OnComm Rocket Communications Hub certified for MIL STD 810F

    /24-7PressRelease/ - COVINGTON, GA, April 30, 2007 - The Utility Associates OnComm Rocket, a vehicle-based wireless broadband, WiFi, GPS, RFID, and OBDII communications hub, has passed MIL STD 810F tests for vibration and operating temperature. The MIL STD 810F tests were performed by Motorola Product Testing Services. The tests confirmed the Rocket continues to operate during extreme environmental conditions including vibration, thermal shock and wide temperature ranges ( -30°C to +60°C ). MIL STD 810F certification together with the previous completion of FCC Part 15B Class B device testing further validates the Rocket design for high reliability and positions Utility Associates for continued growth with 60 million US mobile workers as well as global markets.

The OnComm Rocket (www.utility.com/oncomm-rocket.html) is a solid state Linux computer router supporting EVDO and HSDPA wireless broadband, RFID, SirfSTAR III GPS, and vehicle engine OBDII and J1708 operating status and trouble code reporting. The Rocket is part of the Utility Associates mobile resource management solution for electric and gas utility, telecom, cable, oil & gas, transportation, distribution, and government customers.

The Rocket and standard PC Card cellular broadband data cards provide a broadband speed in-vehicle wireless communication hotspot, collect GPS positional data, collect RFID sensor status and position data, and collect vehicle engine diagnostic information and trouble codes. Standard EVDO and HSDPA wireless broadband PC Cards mean the Rocket can be upgraded in less than 5 minutes to the latest wireless broadband technology such as EVDO Rev B or switched to another wireless broadband provider.

"By using standard PC cards for wireless data, the Rocket's design is "future proof", providing significant longevity, flexibility, and cost savings benefits for our customers. The Rocket TCO is half the cost of embedded EVDO in a laptop." stated Ted Davis, President, Utility Associates.

The Rocket can include an optional extended range 802.11b/g capability providing WiFi coverage up to 1,000 feet around the vehicle. WEP and WPA2 WiFi security protocols are supported. The AVaiL Boost cellular booster provides connectivity to cell towers up to 30 miles from the vehicle depending upon topography.

The Rocket is a solid state Linux computer router made in the USA. The Rocket case and frame are manufactured from heavy gauge laser cut steel. A lexan PC Card cover protects the wireless broadband card from being damaged or stolen. A "quick release" mounting bracket makes it possible to swap out the Rocket in less than 2 minutes while leaving all permanent wiring in place.

Coupled with AVaiL, the Utility Associates Mobile Resource Management software as a service, plus RFID, and OBDII and J1708 connections to the vehicle engine, Utility Associates' customers increase safety for field crews, dispatch assets and crews more effectively, improve operating efficiencies and reliability, improve fuel economy and reduce their carbon footprint, and reduce cost through increased situational awareness of their mobile resources and activities.

About Utility Associates
Utility Associates (UA) develops and markets mobile resource management hardware and software as a service. Customers include Allegheny Energy, Atlanta Gas Light Resources, Consolidated Edison, Georgia Power, Snapping Shoals EMC, and Tennessee Valley Authority. Utility Associates received a Series A Preferred investment from New York-based energy technology fund Braemar Energy Ventures in 2006.

# # #