Adel, Ga., a "Smart 21 Community"

The small town ofAdel (population: 7500) in south Georgia now ranks among the top 21 "Intelligent Cities" in the world due to their visionary deployment and application of wireless and fiber-based broadband services. The selection of the Top Seven Intelligent Communities is guided by an annual theme. In 2006, the theme is sustainability. Adel began offering broadband services, primarily wireless, to residents and businesses in September 2003. Since then, the network, brandedSouthlink,has expanded to serve neighboring townships and bedroom communities throughout Cook County, Ga., an area covering almost 300 square miles.

Adel's "pre- WIMAX"wireless network now has approximately 400 users. About 60 of these users are business customers that would not otherwise have broadband access to the Internet. The network has a countywide wireless cloud that includes several smaller "wireless micro cells' for more remote areas of the county serving smaller populations. Adel was chosen a "Smart 21 finalist" from over 400 cities and communities from around the world.

"This award affirms the impact of our efforts in technology on Adel and the surrounding communities,"stated City Manager Jerry Permenter. "We could not be happier to receive such an honor and look forward to the final selection at the award ceremony in Hawaii in January, 2006."

Southlink now has numerous subscribers, including residential and business customers, schools, libraries and other organizations that utilize various broadband services provided by the network. The network is
managed by . Camvera Networks and utilizes technology from Navini Networks.In addition to broadband internet access, it provides web hosting, email, VOIP, modem management, network monitoring and other services enabled by an enterprise wide broadband network.

"This is very exciting," said Camvera Networks vice president, John Overley. "We have been working with the city of Adel for many years as its partner and the "behind the scenes" service provider. This nomination really showcases the city's vision and efforts, as well as the benefits of a public-private partnership and its positive effects on local economic development. We believe that this is just the beginning of a trend where consumers, businesses and cities will all benefit."

Adel-Cook County is located in South Central Georgia, 40 miles north of the Florida-Georgia border. It boasts a year round moderate climate that insures an ideal environment in which to live and work. The major metropolitan areas of Atlanta and Orlando are both located just over 200 miles north and south of Adel while Jacksonville is less than 100 miles to the southeast. Adel-Cook County's location and transportation facilities provide tremendous opportunities for business and industry seeking entry to the
expanding markets in Florida and the Southeast.