institute’s expectations in many regards,” said Ramos. “This especially is evident in their performance in extreme conditions. This is demonstrated by a radio that transmits images from the top of the highest active volcano in the world, which operates at below zero degree temperatures from a height of 5,947 meters above sea level.”

“For more than eight years, FreeWave has proven to be a reliable solution for this mission critical application in Ecuador where human lives are at stake,” said Ashish Sharma, chief marketing officer (CMO) and general manager of products at FreeWave. “In fact, the seismic broadband monitoring done by FreeWave radios helped give early warning to the eruptions of the Tungurahua Volcano in 2006, 2008 and 2010.”
Additional benefits of the FreeWave radios that the Institute of Geophysics of Ecuador has identified:

• Reliable connections
• High performance under extreme conditions
• Easy configuration
• Compatibility among all versions
• Transparent radios
• Different data interfaces
• Far-reaching
• Fast transmission
• Immune to interference

About FreeWave Technologies
Founded in 1993, FreeWave Technologies manufactures the most reliable, high performing, lowest power consumption, spread spectrum and licensed radios for mission-critical data transmission. Through engineering excellence and a relentless commitment to best-in-class manufacturing, FreeWave customers enjoy superior radio up-time, range and the lowest cost of ownership available. Based in Boulder, Colorado, FreeWave designs and manufactures radios that are the leading choice for oil and gas, utility, military and numerous other industrial applications. Organizations that count on radio data communications for operational success – where failure and down-time are not an option – trust FreeWave for custom network design, system engineering and customer support that are unparalleled in the market. For additional information, contact FreeWave directly at 866.399.4930 or at newsinfo@freewave.com. Visit the company’s website at www.freewave.com.

###
Press Contact:
Christin Jeffers
Catapult PR-IR
303-581-7760 ext. 19
cjeffers@catapultpr-ir.com

February 4, 2011

FreeWave’s Reseller, MicroBee Systems, Awarded GSA IT Schedule 70 Contract

FreeWave’s Reseller, MicroBee Systems, Awarded GSA IT Schedule 70 Contract

FreeWave Technologies, (http://www.freewave.com), manufacturer of the most reliable, high-performance spread spectrum and licensed radios for critical data transmission, today announced that its reseller, MicroBee Systems, Inc. (http://www.microbee-systems.com) of Huntsville, Alabama has been awarded a U.S. General Services Administration (GSA) Information Technology (IT) Schedule 70 Contract. The contract will allow MicroBee Systems to sell FreeWave products and solutions directly to federal customers through long-term contracts that include discounted, pre-negotiated pricing, terms and conditions. State and municipal governments also may participate in this program under a “cooperative purchasing” clause in the contract. The new contract number is GS-35F-0168X, and the product catalog and pricelist will soon be available to government buyers via GSA Advantage!, the online ordering system. The contract period of performance is for five years, with options for three five-year extensions thereafter.

The Schedule 70 contract is part of the Multiple Award Schedule (MAS) program that the GSA created to provide a centralized delivery system of products and services to the federal government, leveraging its enormous buying power to get the best value for taxpayers. Founded in 1949, GSA manages more than one-fourth of the government’s total procurement dollars and influences the management of $500 billion in federal assets.  

“FreeWave and MicroBee both understand the unique needs of government agencies and the importance of streamlined and seamless procurement in today’s marketplace. We are happy to have the opportunity to provide this capability to the government customer using MicroBee’s GSA contract vehicle,” said Ashish Sharma, chief marketing officer and FreeWave spokesperson. Dave Thomas, president of MicroBee Systems, added, “Our nine-year experience as a FreeWave Reseller has given us a high degree of confidence in its product offerings. We know from direct experience that FreeWave customers are satisfied with FreeWave products and services, and believe we are uniquely qualified to represent FreeWave in the government marketplace. We are enormously proud of our association with FreeWave Technologies.”

About MicroBee Systems

MicroBee Systems was founded in 2001 as a supplier of FreeWave wireless data radio technology, PC/104 embedded computing products and engineering services. MicroBee has developed products for military and industry worldwide involving monitoring, test, data acquisition and transmission of data in complex and harsh environments (flight test, UAV/Robotics, target tracking).  For more information, visit www.microbee-systems.com

About FreeWave Technologies

Founded in 1993, FreeWave Technologies manufactures the most reliable, high performing, lowest power consumption, spread spectrum and licensed radios for mission-critical data transmission. Through engineering excellence and a relentless commitment to best-in-class manufacturing, FreeWave customers enjoy superior radio up-time, range and the lowest cost of ownership available. Based in Boulder, Colorado, FreeWave designs and manufactures radios that are the leading choice for oil and gas, utility, military and numerous other industrial applications. Organizations that count on radio data communications for operational success – where failure and down-time are not an option – trust FreeWave for custom network design, system engineering and customer support that are unparalleled in the market. For additional information, contact FreeWave directly at 866.399.4930 or at newsinfo@freewave.com. Visit the company’s website at www.freewave.com.