Cellnet Receives Frost & Sullivan Technology Innovation Award for its Wireless Fixed Network AMI Solution

Palo Alto, Calif. — April 10, 2006 — Frost & Sullivan’s recent analysis of the North American automated meter reading market has selected Cellnet Technology, Inc. as the recipient of the 2006 Technology Innovation Award. Cellnet earned this Award for its AMI solution, a unique wireless fixed network that improves upon several key utility performance metrics.

For radio communications, Cellnet AMI uses “asynchronous frequency hopping,” an approach that enables the simultaneous use of 240 channels by different radios. For networking, Cellnet uses the packet switching paradigm, which optimally uses available bandwidth in a network and increases the speed of transmission. This is widely considered a more robust system than the primary circuit switching methodology.

“Asynchronous frequency hopping and packet switching together allow Cellnet’s system to form a connectionless two-way mesh architecture,” says Frost & Sullivan Research Analyst J Subramanian. “In this configuration, multiple nodes are created and packets travel shorter distances, ”hopping“ from one node to the next.”

Unlike conventional systems, Cellnet’s mesh technology inherently works against congestion. Each individual node in the Cellnet mesh system independently routes packets in an intelligent manner, decreasing system congestion and enhancing the system’s robustness.

Cellnet’s innovation facilitates multi-utility deployments in which electricity, water, and natural gas are metered by the same AMR system. Attached to the same connectionless mesh system, various commodity meters function with improved efficiency.

Cellnet’s success in developing wireless fixed networks can be attributed to its dedicated focus on AMR & AMI technology. While other vendors offer multiple technologies, Cellnet devoted all its resources to perfecting fixed wireless networks for the utility application. Although they account for a smaller share of new systems than wireless drive by, wireless fixed networks are expected to dominate the market in the future as the technology’s costs are rapidly becoming more affordable for all utility market segments.

Cellnet’s rapid technological progress is a testament to the core employee base that has provided a steady hand over a decade of operations through several transfers of ownership. Cellnet found its independence again as Cellnet Technology, Inc. when, in mid-2004, Cellnet management teamed with GTCR Golder Rauner LLC, a private equity firm. The resulting relationship and strong capital backing supported a record 2005 performance for Cellnet in terms of bookings, revenue and strong profitability ahead of many of its public company market peers.

“While the future of the still-developing automated meter reading industry is difficult to foresee, it is clear that leading companies will be those that gain a decisive competitive edge,” notes Subramanian. “Through the innovative fusion of wireless telecommunications and utility automation technologies, Cellnet has made major strides toward improving the technology performance versus cost ratio of AMR, a critical competitive industry factor.”

Each year, this Award is presented to a company that has demonstrated innovative technology solutions within its industry. This Award recognizes the ability of the company to successfully develop and introduce technology, formulate a well-designed product family, and make significant product performance contributions to the industry.

About Cellnet Technology, Inc.

Cellnet is the leading provider of fixed-network data communication systems and automation solutions to the utility industry. Based in Atlanta, Georgia, Cellnet supplies gas, water, and electric utilities with highly reliable, field-proven networks which enable them to communicate with residential and commercial and industrial (C&I) endpoints for applications such as automated meter reading (AMR), distribution automation (DA), and SCADA. Cellnet is dedicated to combining its leading technology and vast experience to continue to provide the industry with the most reliable and proven automation solutions available. Additional information is available at www.cellnet.com.

About Frost & Sullivan

Frost & Sullivan, a global growth consulting company, has been partnering with clients to support the development of innovative strategies for more than 40 years. The company’s industry expertise integrates growth consulting, growth partnership services, and corporate management training to identify and develop opportunities. Frost & Sullivan serves an extensive clientele that includes Global 1000 companies, emerging companies, and the investment community by providing comprehensive industry coverage that reflects a unique global perspective and combines ongoing analysis of markets, technologies, econometrics, and demographics. For more information, visit www.awards.frost.com or www.energy.frost.com.

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Stacie Jones

Frost & Sullivan

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