FCC approval granted for Navigational Sciences data communications system

Charleston, S.C.— The Federal Communications Commission today granted approval of the new Impulse 1.0 data transfer system developed by Navigational Sciences, a wireless tracking and data communications company based here. The product allows utility companies to monitor, read and report information from meters to gauge and accurately bill for consumption from remote locations rather than having utility personnel on premises. This FCC approval allows NavSciTM to begin filling over $15 million in existing purchase orders that have been in the queue, awaiting the latest technology in automated water meter-reading systems. Automated meter-reading systems are currently in use by a mere 17% of water companies in the U.S.

“We’re thrilled to be able to deliver this highly anticipated system,” commented Bill Crowe, chief operations officer for NavSci. “Impulse 1.0 will streamline and greatly simplify the monitoring process for many utilities, leading to greater efficiency and, we hope, reduction in costs for the consumer.”

Utilizing new wireless communications technology, the Impulse system is able to transmit data more efficiently and securely in a number of applications. NavSci has adapted the technology in Impulse 1.0 for use in reading utility meters from remote locations and will begin to deliver on existing contracts for automated water meter-reading systems across Texas and other areas this month.

“We’ve developed a system that eliminates the need for human involvement at the data gathering point in reading meters,” added Crowe. “Instead of worrying about whether your dog will attack the technician trying to enter the yard to read a meter, we can monitor a water meter from miles away.”

While the concept of reading meters from remote locations has been implemented on a small scale, the new technology being deployed in Impulse 1.0 ensures greater accuracy in the transfer of information and greater security in safeguarding the data.

Currently there are over 55,000 water districts in the United States servicing over 83 million customers, and less than 20 percent have implemented automated water reading systems to date. Ninety-five percent of water districts report plans to invest in automated systems in the near future.

In addition to implementing water meter monitoring systems across the United States, NavSci continues to focus on other applications, such as the electric and gas industries, and for other uses of the new technology. NavSci’s wireless communication technology also is being adapted for asset tracking systems for NavSci’s Warp wireless products to track trucks, cargo, shipping containers and assets worldwide.

Navigational Sciences Inc., founded in 2000 and based in Charleston, S.C., utilizes emerging technologies to develop robust data communications solutions designed to monitor security and operational information across a broad range of business and service applications. NavSci creates integrated data systems to track mobile assets and customizes products to monitor and control utility, industrial and facility processes. These systems optimize advanced wireless technology to overcome the physical and environmental barriers that previously hindered the tracking and reception of critical information necessary for efficiency, safety and security in today’s world. For more information, visit www.navsci.com.