TABY, Sweden, March 18, 2003 (PRIMEZONE) -- Allgon, a global provider of wireless coverage solutions, in a contract with Aldridge Electric, Inc., currently Northern Illinois' largest electrical contractor, has been selected to provide a comprehensive wireless telecommunications coverage solution for the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) rapid subway tunnels, underground stations and station passageways. Once completed, the project will be the first state-of-the-art multi-provider, multi-technology wireless coverage solution deployed in a U.S. mass transit system. The 18-month installation is expected to commence immediately, with limited service throughout the two 11.4 mile tunnels available to carriers in seven to nine months.
"The combination of Aldridge Electric's extensive installation experience within Chicago's subway system with Allgon's expertise providing coverage solutions for complex environments worldwide, offers the CTA the most comprehensive, cost-efficient way to expand communications capability," said Jeff Bork, CEO of Allgon. "After the system is complete and providers are signed-up, customers can look forward to the security and convenience seamless wireless coverage can provide wherever they are within the rail system."
Allgon's fiber-based distributed antenna network will transmit mobile radio signals from strategically positioned radio base station hotels outside of the Chicago Subway tunnel system. Besides supporting all major U.S. wireless providers, the system enhances the communication system for the Chicago Transit Authority, Chicago Police Department and Chicago Fire Department/EMS. The multi-provider and multi-band system of repeaters and antennas will be connected to a common fiber-optic backbone -- a solution that is an Allgon Coverage Engineering (ACE) specialty.
"Aldridge is looking forward to partnering with Allgon to upgrade CTA's communication system," said Ken Aldridge, president and owner of Aldridge Electric. "Our Telecom Division's work installing telecommunications duct banks throughout downtown Chicago, the redline rehabilitation project and the ADA compliance upgrade has built a strong relationship between Aldridge and CTA. This experience will directly complement the solution Allgon brings to the table."
"This underground connection will enable us to have multiple communication options available both for the CTA and for our customers and it prepares us for a variety of situations," said CTA president Frank Kruesi. "The more options we have for communicating while in the subway, the better we can deliver a positive, more convenient transit experience to the half-million customers who use our rail system each weekday."
The CTA is an independent governmental agency created by Illinois state legislation in 1947. The CTA operates the nation's second largest public transportation system and covers the City of Chicago and 40 surrounding suburbs. On an average weekday, 1.5 million rides are taken on the CTA. The governing arm of the CTA is the Chicago Transit Board. The CTA generates revenue from farebox collections and also receives supplemental funding for operating expenses from the Regional Transportation Authority (RTA).
More information about Allgon can be obtained at www.allgon.com. For further information please contact: Jeff Bork, CEO, Allgon, +46 733 67 22 31, jeff.bork@allgon.se; Tomas Kihlstrand, CFO, Allgon, +46 733 67 22 32, tomas.kihlstrand@allgon.se
Allgon's business concept is to develop, manufacture and market radio-based solutions and other products for wireless telephony and data communications. Allgon's product range consists of antenna systems for infrastructure in mobile telephone networks; filters, combiners and similar products for base stations; repeater networks and microwave equipment. Allgon's invoiced sales amounted to SEK 1,411 million in 2002. The number of employees at the end of 2002 amounted to 584. Allgon was founded in 1946.