FreeWave Technologies Helps Williams Field Services Continue to Expand and Upgrade Its Vast Communications Network

BOULDER, Colo., Sept. 12, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- FreeWave Technologies (http://www.freewave.com), manufacturer of the most reliable, high-performance spread spectrum and licensed radios for critical data transmission, today announced new installations with its longtime customer, Williams Field Services, to replace and upgrade some older data radios in the field, as well as deploy solutions for cathodic protection and pipe-to-soil test site monitoring applications. For more than a decade, FreeWave has provided Williams with the most reliable, lowest power consumption wireless data radio solutions for integrated well head automation with Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA), I/O and backhaul, plunger lift, gas flow measurement, temperature, pressure and tank level monitoring, cathodic protection and more.

"FreeWave clearly has validated its dependability over the years and continues to take a methodical approach with our data communications network," said Ron Visconti, gas SCADA communications manager for Williams Field Services. "We continue to depend on FreeWave because of its commitment to providing highly reliable wireless data radios, excellent diagnostic tools and top-notch customer support."

Williams is one of the largest volume transporters of natural gas in the United States and, as such, needs a robust communications network to effectively find, gather, process and transport natural gas around the country. Williams initially selected FreeWave back in 1999 to supply spread spectrum wireless data transceivers for Williams' WinGate(TM) series of products. Ever since, the relationship has grown significantly to the extent that Williams now uses a suite of FreeWave products, such as its DGR, FGR, FGR2 serial and I/O radios, FGR-CP, HTP 900RE and FGR2-PE radios.

"The most recent installations demonstrate the mutual trust and growth we've sustained with Williams over the years," said Ashish Sharma chief marketing officer of FreeWave Technologies. "We are very proud of the relationship we have with Williams and are committed to helping one of the largest natural gas producers in the U.S. enhance its productivity and improve its total cost of ownership."

The latest installations for Williams' gas measurement applications reflect this mutual growth and trust with FreeWave. Williams Field Service is currently migrating from the DGR radios to the FGR and FGR2 series for serial communications (RS-232 and RS-485). In addition, Williams is working toward switching out existing radios from other communications providers, as well as replacing older data control systems with FreeWave's FGR2-PE solution. FreeWave's new FGR2-PE-U data radio is a logical replacement because it has a built-in terminal server, web browser and two RJ45 Ethernet ports and two RJ45 serial ports. Furthermore, Williams is deploying FreeWave's FGR-CP radios to monitor its cathodic protection system (including the rectifiers) and safeguard its natural gas pipelines and pipe-to-soil test stations. Now, Williams can connect the CP radios to its existing DGR and FGR network and view this on its SCADA host. Williams also is using FreeWave's FGR2-IO data radios to control valve position and monitor other sites where the company needs to read discrete or analog values associated with flow rates, tank level, and pressure or temperature devices. All FreeWave radios – serial, Ethernet and IO – integrate seamlessly throughout the field and Williams' communications network is easily expandable as the company adds new well sites and pipelines across the country.

"We get good service from FreeWave, and service is king in our book," added Visconti. "FreeWave has a very versatile product line and is sensitive to our needs. For these reasons and others, we have a very good relationship."

About FreeWave Technologies

Founded in 1993, FreeWave Technologies manufactures the most reliable, high performing, lowest power consumption, spread spectrum and licensed radios for mission-critical data transmission. Through engineering excellence and a relentless commitment to best-in-class manufacturing, FreeWave customers enjoy superior radio up-time, range and the lowest cost of ownership available. Based in Boulder, Colorado, FreeWave designs and manufactures radios that are the leading choice for oil and gas, utility, military and numerous other industrial applications. Organizations that count on radio data communications for operational success – where failure and down-time are not an option – trust FreeWave for custom network design, system engineering and customer support that are unparalleled in the market. For additional information, contact FreeWave directly at 866.399.4930 or at [email protected]. Visit the company's website at (www.freewave.com).

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SOURCE FreeWave Technologies