Airspan Selected by GLV to Provide High-Speed Internet Access to Subscribers in U.S.

Business/High Tech Editors

SEATTLE--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Aug. 21, 2000

Airspan Networks Inc., the provider of fixed wireless telecommunication systems, today announced a five-year supply agreement with GLV, a new wireless access systems company formed by Long Lines, Ltd., Golden West Telecommunications and Venture Wireless Inc. GLV will deploy wireless voice and high-speed Internet access in Iowa and South Dakota.

GLV will be deploying Airspan's PacketDrive, an extension of the company's flagship AS4000 system that provides operators and ISPs (Internet Service Providers) with a full range of services, including high-quality voice lines as well as always-on Internet connections.

"Many telecommunications companies are choosing to abandon rural areas of America because conventional high-speed access options such as fiber are not cost effective," said Jon Winkel, GLV spokesperson. "We had to find a way to bring opportunity home with a scaleable, affordable system that could be deployed quickly. Airspan's technology will make that possible."

"Our agreement with GLV is an excellent example of how Airspan offers competitive providers the ability to provide services that might not otherwise be feasible," said Eric Stonestrom, Airspan's chief executive officer. "We look forward to a long and successful business partnership."

About Airspan Networks

Airspan is dedicated to providing fixed wireless telecommunications systems to operators and ISPs (Internet Service Providers) around the world with licenses between 900 MHz to 4.0 GHz frequency bands, including both PCS and MMDS. Airspan's systems are based on CDMA technology that provides wide area coverage, security and resistance to fading. Airspan's systems can be deployed rapidly and cost effectively, providing an attractive alternative to traditional wired communications networks. Airspan also offers radio planning, network installation, integration, training and support services to facilitate the deployment and operation of its systems. More information on Airspan can be found at http://www.airspan.com.

About GLV

GLV, based in Sergeant Bluff, Iowa, is a newly formed wireless access service provider owned by Long Lines Ltd., Golden West Telecommunications and Venture Wireless Inc. Long Lines (www.longlines.com), a diversified, communications-related holding company based in Sergeant Bluff has offered communications services to customers since 1941 providing a single-source solution for connectivity and includes the resources of Northwest Iowa Telephone, Pioneer Internet and SiouxLAN.com. Golden West (www.goldenwest.com), the largest independent local exchange carrier in South Dakota, has pioneered advanced services in the Midwest with companies such as Direct Technology, an enterprise-level network integration and consulting firm; Golden West Tele-Tech, an interconnect firm specializing in advanced business phone systems, wide-area paging and 24-hour call center; and the Golden Navigator, an Internet service provider. Venture Wireless, Inc. (www.sbtc.net) is a wholly owned subsidiary of Sully Buttes Telephone Cooperative. (SBTC) SBTC is a local exchange carrier serving central and northeastern South Dakota for almost half a century. SBTC offers a diverse product lineup consisting of local exchange service, long distance, Internet, cable TV, broadband Internet, frame relay, ATM services.