ALTECH NETSTAR TRAFFIC SERVICE DELIVERED TO MOTORISTS VIA THE SABC

Altech Netstar Traffic (“ANT”) has launched a real-time intelligent traffic information service in South Africa. It has partnered with ITIS, the global leader in intelligent traffic services, to deliver traffic information to beleaguered motorists in major South African cities.

The system deployed gathers information from probe vehicles and calculates flow speeds and delays using a proprietary location code table embedded in street-level maps.

One way in which live traffic information can be received by a motorist is via their portable navigation device (“PND”) such as a Garmin. Once encoded, PND’s are able to receive Radio Data Signals (“RDS”) which carry traffic messages (commonly referred to as RDS-TMC). These data messages are transmitted every few seconds, and then sent directly to the receiving device, thereby alerting the user to congestion up ahead, and offering an alternative route where possible. The first PNDs to support RDS traffic will be Garmin nüvi (automotive) and zumo (motorcycle) devices. Dr Chris Crozier, Chief Technology Officer of Garmin Distribution Africa (Pty) Ltd said “We have been working with Altech Netstar Traffic from the beginning, and are delighted to be able to offer this premium service to our customers. The first traffic-enabled units will be available on the shelves as early as next week”.

ANT has reached an agreement with the SABC, whereby the SABC network of radio transmitters will be used to transmit the RDS-TMC signals. The Altech Netstar Traffic RDS-TMC signal is now available in Gauteng and transmissions will commence in Cape Town and Durban as the next step.

The South African motorist will now be able to enjoy a full traffic service, as do motorists in many countries in Europe. The service is also being tested for expansion to Motor Manufacturers, which means that in the near future the owner of a vehicle with an installed satellite navigation system will be able to receive traffic information as well. Says Harry Louw, Managing Director of the Altech Netstar group, “this high technology business will deliver a new experience to frustrated motorists, and underscores Altech Netstar’s strategy of expanding the group’s world class technology-based services to consumers.”

For further information please contact:

Charles Morgan: General Manager: Altech Netstar Traffic

Tel: +27 11 207 5039

Mobile: +27 11 805 0266

E Mail: charlesm@netsar.altech.co.za

Shenanda Janse van Rensburg: Group Executive: Marketing, Public Relations and Communications Allied Technologies Limited (Altech)

Tel: +27 11 715-9023

Mobile: +27 84 777 1977

E Mail: sjvrensburg@altech.co.za