LOS ANGELES and LONG BEACH, Calif., Jan. 21 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- AT&T
Business Solutions and WebTech Wireless Inc. (TSX: WEW), a leading provider of
location-based and fleet telematics services, have teamed up to help the Port
of Los Angeles and the Port of Long Beach improve air quality. Under the terms
of the agreement, AT&T Business Solutions and WebTech will provide a wireless
vehicle tracking and monitoring solution that supports the ports' Clean Trucks
Program. The initial phase of the tracking system includes the installation of
600 WebTech Locators(TM) in new trucks and is available immediately to program
applicants.
The technology and services from AT&T Business Solutions and WebTech
comprise an innovative solution the ports are deploying in support of the San
Pedro Bay Ports Clean Trucks Program, a major air-quality improvement program.
The solution employs WebTech Locators, using GPS and General Packet Radio
Service technology, to track newly replaced port drayage trucks equipped with
low-emission engines. Supported by state funds and cargo fees, the ports are
providing financial assistance for clean replacement trucks, with the
requirement that truck owners use the vehicles only in California and work a
minimum number of times in the ports. The devices send vehicle location and
diagnostics data over AT&T Mobility's wireless network to WebTech's Web-based
Quadrant(TM) fleet-management system. Quadrant monitors miles driven within
specified geographic boundaries (geo-fences) and data such as idling time and
fuel consumption, which enables the ports to quantify the pollution avoided
and determine the cost-effectiveness of the program.
The solution will facilitate the ability to have lower-emitting drayage
trucks serve the ports and ensure that truck owners and operators comply with
the requirements of the Clean Trucks Program. Additionally, the monitoring
system facilitates compliance by participating trucks and employees with port
security and public safety standards.
"This initiative reinforces our commitment to provide innovative solutions
that enable our customers to increase efficiency and productivity while also
reducing carbon emissions," said Denita Willoughby, vice president, AT&T
External Affairs of the Greater Los Angeles area. "AT&T is proud to work with
the cities of Los Angeles and Long Beach on this effort to help reduce
emissions and improve air quality in the region."
Under the leadership of L.A. City Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa and Long
Beach Mayor Bob Foster, the Clean Trucks Program is the centerpiece of the
nation's most ambitious seaport air-pollution cleanup initiative, which banned
10 percent of port trucks -- or 2,000 "dirty diesel" trucks in October 2008.
By 2012, the program will ban and replace as many as 16,000 dirty diesel
trucks serving the ports.
About Port of Los Angeles
The Port of Los Angeles, also known as "America's Port," has a strong
commitment to developing innovative strategic and sustainable operations that
benefit the economy and the quality of life for the region and the nation it
serves. A recipient of numerous environmental awards, including the U.S.
Environmental Protection Agency's 2007 Clean Air Excellence Award, the Port of
Los Angeles is committed to innovating cleaner, greener ways of doing
business. As the leading seaport in North America in terms of shipping
container volume and cargo value, the Port generates 919,000 regional jobs and
$39.1 billion in annual wages and tax revenues. A proprietary department of
the City of Los Angeles, the Port is self-supporting and does not receive
taxpayer dollars. The Port of Los Angeles -- A cleaner port. A brighter
future.
About Port of Long Beach
The Port of Long Beach is one of America's premier seaports, a trail
blazer in goods movement and environmental stewardship. Trade valued annually
at more than $150 billion moves through Long Beach, including clothing, toys,
shoes, furniture and consumer electronics. Goods movement at the Port supports
more than 316,000 jobs in Southern California and many more jobs around the
nation. With a Green Port Policy guiding efforts to minimize negative
environmental impacts, the Port also is a catalyst for innovative
environmental programs. Serving as a model for ports around the world, the
Port of Long Beach pioneered Green Flag vessel speed reduction air quality
program, Green Leases with environmental covenants, the San Pedro Bay Ports
Clean Air Action Plan and Clean Trucks Program.
About WebTech Wireless
WebTech Wireless Inc. (TSX: WEW) is a global Telematics, location-based
services provider that develops, manufactures, and delivers turnkey wireless
solutions designed to improve productivity and profitability. WebTech Wireless
products include wireless hardware and software services running on cellular
and satellite networks, and include Automatic Vehicle Location, Mapping,
Reporting, Vehicle Diagnostics, Driver Status, In-vehicle Telemetry,
Messaging, In-vehicle Navigation, and wireless application and Internet
connectivity. WebTech Wireless is currently providing devices and services
worldwide in eight languages to over forty-one countries covering five
continents. WebTech Wireless' scalable solutions are used by a broad range of
small, medium and Fortune 500 companies and by governments. For more
information, please visit http://www.webtechwireless.com.
About AT&T
AT&T Inc. (NYSE: T) is a premier communications holding company. Its
subsidiaries and affiliates, AT&T operating companies, are the providers of
AT&T services in the United States and around the world. Among their offerings
are the world's most advanced IP-based business communications services, the
nation's fastest 3G network and the best wireless coverage worldwide, and the
nation's leading high speed Internet access and voice services. In domestic
markets, AT&T is known for the directory publishing and advertising sales
leadership of its Yellow Pages and YELLOWPAGES.COM organizations, and the AT&T
brand is licensed to innovators in such fields as communications equipment. As
part of their three-screen integration strategy, AT&T operating companies are
expanding their TV entertainment offerings. In 2008, AT&T again ranked No. 1
in the telecommunications industry on FORTUNE(R) magazine's lists of the
World's Most Admired Companies and America's Most Admired Companies.
Additional information about AT&T Inc. and the products and services provided
by AT&T subsidiaries and affiliates is available at http://www.att.com.
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SOURCE AT&T Inc.