NEWS RELEASE
MAR 15 2005

Tantalus Wows WIC '05
TUNet Selected Top Public Sector Solution in
2005 Wireless Innovation Contest

Vancouver, BC Canada – March 15, 2005 – The Tantalus Utility Network (TUNet®) has been selected the top wireless communication solution for public sector applications in the 2005 Wireless Innovation Contest (WIC 05).

Tantalus earned the top award in the “Wireless Excellence” category for field-proven technologies, which is open to companies that have production version applications currently deployed at customer sites. WIC 05 is an annual awards program run by the Wireless Innovation Network of BC (WINBC) and the Network for Emerging Wireless Technologies (NEWT). The contest is open to Canadian and American wireless technology developers and solutions providers.

TUNet is a two-way data communications network that enables utilities to monitor and control events on their system in real time. The Tantalus solution consists of a fixed wireless network that supports multiple applications such as advanced metering, outage management, and distribution automation throughout both urban and rural service areas. Continual monitoring of every meter endpoint enables a utility to pinpoint trouble spots on the network, such as outages, as well as provide the utility and energy consumers with up-to-date information on their consumption habits. TUNet currently serves as the backbone communication network for several communities implementing “smart” metering programs designed to improve the way residential and commercial electricity consumers manage energy.

“We are honored to be ranked among North America’s wireless innovators,” said Keith R. Martin, P.Eng. – Tantalus’ founder, president, and CTO – who accepted the WIC award at the CTIA Wireless Show in New Orleans. “Recognition by such an esteemed panel underscores the strength of the TUNet solution as well as the vision we share with our customers in helping to achieve a greater level of energy self-sufficiency.”

Caroline Lewko, President of WINBC, comments that the Tantalus solution exemplifies how wireless technology is truly driving change in many industry sectors. “We were looking for real-world wireless examples, and we found them,” she said. “The judges spent considerable time reviewing the entries before making their final decisions. We’re very pleased to see how wireless is driving change in many industry sectors. Companies like Tantalus are truly making a positive impact on the communities they serve.”

###

About WINBC
WINBC (Wireless Innovation Network Society of BC) is the producer of WIC 05 and the focal point for wireless in BC. British Columbia has a history of wireless expertise and innovation, and has a critical mass of 150 wireless companies in all areas of the wireless technology value chain including Sierra Wireless, Nokia and others. WINBC is also the host of the Wireless Innovation Contest. To find your wireless partner go to: www.winbc.org.

About Tantalus
Founded in 1989, Tantalus is a privately owned wireless communications company that designs, develops, and markets two-way, real-time data communications networks to monitor and control electric, gas, and water utilities. The Tantalus Utility Network helps utilities extend the capacity of their energy delivery infrastructure by giving them a snapshot of their entire distribution system at any point in time. This real-time network is designed specifically for utilities and supports outage management, power quality monitoring, advanced meter reading, load management, and distribution automation.