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WirelessDevNet.com Press Release
Astrata Geo-Location Tracking Technology Accorded Prominent Role in Singapore's Homeland Security
SINGAPORE, Feb. 24 -- An innovative vehicle tracking device, created for the Singapore Civil Defense Force (SCDF) by Astrata Group Incorporated (OTC Bulletin Board: ATTG - News), will play a prominent role in Singapore's expanded homeland security program, the government revealed here today.
The device will allow the SCDF to track and control the movement of vehicles carrying hazardous materials ("hazmat") and prevent them from being used as terror weapons. The "Hazmat Transport Vehicle Tracking System" was demonstrated by the SCDF at the Fire and Emergency Services Asia 2005 convention, which Ho Peng Kee, Senior Minister of State for Law and Home Affairs, officially opened here yesterday at the Suntec Convention Centre.
Smaller than a mobile phone, Astrata's tracking system is concealed in the vehicle and allows the SCDF to monitor the vehicle from the control room at its headquarters in Ubi. The system is part of a package of new fire-safety regulations put into effect by the Singapore government on February 16 to minimize the possibility of a terrorist attack using vehicles carrying explosive materials such as petroleum and acetylene.
Under a contract awarded to Astrata (Singapore) Pte Ltd., about 500 local vehicles initially will be fitted with the miniature tracking device. Vehicles from abroad must also obtain the device from the SCDF upon entering the country.
The new regulations require more than 2,000 petro-chemical and pharmaceutical companies importing, transporting and storing large quantities of flammable materials to obtain SCDF licenses. Vehicles can travel only along 60 approved routes away from highly populated areas at specific times, to reduce the impact of any possible disaster. If a vehicle strays from its path or makes an unregulated stop, the Hazmat Transport Vehicle Tracking System will trigger an alarm, mobilizing emergency forces. It will also alert authorities if the device has been tampered with.
Created by Astrata Group Incorporated, an international provider of innovative location-based IT services and solutions, the Hazmat system can track more than 10,000 vehicles at a time using the Global Positioning System (GPS) and the Global System for Mobile Communications (GSMC). It can also track vehicles in tunnels and underground facilities using a method that computes the location of a vehicle in areas without a GPS signal.
The core of the technology is Astrata's Geo-Location Platform (the "Astrata-GLP," known as "Sirius" outside the U.S.), the world's smallest and most technologically advanced fleet management and vehicle real-time tracking device. Astrata's state-of-the-art Rapid Deployment Unit, a derivative of the GLP, can be attached within seconds to vehicles entering Singapore.
Anthony Harrison, CEO of Astrata Group Incorporated, said, "The Singapore government is one of the world's leading nations in providing security for their citizens. Astrata's technical effort will be committed to assisting the government in maintaining this preeminent position."
Sandy Borthwick, Managing Director of Astrata's Asia Pacific Region, commented, "We are especially gratified that, after carefully reviewing the options, the Singapore government chose the Astrata system to further protect its citizens. The capabilities of the Astrata-GLP are extensive and readily adaptable to the needs of specific situations. The technology to be used in Singapore can not only track thousands of vehicles but also remotely control and disable them if the need arises. These capabilities set a new benchmark for security in today's uncertain world. Moreover, the technology is extremely affordable and cost-effective. The Astrata-GLP is ideally suited for Singapore's requirements and we believe it will become the standard in the Asia-Pacific region. We are committed to working with the Singapore government in providing the high-level security that our innovative technologies make possible."
About the Astrata-GLP
The Astrata-GLP integrates various positioning and wireless communications technologies with a sophisticated computer processor and operating system integrated into a single package approximately half the size of a modern mobile phone, making it easy to conceal, even in covert installations. The device is permanently active and not dependent on a vehicle's ignition, and can receive commands at any time over the air. The GLP achieves unprecedented low-power consumption through the use of advanced power management algorithms. With built-in wireless communications options, including quad-band GSM or CDMA, GPRS, SMS, circuit switched data (CSD), Bluetooth, and wireless LAN, the Astrata-GLP can monitor and control fleets of virtually any equipment, vehicles assets, shipping containers, or even individuals, using real-time and Astrata's GEO-IT system.
About Astrata Group Incorporated
Astrata Group Incorporated (OTC Bulletin Board: ATTG - News) is focused on advanced location-based IT services and solutions (GEO-IT) that combine GPS positioning, wireless communications (satellite or terrestrial) and geographical information technology, which together enable businesses and institutions to monitor, trace, or control the movement and status of machinery, vehicles, personnel or other assets. Astrata has designed, developed, manufactured and currently supports seven generations of GEO-IT systems with over 80,000 units deployed worldwide.
Sales are divided between two divisions: telematics (remote asset management solutions) and geomatics (high-end professional GPS systems with accuracies approaching three millimeters). Astrata has approximately 200 permanent employees and employs nearly 100 people in its R&D and manufacturing divisions. For further information about the company and its products, please send an email to info@astratagroup.com or visit the Web site at http://www.astratagroup.com.
About Astrata (Singapore) Pte Ltd.
Astrata (Singapore) Pte Ltd was incorporated on October 6, 2003, and is a Joint Venture Company owned 51% by Astrata (Asia Pacific) Pte Ltd and 49% by PCS Security Pte Ltd. PCS Security Pte Ltd is one of Singapore's premier security consultancy companies, the management of which have served distinguished careers in the senior ranks of security and intelligence organizations in the Government.
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