New telematics product offers voice capability

CALGARY, Canada -- CSI Wireless has introduced Driver-Link, described as a new one-touch calling device that combines wireless and GPS technology to offer drivers valuable telematics and road assistance services, plus hands-free voice communication for enhanced safety and security.

"Until now, telematics service providers, security systems manufacturers, and others that deliver location-specific data and services to mobile users, have struggled with how to locate and communicate with the driver, efficiently and cost-effectively," said CSI Wireless President and CEO Stephen Verhoeff. "Thanks to Driver-Link, with its GPS and cellular capabilities, delivering location-specific data and services via two-way mobile voice communication has never been easier or more affordable."

Verhoeff said Driver-Link installs easily, and the push of a button on the unit's front panel activates Driver-Link's hands-free microphone speaker combination to enable safe two-way voice communication with call centers, travelers' assistance, and other services. Driver-Link's data and voice coverage is throughout Canada, the United States and Mexico.

Cellular transceiver

Equipped with GPS-based location capability and a cellular transceiver, Driver-Link identifies a vehicle's location and provides the driver with data and voice links to the world outside the automobile. CSI Wireless says this combination of location and communication information makes possible a wide range of location-specific telematics services:

▪ Call centers can provide valuable traveler assistance such as turn-by-turn driving directions, hotel and restaurant reservations, and service station locations, for faster and more efficient travel.

▪ Drivers can call for roadside assistance to request gas, mobile repair service, unlocked doors or help with other needs.

▪ Call centers can provide additional security services such as theft alarm notification, remote door-unlocking, and remote location tracking.

▪ Driver-Link can be optionally programmed for Automated Crash Notification, then activated upon the deployment of the vehicle's airbags, prompting an automatic 911 call and link between the driver and emergency center operator.

▪ Car rental companies can enjoy incremental revenue from a suite of driver telematics services ranging from basic roadside assistance to emergency dispatch and concierge services.

Driver-Link accepts input from as many as eight sensors and vehicle systems, enabling the ongoing monitoring and transmission of alerts concerning a wide variety of conditions, including vehicle location, airbag deployment, engine use, vehicle speed, theft alarm activation, and security lock/unlock.

Within 15 meters

Using satellite technology, Driver-Link can pinpoint a vehicle's location to within 15 meters anywhere in the world. Its imbedded cellular and packet data modem delivers instant two-way communications throughout North America, and will soon include Europe.

"The availability of an affordable communications with next-generation analog and digital equipment such as Driver-Link will speed the deployment of telematics services to consumer and commercial customers throughout North America and Europe," Verhoeff said. "To that end, CSI Wireless is aiming Driver-Link at theft alarm service providers, call centers, auto clubs and rental firms, plus automobile manufacturers, Tier One suppliers and auto after-market OEMs."

Driver-Link can be programmed and configured to customers' specific tracking, monitoring and telematics needs. CSI Wireless has built Driver-Link to meet the demands of the automobile environment. This product also incorporates a power management system that results in lower power consumption.

With offices in Calgary, Silicon Valley (California), and Phoenix (Arizona), CSI Wireless designs and manufactures wireless and GPS products for mobile and fixed applications in the agriculture, marine, automotive and other markets.

Through the integration of GPS and wireless, CSI has begun serving several emerging high-growth markets including fleet management, asset tracking, telematics and mobile computing applications. The Company owns several patents and intellectual property relating to wireless and GPS technologies, and has licensed its cellular technology to GPS, cellular handset, and chipset manufacturers.