Aperto Networks Accelerates Development of IEEE 802.16a Standards Compliance, WiMAX Certified Systems for Wireless Metropolitan Networks.

Business Editors/High-Tech Writers

WCA 2003

WASHINGTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--July 9, 2003

Aperto Networks, a leading provider of multiservice broadband wireless access (BWA) systems, announced today at the Wireless Communications Association annual conference that it is actively working with leading semiconductor providers to support accelerated delivery schedules and certification of IEEE 802.16a-compliant chips and systems for broadband wireless access.

"There's no question that leading silicon vendors are now moving toward mass production of 802.16a-compliant chips, and that this will have a breakthrough impact on BWA system price/performance levels," stated Aperto Networks CEO and founder Dr. Reza Ahy. "Closer relationships between leading systems and silicon vendors, such as Aperto Networks and Intel, will help 802.16a systems realize a substantial level of cost reduction over time similar to what has already occurred in the 802.11 realm over the last three years. With the advent of component suppliers like Intel committing to develop silicon, we expect Aperto's vision of mass market broadband wireless access to be accelerated."

As a founding member of the WiMAX (Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access) Forum, Aperto views these collaborative steps as key milestones toward its own 802.16a-compliant product delivery.

"Aperto Networks has been a pioneer in establishing the 802.16a standard for broadband wireless access, and is now taking the next step by committing to deliver systems for WiMAX certification," emphasized Ron Resnick, general manager of Broadband Wireless Access Business at Intel Corporation. "We are excited to see industry momentum for WiMAX growing as we move forward with our own plans to deliver 802.16a silicon. It is paramount for equipment makers, component suppliers and operators to work hand in hand to deliver on the promise of WiMAX."

"Several essential pieces are required for critical mass in the broadband wireless industry," said Andy Fuertes, senior analyst with Visant Strategies and noted BWA expert. "We need approved industry standards, group collaboration on compliance certification, and multi-vendor commitments to develop the complete value chain at a rapid pace. The 802.16a standard is done, as a consequence WiMAX is making rapid progress on its compliance process, and now we are seeing the emergence of the third key piece, bilateral relationships between leading players. This is a very positive sign."

The IEEE 802.16a standard was approved in January 2003 to cover the 2 GHz to 11 GHz frequencies. It covers wireless metropolitan area network technologies that provide an alternative or complement to cable, DSL and T-1/E-1 for last mile broadband access, and 802.11 hot spot interconnection to the Internet. The standard also supports simultaneous high-speed access to more than 60 businesses with T1 or greater connectivity, and hundreds of homes with DSL-type connectivity from a single wireless base station.

The WiMAX Forum assists in standards compliance and vendor interoperability certification. Forum members, including Aperto Networks and Intel, will speak at this week's WCA conference at the Washington, D.C. Convention Center, (http://www.wcai.com/event/03schedule.htm), to address IEEE 802.16a standards and industry progress toward compliance. For more information on the WiMAX Forum, go to www.wimaxforum.org.

About Aperto Networks

Aperto Networks is a leading provider of multiservice broadband wireless access systems for global markets. The company was founded to provide a breakthrough solution to one of today's critical network bottlenecks - last-mile broadband access. The PacketWave(R) system provides a family of base stations, subscriber units, and associated radios and antennas in 2.5, 3.5 and 5 GHz frequency bands for global point-to-point and point-to-multipoint deployments. Its scalable systems and patent-pending technologies support new wireless builds and complement existing wireline broadband access technology. Aperto systems have been deployed by service providers in 25 countries, meeting their needs for ease of installation, IP-rich network functionality and cost effectiveness, while enabling rapid provisioning and interference resilient operation in dense urban to suburban locations. The company is a founder and leading contributor to IEEE 802.16a as well as to ETSI-BRAN standards, and a board member of the WiMAX Forum. For more information on Aperto Networks, go to www.apertonet.com.