``StreetWise'' Public Network Downunder Rolled-Out On Cisco Aironet Wi-Fi.

Business Editors/High-Tech Writers

SAN FRANCISCO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Jan. 14, 2003

One of the world's largest open-space public wireless networks, with more than 70 access points, is being rolled-out in South Australia's capital city Adelaide.

The multi-cell network, named StreetWise, will involve the installation of Cisco Aironet Series of Wi-Fi (IEEE 802.11b) wireless LAN products at key locations around the city, attached to roadside infrastructure.

"South Australia's decision to take the lead in deploying Wi-Fi technology across the capital city reaffirms its status as an innovative and technologically advanced State," said Christine Falsetti, Director of Marketing of Cisco's Wireless Networking Business Unit.

"Beyond facilitating high quality, secure and, reliable day-to-day business communications in the city, StreetWise also serves as a test-bed for wireless application developers from Australia and around the world," she said.

StreetWise is a product of m.Net Corporation, an Adelaide based consortium of leading technology companies including Cisco, Adelaide's three universities and key public authorities.

Two other m.Net consortium members, Agile and AirNet, will build the network and provide ISP services for the network to enable access by the public and corporate users.

m.Net CEO Andrew Ekiert says the blanket coverage will allow people to use PDAs and laptops, and eventually new cell phones, to seamlessly roam. "That opens doors to location-based and other services," he said.

Invest South Australia VP North America David Brook said the network was one of the world's largest and would be in place by early next year.

"The aim is to stimulate the development of mobile commerce in Australia and provide industry with the opportunity to take a global lead," he said.

Brook said the wireless network is designed to complement m.Net's third generation (3G) cellular network, established in Adelaide earlier this year.

"South Australia, a fast growing State in one of the world's most robust economies, has a reputation for R&D excellence and innovation and has attracted the attention of some of the largest US tech firms such as Motorola, Hewlett-Packard and EDS as a safe, affordable, high-quality and hi-tech site for expansion."

"Known as the University City, Adelaide's graduate programs and Government sponsored centers of excellence have also drawn some of the leading business and technology minds from around the country and overseas," he said.