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KYOCERA Wireless and M2M Communications Collaborate on Load Control System
Utilities Optimize Energy Usage, Reduce Operating Costs
San Diego, CA and Boise, ID - (January 15, 2008) - Kyocera Wireless Corp., a leading global manufacturer of CDMA wireless handsets and devices, and M2M Communications, a leading wireless M2M systems integrator and application provider, today announced the successful deployment of a sophisticated direct load-control program custom engineered for Rocky Mountain Power's demand-side management project. M2M Communications integrated a NetSwitch load-control solution and the award-winning dual-mode Kyocera 200 Module along with its custom-designed Web-to-wireless control system to enable a versatile and secure method to remotely monitor and control energy usage at irrigation pump sites. Over the next 18 months, 4,000 of these custom-designed load control units will be installed in southeast Idaho, allowing Rocky Mountain Power to shift enough energy from irrigation pumps to power approximately 8,000 homes during the summer months.
"There is a renewed global focus on energy conservation and the environment. Utility demand-side management projects powered by wireless M2M technology benefit not only the companies implementing the technology but the environment as well," said Dean Fledderjohn, general manager of M2M at Kyocera Wireless Corp. "This collaborative, custom-built solution leverages the dual-mode capability and power of the Kyocera 200 module for a remote monitoring and energy asset control system that makes the most of existing utility power supplies without requiring additional energy generation or pollution."
During the summer months, as much as one-third of the total power consumption in rural areas is devoted to irrigation pumps and systems. Direct load control programs give utility companies the ability to reschedule the power consumption for various types of equipment at participating customer sites during times of peak energy demand. With the new custom-designed load control units in place, utility companies can monitor power usage remotely as it is being consumed and determine in real-time if the available power supply is being optimized. If not, utility technicians can use the system's two-way Web-to-wireless control system to shift power to other areas. The system's versatile controls also provide automated, time-scheduled monitoring and load management, which results in decreased technician time spent on monitoring. As a result of the program, farmers receive credits for unused power while Rocky Mountain Power increases workforce efficiency and reduces overall costs. In addition, the system eliminates the need to purchase expensive peak-load power from other utility companies and can even reduce the need to build additional expensive power plants.
During a trial period with 25 units in summer 2006, the customized NetSwitch solution proved the best fit for the pilot project because of its low cost and reliable two-way wireless capabilities across both analog and digital environments.
"Many rural areas are still in the process of updating wireless networks from analog to digital technology and we needed a wireless technology partner that could offer a forward- and backward-compatible solution," said Steve Hodges, president of M2M Communications. "The Kyocera 200 Module fit the bill not only because it works in both environments and eliminates the need for costly future upgrades, but also because it is a field proven solution with outstanding integration tools and engineering support."
In 2007, Rocky Mountain Power installed the first 1,000 units at irrigation sites throughout southeast Idaho. It plans to install another 1,500 by June 2008 and an additional 1,500 by June 2009. For more information on M2M Communications' remote monitoring and control products and services, call 208 947-9500 or visit www.m2mcomm.com.
About Kyocera Wireless M2M Modules
Kyocera Wireless offers a suite of machine-to-machine wireless modules designed to enable real-time communications over CDMA 1xRTT networks. The modules range from the simplified, data-only Kyocera 1xD to the Kyocera 300, which integrates the latest Qualcomm chipsets for a streamlined form factor, lower power consumption, and extended operating temperatures while also adding stand-alone GPS capability to digital voice and packet data communications. For more information on integration tools or developers' kits, along with spec sheets, sales support and case studies, 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. 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, Kyocera Wireless leverages Japan's history of creating advanced consumer technologies around humanism and respect for the environment and blending them with a Western entrepreneurialism and style, resulting in a unique design language and a natural, user-friendly interface. For more information, please visitwww.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, laser printers, copiers, solar energy systems and industrial ceramics. During the year ended March 31, 2007, Kyocera Corporation's consolidated net sales totaled approximately US$10.8 billion (JP¥1,283,897 million) with net income of approximately US$895 million (JP¥106,504 million).
About M2M Communications
M2M Communications is a Boise, Idaho engineering firm specializing in remote monitoring and control products and services. M2M Communications provides solutions for several industry segments including irrigation, water and wastewater, electric and gas utilities, pumping stations, crop storage and emergency generators. For more information, please call 208 947-9500 or visit www.m2mcomm.com.
© 2008 Kyocera Wireless Corp. All rights reserved. Kyocera is a registered trademark of Kyocera Corporation. All other product or service names mentioned herein are the trademarks or service marks of their respective owners.
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