FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

ALPHA OFFERS NEW EMBEDDED TRANSPONDER

Bellingham, Wash., October 10, 2001 - Power system manufacturer Alpha Technologies now offers the industry a fully embedded internal transponder. The new embedded transponder is designed to be used with Alpha's XM Series 2 broadband power supply's and greatly simplifies installation and service issues, while optimizing network performance.

Alpha's new embedded transponder offers operators several benefits. Full, internal integration of the transponder provides additional environmental protection as well as secured connections. The transponder is included with Alpha's new Universal Status Monitoring communications card, the USM2.5.

The USM2.5 communications card can be installed in the existing power supply's Digital Status Monitoring (DSM) board, providing customers with an embedded transponder powering solution. The main operational advantage of the new card is its ability to measure AC line input voltage. If there is an input voltage drop, sag or other fluctuation, it will immediately be reported to the transponder and system controller.

Because it is powered directly from the power supply and not the batteries, the USM2.5 with embedded transponder provides better reporting accuracy. Having both the power supply and transponder use the same internal references, measurement error is decreased. Another benefit is reduced labor costs as the transponder can be factory installed in the power supply. Purchase of the embedded transponder equipped power supply also simplifies the procurement process for operators.

Alpha Technologies Inc. develops power conversion, protection and standby products for telecommunications and cable television industries, including custom, application-specific power solutions. In addition to product development, Alpha Technologies provides a comprehensive range of installation and maintenance services to support its global customer base. Alpha Technologies is a member of The Alpha Group of companies.

The Alpha Group represents a global alliance of independent companies that share a common philosophy - create world-class powering solutions for communication, commercial, industrial and renewable energy markets.

For this and/or additional information in electronic form, go to www.alpha.com.