ReliOn and CIC USA Project Named Finalist in 2014 CTIA E-Tech Awards

Fuel Cell Project Recognized for Innovation in Green Telecom & Networks

Spokane, WA August 19, 2014 – ReliOn, a Plug Power company, and Communication Infrastructure Corporation (CIC USA) announced today that their joint project, "Providing a Reliable, Cost-Effective and Green Remote Off-Grid Power Solution," was named a finalist in the Green Telecom & Networks division of CTIA's annual Emerging Technology (E-Tech) Awards competition. Representing the most innovative and cutting-edge emerging mobile services, solutions and technology, the E-Tech Awards finalists feature the best in areas such as network equipment, M2M and the Internet of Things and the cloud.


The E-Tech Awards ceremony will take place at CTIA's Super Mobility Week, Wednesday, September 10 from 12:30 p.m. – 1:00 p.m. at Studio C.

CIC has installed more than 30,000 microwave sites since 1999 and has worked with ReliOn to deploy hydrogen fuel cell power solutions since late 2013. This particular project is part of a 39-site microwave network operating in the northeast U.S. It sits atop a mountain in Pennsylvania where grid power has not been installed due to cost. The fuel cell has provided primary power to the customer equipment since April 2014. Benefits to the customer include reliable, quiet, cost-effective and green operation.

ReliOn President, Gary Flood commented, "ReliOn is pleased to have been selected as a finalist in the Green Telecom & Networks category. There are several strong technologies in this category and we are excited that the panel of media and industry judges has recognized our fuel cell project with CIC for its innovation and technological importance. Fuel cells serve an important function in the telecom industry. Without power, none of the critical communications devices we rely on can function. Fuel cells help companies balance the need for reliable, cost-effective power with the desire to work toward a sustainable environment."

"Our client's network could not have become operational without this effective, reliable off-grid energy solution. We are replicating this in several other implementations which require unique energy solutions," said Randall P Muench, Chief Operating Officer of Communication Infrastructure Corporation. "The ReliOn system has proven to be a reliable source of primary power, the costs to operate and maintain compare favorably with conventional generators, and the ‘green' nature of the system has simplified the permitting process in environmentally sensitive areas. We are very excited about the potential for this solution and having it recognized as an Emerging Technology Finalist."

"CTIA awards recognize the best and most innovative products and services for wireless companies looking to improve their operations and their engagement with their customers. Perfectly positioned for retailers to prepare for the holiday buying season, Super Mobility Week attendees will see what will be the next hottest devices and services," said Robert Mesirow, CTIA Vice President and Show Director.

Along with CTIA's two other awards programs, Hot for the Holidays and MobITs Awards, there were almost 300 entries submitted and scored by more than 50 industry experts, analysts and media.

Super Mobility Week attendees and online users will also have the opportunity to choose a "Crowd Favorite" by voting for their favorite product, not just finalists, in each program. Online voting is open now and runs until Monday, September 8 at 5:00 p.m. ET. Super Mobility Week attendees can still vote via text onsite starting September 8 until 10:00 a.m. ET Wednesday, September 10.

Super Mobility Week will take place September 9, 10 & 11, 2014 at the Sands Expo & Convention Center in Las Vegas.

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