News
KYOCERA Wireless and TransData Launch MARK-V StarBurst Meter for Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) Applications
Innovative Solution is the First Electric Utility Application to Integrate KYOCERA 200 Module for Real-Time, Two-Way CDMA Communication Ability
SAN DIEGO and DALLAS - (December 6, 2005) - Kyocera Wireless Corp., a leading global manufacturer of CDMA wireless handsets and devices, and TransData Inc., a leading manufacturer of advanced metering infrastructure (AMI) products and solutions for the worldwide utility marketplace, today announced their collaboration on TransData's MARK-V StarBurst meter. The MARK-V StarBurst is the first electricity meter to integrate the award-winning Kyocera 200 Module to bring real-time, CDMA2000 1XRTT wireless communications ability to commercial and industrial revenue metering installations.
The innovative MARK-V StarBurst Meter expands on the earlier success of TransData's IS-95A embedded MARK-V PCS Meter, which is in service at more than 50 leading utilities in the U.S. and Canada. The Kyocera 200 Module integration adds significant value with its configurable dual-mode operation supporting both 3G packet-data and circuit-switched data communication modes to retrieve metering information from commercial and industrial accounts. The MARK-V StarBurst meter is a powerful, two-way smart metering system offering direct compatibility with existing data collection systems to ensure improved business productivity without the need for costly infrastructure upgrades. The high-speed, two-way communication ability offered by Kyocera's CDMA wireless technology provides an immediate, cost-effective solution to support the real-time data gathering requirements of newly established energy conservation programs currently being rolled out at many large utilities across North America.
"As demand-side energy management and conservation measures continue to gain importance in the marketplace, two-way communication and reporting abilities are crucial for utility companies who want to keep a competitive edge," said Dean Fledderjohn, general manager of the M2M division at Kyocera Wireless Corp. "The TransData MARK-V StarBurst meter offers an easy-to-deploy alternative to traditional methods of collecting meter data such as walk-up and drive-by probing. Utility and industrial companies now have an easy way to manage remote meter data collection that can save both time and money."
"TransData was first to integrate CDMA digital cellular technology inside the electric meter chassis for wireless meter reading applications and remains committed to further advancing the technology," said Trace Gleibs, president of TransData Inc. "With the vast majority of the 120 million-plus meters in North America still waiting to be equipped with remote communication capabilities, the MARK-V StarBurst Meter offers utilities an easy-to-implement AMI solution utilizing existing public CDMA digital cellular network infrastructure as the communication gateway to retrieve meter information."
About the Kyocera 200 Module
The Kyocera 200 Module is designed to enable M2M and telemetry applications such as vehicle location, SCADA, asset tracking, remote metering or security, wireless vending, exception reporting and wireless point-of-sale terminals. The module is equipped with tri-mode capability (including AMPS), A-GPS position location capability and support for IS-2000 data rates. Other features and functions include two-way Short Messaging Service (SMS) capabilities; simple and mobile IP; AT command interface; dual UARTs; analog audio; two RF connectors; high-speed packet and circuit-switched data; and support for both 13k QCELP and EVRC vocoders.
The developer's kit and programming tools to support integration of wireless capability into OEM products and systems are available for purchase by module customers. For additional information, please visit www.kyocera-wireless.com/m2m-business.
About Kyocera Wireless Corp.
Kyocera Wireless Corp. is a leading supplier of innovative, feature-rich CDMA wireless devices and accessories for customers worldwide. Kyocera Wireless maintains an operating belief in the genius of simplicity and strives to make the wireless experience as simple and intuitive as humanly possible. The company is a wholly owned subsidiary of Kyocera International Inc., which acquired QUALCOMM Incorporated's CDMA consumer wireless phone business in February 2000. Based in San Diego, the company is ISO-14001 and ISO-9001 certified and has won city, state and federal awards for its environmentally friendly manufacturing and recycling practices. For more information, please visit www.kyocera-wireless.com.
Kyocera Corporation (NYSE: KYO), the parent and global headquarters of the Kyocera Group, was founded in 1959 as a producer of advanced ceramics. By combining these engineered materials with metals and plastics, and integrating them with other technologies, Kyocera has become a leading supplier of telecommunications equipment, semiconductor packages, electronic components, cameras, laser printers, copiers, solar energy systems and industrial ceramics. During the year ended March 31, 2005, Kyocera Corporation's consolidated net sales totaled approximately US$11 billion (JP¥ 1,180,655 million) with net income of approximately US$429 million (JP¥ 45,908 million).
About TransData Inc.
Founded in 1969, TransData, Inc. is a leading manufacturer of advanced metering infrastructure (AMI) and wireless data telemetry products for the worldwide electric utility marketplace. TransData's products are used for measuring, managing and communicating energy data by over 2000 clients in 25 countries worldwide, including all of the top 50 largest US electric utilities. With headquarters in Dallas, Texas; TransData is a privately-held corporation. For more information, visit www.transdatainc.com.
© 2005 Kyocera Wireless Corp. All rights reserved. Kyocera is a registered trademark of Kyocera Corporation. CDMA2000 is a registered trademark of the Telecommunications Industry Association (TIA). All other marks are properties of their respective owners.
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