Cellport Systems’ CEO Pat Kennedy Tells Lawmakers, “Not All Hands-Free Solutions are Equal” In Address at NCSL

WASHINGTON, DC, December 4, 2001 – Pat Kennedy, chairman and CEO of Cellport Systems, a leading provider of automotive wireless technologies and products, will be a featured speaker at the Driver Focus and Technology Forum sponsored by the National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL) on December 4 and 5 in Washington, DC. Kennedy will address an invited audience of legislators, telecommunications industry leaders, automakers, insurance companies, government regulators and traffic safety advocates about the hands-free options available today to reduce driver distraction while using cell phones in cars.

“Not all hands-free solutions are equal,” said Kennedy. “It’s important that regulators and legislators understand the differences between poorly engineered solutions that add to driver distraction, and permanently mounted hands-free options that can be operated by voice alone, encouraging drivers to keep eyes on the road and hands on the wheel.”

To foster the greatest consumer acceptance, according to Kennedy, a hands-free solution should be well-engineered, easy to install, easy to use, attractively priced and work with all popular phone makes and models. Further, it should also meet the safety and reliability needs of both the automotive industry and wireless carriers.

Driver distractions, including those caused by cell phone use, is are thought to contribute to 20 to 30 percent of traffic accidents, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHSTA). As a result, many jurisdictions – including New York State and Miami-Dade County, are restricting the use cell phones while driving.

About Cellport
Cellport Systems is a world leader in providing in-vehicle wireless communications and telematics systems. The company’s products include the Cellport 3000, the industry’s first universal-hands-free platform and the Cellport 3000 with Voice Command. Cellport products are available nationwide through major retail outlets and as options on vehicles from major automakers. TThe company’s substantial patent portfolio positions it to continue its leadership position in the telematics industry. The Cellport Global Partners program is rapidly expanding Cellport technology around the globe through unique strategic partnerships and licensing relationships with partners in Europe, North America and Asia. Investors in Cellport Systems include AT&T Wireless Services, Cisco Systems and Omron Corporation. The company is privately held, with corporate headquarters in Boulder, Colorado,. Aand regional offices in Detroit, Michigan and Tokyo, Japan. For more information, please visit the Cellport Systems Web site at www.cellport.com.

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Cellport 3000 is a trademark of Cellport Systems.
For additional information contact Cellport at 303-541-0722.