Companies Team to Provide Wireless Remote Elevator Monitoring Systems; Otis Selects Novatel Wireless' NRM-6812 Wireless Modem for National Rollout Campaign

Business Wire, July 7, 1998

San Diego--(BUSINESS WIRE)--July 7, 1998--Novatel Wireless Inc., a leading provider of wireless communications solutions, Otis Elevator Co., the world's largest elevator company, and Bell Atlantic Mobile have partnered to provide a wireless solution for Otis' Remote Elevator Monitoring (REM) system.

The solution uses Novatel Wireless' NRM-6812 wireless modem, enabling wireless access to critical, on-the-spot performance data. This partnership enhances Otis' response to elevator-maintenance issues and emergency situations.

REM's interconnected system of sensors, monitors, circuits, hardware and software enables it to collect, record, analyze and communicate data regarding some 325 elevator functions. REM spots small problems before they become shut downs. If REM detects an urgent problem, it automatically reports the condition to OTISLINE, Otis' 24-hour maintenance dispatching center. Often mechanics are dispatched, problems are corrected and elevators are back in service before the building owner knows anything was amiss.

Bell Atlantic Mobile of Bedminster, N.J., is providing the wireless data network, supporting the nationwide rollout of the project. Using Bell Atlantic Mobile's AirBridge Wireless IP network and the standard Internet Protocol, the NRM-6812 transmits wireless data at speeds up to 19.2 kbps. Wireless IP, also known as Cellular Digital Packet Data (CDPD), is a method of transmitting data in small packets of information over the existing cellular phone network (AMPS). Built-in error correction ensures reliable, accurate data transmission everywhere the Wireless IP network is deployed.

The NRM-6812 modem is compact, lightweight and durable with 0.6-watt full-duplex capability. With a built-in TCP/IP stack, serial connector and RS-232 port, the NRM-6812 comes ready for integration into numerous applications including security systems, Point-of-Sale (POS) terminals, telemetry and utility monitoring devices.

Previously Otis Elevator Co. relied on landline modems to relay performance data to OTISLINE. This required the installation of phone lines to the elevator machine room. By integrating the NRM-6812 modem directly into the REM box, the need for phone lines is eliminated, while allowing for instantaneous communication of regular and emergency performance data. Having successfully completed a pilot and beta test program with 200 units, Otis plans to install 2,000 to 5,000 NRM-6812 modems over the next year as they roll out their commercial launch across the United States.

"Novatel Wireless Inc. is pleased to work with an industry giant such as Otis," said Luke St. James, manager of OEM sales for Novatel Wireless. "This is a winning combination of our wireless NRM-6812 modem with their industry-leading elevator technology and opens the door to unsurpassed elevator performance and response."

"Our partnership with Novatel Wireless helps us continue to provide the highest quality of elevator maintenance in the industry," said Jeff Hastings, manager, service systems for Otis. "The wireless technology enables more of our customers to reap the benefits of 24-hour on-site elevator monitoring."

Bell Atlantic Mobile owns and operates the largest wireless network in the East, covering 112,000 square miles, and the largest chain of retail outlets devoted exclusively to wireless voice, data and paging. Based in Bedminster, N.J., Bell Atlantic Mobile has 5.5 million customers and 7,000 employees from Maine to Georgia, and through a separate subsidiary in the Southwest.

Farmington, Conn.-based Otis Elevator Co. is a wholly owned subsidiary of United Technologies Corp. United Technologies, based in Hartford, Conn., provides a broad range of products to the aerospace, building systems and automotive industries.

Novatel Wireless Inc. is a leading-edge wireless communications company with headquarters in San Diego. The company designs and markets low-cost, turnkey wireless solutions for mobile users. Novatel Wireless' product portfolio includes CONTACT, Minstrel, Sage and the NRM-6812. CONTACT is the industry's first wireless handheld computer using Microsoft Windows CE 2.0. Minstrel is a wireless IP modem for the PalmPilot and the IBM WorkPad PC Companion. Sage is an external, wireless modem. Novatel Wireless is a privately held company. For more information, please visit the Novatel Wireless Web site: www.novatelwireless.com or call 888/888-9231.

Product and company names herein may be trademarks of their respective owners.

    CONTACT:   Novatel Wireless Inc.
                Mona Thomas, 619/784-0622
                mthomas@novatelwireless.com
                           OR
                Otis Elevator Co.
                Michael Jordan-Reilly, 860/676-5416
                mike.jordanreilly@otis.com