Crowley Data Chooses Lucent Technologies for Broadband Wireless Network Build in Poland.

Business & High-Tech Editors

WARSAW, Poland--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Sept. 5, 2000

Lucent Technologies today announced it was chosen by Crowley Data to construct its DataStar advanced metropolitan broadband wireless network in Poland.

Based on Asynchronous Transfer Mode (ATM) technology, the Datastar network will provide access speeds of up to 155 Megabits per second (Mbit/s) enabling high-speed Internet access for end-users throughout Poland.

Crowley Data is deploying Lucent's OnDemand LMDS (Local Multipoint Distribution System) fixed wireless access equipment to deliver fast multimedia data, voice and video transfer over-the-air direct to the end-user. Lucent has already delivered solutions and constructed wireless links for the DataStar backbone in the Warsaw, Poznan, Trojmiasto/Tricity and Katowice metropolitan areas as part of its long-term framework agreement with Crowley Data, which includes point-to-multipoint fixed wireless products, ATM switches, network management software, point-to-point radio links, as well as Lucent professional services to provide a turnkey system.

"This broadband wireless technology resolves one of the most important issues in public networks which is moving large amounts of data quickly over the `last mile' to the subscriber. By working with Lucent, we are able to rapidly roll out services including instant data transfer and digital leased lines to corporate and institutional customers who demand high quality and secure transmission," said Slawomir Palczewski, Managing Director of Crowley Data Poland.

Already operational in Warsaw, Poznan, Trojmiasto and the Silesian District, Crowley Data has a national license to expand its DataStar network to most of the major cities throughout Poland. By the end of 2001 the network will include more than 60 ATM nodes throughout Poland.

"This DataStar network is a template for the next generation of converged networks. We are pleased to help Crowley build a network that will enable the spread of high-speed Internet and e-commerce to consumers and businesses," said Stanislaw Szuder, the head of Lucent Technologies Poland S.A.

The DataStar network consists of a number of high-capacity metropolitan networks connected with the highest quality access systems. The operational range of the DataStar network (distance from the broadcasting antenna) is up to 5 kilometers. Transmission over this distance is problem free, and is not dependent on external weather conditions, as would be the case with radio-based solutions with lesser range capabilities.

Lucent Technologies OnDemand LMDS

Crowley Data is deploying Lucent's OnDemand LMDS solution operating on 26 GHz bandwidth. OnDemand is a broadband point-multipoint radio access system that enables n x E1, n x 64 kbit/s, Frame Relay, PRI and IP access services. Lucent's OnDemand system has an embedded ATM protocol, so it is possible to assign different service categories specific to this technology to various customers, including emulation of leased lines. The system ensures streaming allocation of bandwidth for PRI transmissions based on the signaling system used and for Frame Relay and IP transmissions based on the actual demand, analysis of free system resources and service category assigned to each user.

The OnDemand Wireless Access system was designed in response to market demand for faster and cheaper solutions facilitating wireless radio communications via networks with high traffic levels. OnDemand is a dynamic, fixed point-multipoint radio access network available on bandwidths ranging from 10 to 42 GHz. This solution is designed both for customers who want to set up a new system and for those seeking a cost-effective alternative to existing data transmission networks. In both cases, Lucent Technologies designs and builds a network customized to each client's needs and requirements.

About Crowley Data

Crowley Data Poland Sp. z o.o. was established in 1998 by a group of Polish entrepreneurs and scientists seeking to address the exponential demand for high-speed telecommunications services in Poland. Crowley Data, L.L.C., a U.S. telecommunications and Internet firm based in Washington, DC, is a principal shareholder in Crowley Data Poland. Over the past 18 years, Crowley Data, L.L.C. and its affiliates have successfully deployed and operated 22 state-of-the-art wireless networks around the world, including cellular, paging, wireless data and wireless broadband networks in the United States, South America and Central Europe. More information about Crowley Data Poland and the DataStar Network may be found at http://www.datastar.pl.

About Lucent Technologies

Lucent Technologies designs and delivers the systems, software, silicon and services for next-generation communications networks for service providers and enterprises. Backed by the research and development of Bell Labs, Lucent focuses on high-growth areas such as broadband and mobile Internet infrastructure; communications software; communications semiconductors and optoelectronics; Web-based enterprise solutions that link private and public networks; and professional network design and consulting services. For more information on Lucent Technologies, visit its Web site at http://www.lucent.com.