FCC Approves Second Ricochet High-Speed Modem; Ricochet GT Model Joins Previously Approved GS Modem

Business Wire, July 10, 2000

Business Editors/High-Tech Writers

LOS GATOS, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--July 10, 2000

Metricom, Inc. (Nasdaq:MCOM), a leading provider of mobile data networking and technology, has completed Federal Communications Commission (FCC) certification for its GT model Ricochet 128 kbps modem, to be manufactured by NatSteel Electronics Ltd. (NEL). This certification joins the previously FCC-approved Ricochet GS modem, manufactured by ALPS Electric (USA), Inc. FCC certification involves tests to ensure that Ricochet devices do not interfere with other wireless devices.

"The rapid FCC approval for our GT model allows our partners to quickly offer a choice in the marketplace," said Robert Mott, senior vice president of Engineering and Manufacturing. "By simply attaching one of these FCC-approved Ricochet modems to a laptop or other handheld device, customers of our authorized service providers can take their desktop and the Internet with them wherever they go in coverage areas."

Ricochet GS and GT wireless external modems attach to laptop and handheld devices, providing mobile users access to the Ricochet high-speed network through authorized service providers. Both models support USB and serial port connections, and include: up to six hours of battery life, lithium-ion battery, plug and play capability, and adjustable antenna. The GS model features a highly durable plastic casing, while the sleeker Ricochet GT modem is housed in a precision crafted magnesium casing.

Ricochet is engineered to offer the fastest mobile wireless access speeds, always-on connections, flat-rate pricing, no metered roaming fees, and true mobility to 70 mph. At performance levels rivaling wired connections, Ricochet sets people free from the office.

Currently being deployed in its third generation at raw data rates of 1 Mbps, Metricom's MicroCellular Data Network (MCDN) technology is the foundation for Ricochet which will provide end-user mobile access speeds of 128 kbps or greater. Initial deployment of Metricom's service is currently underway in 21 market areas. Starting in late July, in Atlanta and San Diego, Ricochet will be available as a co-branded service through Ricochet Authorized Services Providers.

About Metricom

Metricom, Inc. is a leading provider of mobile data networking and technology. The Company's Ricochet service provides mobile professionals with high-performance, cost-effective untethered access to the Internet, private Intranets, local-area networks, e-mail, and other online services. Ricochet is generally available at speeds up to 28.8 kbps in the greater San Francisco Bay Area, Seattle, and Washington, D.C. metropolitan areas. Metricom plans to launch its new higher speed network at the end of summer 2000, ultimately deploying a network covering 100 million population by summer 2001. For more information, visit Metricom's Web site at http://www.metricom.com.

Statements made in this press release that are not historical facts, including those related to future market conditions, future competitors, future partners, market rollouts and future technology, are forward looking and are made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such statements involve risks and uncertainties that may cause results to differ materially from those set forth in these statements. Among other things, additional competition from existing and future competitors may impact the market. Projections of market size, partners, market acceptance, technological rollout and competition are estimated based on preliminary information as well as certain assumptions which management believes to be reasonable at this time. In addition to the factors set forth elsewhere in this press release, the economic, competitive, governmental, technological and other factors identified in Metricom's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission could affect the forward looking statements contained in this press release.

Note to Editors: Metricom and Ricochet are registered trademarks of Metricom, Inc. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.