Motorola and FieldTech Alliance Designed To Make Automated Field Services Management Affordable For Smaller Utilities.

SCHAUMBURG, Ill.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Feb. 18, 1999--

New Solution Provides Turnkey Mobile Data Communications Option

Motorola's Commercial, Government and Industrial Solutions Sector (CGISS) and FieldTech, a subsidiary of WICOR and a diversified utility services company, announced a marketing alliance that will provide small to medium-sized utilities and rural electric cooperatives a lower cost, turnkey Computer-Aided Dispatch (CAD) solution. The alliance offers a fully integrated solution of hardware, software and services that can enable utilities to increase efficiencies and serve their customers more effectively.

While many utilities in larger metropolitan areas have installed advanced wireless data communications systems, many smaller utility companies have not yet realized the benefits these communications systems provide. These utilities have found implementation of these solutions cost-prohibitive because of the initial capital investment required.

The new alliance helps to eliminate this barrier to entry by allowing small and medium-sized utilities to access a FieldTech-managed CAD system and services for their own communications needs. Motorola provides and integrates the wireless communications network.

"The Motorola/FieldTech alliance enhances Motorola's position as a preferred provider of total integrated wireless communications solutions to the utility market," said Mary Bottie, vice president and general manager, Motorola's Special Markets Division. "The alliance is another example of Motorola's efforts to offer flexible, low-cost, fully integrated solutions that most effectively serve our customers needs."

"FieldTech management and staff have considerable expertise in automated field order processes. This program provides smaller utilities another tool for reducing costs and improving customer service to meet the challenges of a changing business environment," said Mike Jordan, vice president and general manager of FieldTech.

FieldTech is a major provider of utility metering and field services to utilities throughout the U.S. It provides cost-effective, quality turnkey meter reading, installation, billing, and automated technology solutions. FieldTech has over 100 years of experience in the utility industry. Major offerings include automatic meter reading installations, meter change programs, contract meter reading, route reorganizations, and other utility field services. FieldTech is headquartered in Milwaukee and currently employs over 200 people with satellite offices in Connecticut, Illinois, Kentucky, Minnesota, New Hampshire, New York, Pennsylvania, and Virginia. FieldTech is a subsidiary of WICOR, a diversified NYSE listed company formed in 1980. WICOR operates six subsidiaries in two groups, energy and manufacturing, and generated almost $1 billion in revenue in 1998.

Motorola is a global leader in advanced electronic systems and services. It liberates the power of technology by creating software-enhanced products that provide integrated customer solutions and Internet access via wireless and satellite communications, as well as computing, networking, and automotive electronics. Motorola also provides essential digital building blocks in the form of embedded semiconductors, controls and systems. Sales in 1998 were $29.4 billion. For additional information, contact Motorola at [phone] or visit our website at www.motorola.com/wirelessdata