USC Invests in Biometric Identification and Added Value EFTPOS

24 September 2001

Utility Services Corporation Ltd (USC) has entered into a convertible
note facility and an option agreement to progressively purchase Fox
Technology Pty Ltd.

Fox was formed in 1989 to develop and market biometric identification
products covering finger printing, hand geometry, facial recognition and
smart cards. The company developed the current NSW photo drivers
license system.

Fox later evolved into banking and added value EFTPOS solutions.

It is now one of Australia's leading specialised providers of
added-value solutions over the EFTPOS network (B2B2C). Applications
include bill payment, health claims, mobile phone recharge, e-tag top
ups, gaming, loyalty, transport ticketing and virtual cash.

Fox is working with the Australian Newsagents Federation to provide a
national bill payment solution to allow customers to pay their bills at
the local newsagent, provide prepaid mobile top-ups and a range of other
value-added and e-commerce services.

Fox is developing a range of new B2B2C products for major oil companies'
outlets across Australia. It is also working with several banks on
applications of its B2B2C Wizard Solution.

USC sees Fox Technology as an important link in its strategy to develop
its e-business capability in electronic payment, smart card and EFTPOS
networks.

USC operates through 3 business groups:

1. Utility Group comprising Utility Asset Management (with services
such as customer connections and maintenance on utility power
distribution assets), Skilltech (meter reading and services), U-tel
(mobile phone services) and neopurple (industrial, creative and web
design)
2. E-Business comprising the electronic commerce consulting businesses
of Opticon (consulting and project management services in information,
communications and technology) and now Gibson Quai. These businesses
offer complementary consulting services and are expected to generate new
revenue opportunities as a result.
3. Technology Investments, which holds venture capital-style interests
in strategic technology businesses.

USC is currently negotiating additional acquisition opportunities in
professional services in specialized technology, consulting and
e-business. The Board expects to make further announcements in the near
future.

Further information:
Geoff Lord
Executive Chairman
Utility Services Corporation Limited
Tel: (03) 9941 3100