BCN Data Systems and RAM Mobile Data Announce Nationwide Wireless Data Network Services Agreement; Companies to Provide Advanced Metering Telemetry to UK Utilities.

SAN FRANCISCO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Feb. 3, 1999--BCN Data Systems, L.L.C. (BCN), a joint venture of Bechtel Enterprises, Inc. and CellNet Data Systems, Inc., (Nasdaq:CNDS) and RAM Mobile Data Ltd (RAM), the UK subsidiary of BellSouth, today announced an agreement in which RAM will serve as BCN's preferred supplier of wide area network (WAN) services.

BCN's network technology seamlessly integrates with RAM's digital wireless data network to give utilities and energy suppliers real-time access to critical customer and network information. In addition to the remote metering of electricity, gas, and water, BCN enables a new generation of creative pricing and billing options for consumers.

"BCN chose RAM Mobile Data because it offers the UK's most complete suite of services and is the best option for immediate, nationwide radio network coverage," said William J. Glasgow, president and chief executive officer, BCN Data Systems, L.L.C. "BCN is now poised to deliver a wide range of new services to utilities and suppliers in the UK that will help them to succeed in the competitive landscape of the new millennium."

"RAM is rapidly becoming a major communications provider in the Utilities market. This major alliance underlines RAM's ability to provide reliable cost-effective communications and is a cornerstone of our development strategy," said John Jarvis, chief executive officer, RAM Mobile Data. "Our network architecture will allow seamless data movement and effortless scalability while providing BCN with unrivalled service and superior quality."

Today's news complements BCN's UK subsidiary, BCN Data Systems Limited's recent Radiocommunications Agency award of a nationally exclusive 200 kHz radio frequency licence between 183.5 MHz and 184.5 MHz. BCN will use the 184 MHz radio frequency in its local area network (LAN) deployments.

About the Products

BCN-Network is a fixed-network wireless information service that offers utilities the ability to remotely meter and monitor endpoint devices distributed over a wide geographic area. Unlike drive-by or hand-held AMR products, BCN-Network offers utilities virtual real-time information on customer energy usage as well as the status and health of distribution networks, thereby empowering utilities to offer their customers choice and improved service.

The RAM Network is a UK-wide packet-switched digital wireless data network which provides two-way, real-time wireless data communication over dedicated radio frequencies. The Network offers continuous connection to IT systems for users in the field and for remote operations. The RAM Network uses Mobitex, the international standard for wireless data communications, originally developed by Ericsson. Fixed telemetry applications provide communication between devices such as alarm and host systems for monitoring purposes.

About the Companies

RAM Mobile Data, www.ram.co.uk, offers the UK's widest choice of wireless data solutions and works closely with industry leading Business Partners providing hardware, software and integration services. Target market sectors include Field Service, Transportation and Distribution, Local Government, the Emergency Services and the remote monitoring market. RAM Mobile Data Ltd is a wholly owned subsidiary of BellSouth.

BCN Data Systems, L.L.C., www.bcndata.com, is a joint venture formed by Bechtel Enterprises, Inc., www.bechtel.com, and CellNet Data Systems, Inc., www.cellnet.com, in December 1996 to market, deploy and operate fixed-network wireless information services to utilities outside the United States. The company has its headquarters in San Francisco, and offices in the United Kingdom.

Certain statements contained in this News Release, including those relating to market acceptance of BCN Data Systems' services and their impact on competitiveness, may be forward-looking statements and therefore are made pursuant to the safe harbour provisions of the US Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such statements are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties and therefore should not be relied upon as predictions of the future. Such statements are dependent on assumptions that may not be realised and are subject to factors such as changes in regulatory policy, technological innovation and general political and economic conditions that could cause actual results to differ materially.