HP and U.S. Wireless Form Strategic Alliance to Create Network Operating Centers For First Nationwide Mobile Location Network

Business Wire, Sept 19, 2000

Business Editors/High-Tech Writers

PALO ALTO and SAN RAMON, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Sept. 19, 2000

HP to Provide Financing and E-services Infrastructure Support

Hewlett-Packard Company (NYSE: HWP) and U.S. Wireless Corp., (NASDAQ: USWC, Frankfurt: USP), a leading integrated provider of wireless location technology, today announced a strategic business alliance to create network operating and data processing centers for U.S. Wireless' planned wireless location network. The network will be capable of pinpointing the location of cellular users in 911 emergency situations and enable users to access traffic and driver information services as well as commercial applications such as navigation assistance.

"HP will provide $7 million in financing and up to $45 million in additional financing, based on U.S. Wireless meeting certain requirements," said Craig White, president of HP Credit Corporation. "HP will bring to bear its always-on Internet infrastructure and e-services expertise to help U.S. Wireless design and build its operating centers and will also provide ongoing marketing and development support for the initial phase of the company's planned 100-market deployment."

"Wireless location services is a burgeoning marketplace, and HP e-services expertise and always-on Internet infrastructure are key in making it happen," said Dave Scantling, general manager for HP's E-Services. Solutions. "HP will work closely with U.S. Wireless to design and implement U.S. Wireless's e-services infrastructure."

U.S. Wireless will draw on HP's e-services infrastructure support to build its new network operating centers which will be located in Reston, Va. and San Ramon, Calif. By designing mission-critical data centers, HP will work with U.S. Wireless to ensure that necessary software, equipment and services are deployed at both network operating centers.

"This strategic alliance enables us to leverage HP's expertise and reputation in building our mission critical data centers, which are possibly the most important part of our location network services platform," said Oliver Hilsenrath, chairman and chief executive officer of U.S. Wireless. "HP is providing us with a turnkey service including design, software, equipment and consulting, as well financing support."

HP will apply its always-on Internet infrastructure and e-services knowledge to U.S. Wireless. The relationship will allow U.S. Wireless to assure its customers of the stability, reliability and flawless execution of its operating platform. Additionally, HP becomes one of U.S. Wireless' integral technology associates by providing HP hardware products necessary to support the future growth in the company's development of next generation instant wireless services.

About U.S. Wireless

U.S. Wireless provides mobile location and traffic related information to wireless carriers, Internet providers, public safety, and transportation/telematics companies. U.S. Wireless is building a national location network and has announced plans to roll out traffic and transportation services in San Diego, Washington, D.C., Hampton Roads, VA, and the Greater San Francisco Bay Area. The Company's network is based on its award-winning RadioCamera(tm) pattern matching positioning technology that pinpoints the location of cellular callers to enable the delivery of mobile services that rely on location, including life saving emergency 911 caller location, live traffic and traveler information, navigation assistance, localized directory assistance, and vehicle and asset tracking. More information on U.S. Wireless and the RadioCamera(tm) network can be found at the Company's website at www.uswcorp.com.

About HP

Hewlett-Packard Company -- a leading global provider of computing and imaging solutions and services -- is focused on making technology and its benefits accessible to individuals and businesses through simple appliances, useful e-services and an Internet infrastructure that's always on.

HP has 86,000 employees worldwide and had total revenue from continuing operations of $42.4 billion in its 1999 fiscal year. Information about HP and its products can be found on the World Wide Web at http://www.hp.com.