Grok Technology and 3 Rivers Connect Unveil Public 
Wi-Fi Broadband Wireless Network in Oakland

    Grok Technology and 3 Rivers Connect (3rc) (http://www.3rc.org) announce that a public wireless Internet access network, known as Grok Secure Connect, will be available in Oakland on December 10, 2002. Residents, students and professionals living, studying or working in Oakland can access the public access Internet network via laptops, PDAs, tablet PCs, and other Wi-Fi (802.11B) devices. Network coverage will run along Forbes Avenue -- from Meyran to South Craig Streets, with the signal penetrating most commercial establishments along Forbes. The Wi-Fi network is made possible in part by a grant from The Heinz Endowments.

    The Wi-Fi network offers blazing speeds to the Internet (up to T-1 - 1.54 Mbps) and is protected with several layers of security, including a radius server and, optionally, a virtual private network (VPN). The service is available for a monthly fee of $18.95. Daily, weekly, and annual subscriptions are also available. To sign-up via credit card, users may visit http://www.groktechnology.com.

    "The Grok Secure Connect network is a significant development for Pittsburgh," said Ronald Gdovic, PhD, executive director of 3rc. "Subscribers will have access to the Internet in public areas, outside of traditional home, office, or classroom walls. This availability of wireless Internet access, literally on the street, provides anyone with a laptop and a Wi-Fi card to access the signal and use the Internet at broadband speeds."

    "We are pleased to be working with 3rc to further our commitment of providing public wireless Internet access within the Pittsburgh region," said Danette O'Connell, CEO and founder of Grok Technology, Inc. "The Secure Connect network delivers `always available' access to online communications, enabling people to communicate when, where and how they need to -- without the constraints of LAN-based alternatives."

    To officially launch the new Wi-Fi network, a dual-location event will be held on Tuesday, December 10th from 4 to 7 PM at Kiva Han, located at 3533 Forbes Avenue and Primanti Brothers, located at 3803 Forbes Avenue. Representatives from Grok Technology will be on-hand to demonstrate the wireless functionality of the network.

    About 3 Rivers Connect
    3 Rivers Connect is a Section 501(c)(3) non-profit organization working in cooperation with local, state, and federal agencies and public and private institutions to accelerate economic, social, and educational development through applications of advanced technology. 3rc is accomplishing this mission by initiating and supporting information technology projects that are nationally recognized for their innovation and effectiveness. 3rc was recently honored as one of 10 entrepreneurial firms whose products or services offer unique or promising technologies as a future economic driver of the 13-county Southwestern Pennsylvania region. To learn more, visit http://www.3rc.org or contact Ronald Gdovic, PhD, executive director, at (412) 392-1006.

    About Grok Technology
    Grok (which means "fully understanding") Technology, Inc. is a woman-owned technology enterprise headquartered on Pittsburgh's North Shore. Grok provides the hottest and latest wave of wireless technology. They develop enhanced wireless networks that provide enterprise security, affordability, and mobility. Their wireless network solutions are tailored to integrate seamlessly within a customer's existing network for enhancement purposes, eliminating the need for costly infrastructure replacement. To learn more, visit http://www.groktechnology.com or contact Danette O'Connell, CEO & Founder of Grok Technology at (412) 400-0887.

    About The Heinz Endowments
    The Heinz Endowments supports efforts to make southwestern Pennsylvania a premier place to live and work, a center of learning and educational excellence, and a home to diversity and inclusion. Committed to helping its region thrive as a whole community -- economically, ecologically, educationally and culturally -- the foundation works within Pennsylvania and elsewhere in the nation to develop solutions to challenges that are national and even international in scope. One of the largest and most innovative independent philanthropic foundations in the country, the Endowments awarded over $55 million in grants in 2001.

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