Wi-LAN Provides Broadband Wireless Communications to Remote Oilfields.

CALGARY, Canada -- Network Connects Rigs Across Rugged 1,000 Square Mile Area in Alaska

Wi-LAN Inc. (TSX:WIN), a global provider of market-leading broadband wireless communications products and technologies and a charter member of the WiMAX Forum(1), today announced that its broadband wireless communications products have been deployed to create a wide-area network providing voice, data and supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) for remote oilfields in the Kenai Peninsula, Alaska for Marathon Oil, a large U.S.-based integrated oil and gas company. Marathon Oil is benefiting from dramatically improved communications and reduced operating costs, thanks to a uniquely designed wireless network using Wi-LAN's VIP 110-24 broadband wireless access systems. The network was designed and installed by Quadco Inc., a systems integrator and 20-year veteran in the oilfield business.

"The ruggedness, durability and quality of Wi-LAN's equipment is self-evident with this network," said Glenn Pollock, VIP Product Manager. "Wi-LAN equipment was chosen because of its ability to operate in harsh climates and difficult terrain. The equipment in this case is working amongst mountain ranges and across large bodies of water such as the Cook Inlet."

Marathon's Kenai Peninsula broadband wireless network, directly south of Anchorage, Alaska, provides local area network (LAN), wide area network (WAN), voice over Internet protocol (VoIP) and SCADA connectivity in a large geographically dispersed oil field. The unique features of Wi-LAN's VIP product series allow Marathon to use its network to provide mobile and fixed communication services throughout a 1,000 square mile area.

"Wi-LAN's VIP 110-24 is a great choice for this type of application," said David Vandehay, a Quadco manager. "The VIP's structured mesh non-line-of sight (NLOS) capability was perfectly suited to this difficult terrain. The VIP's unique features made it possible to exceed Marathon's requirements."

Drilling rigs typically move every 30 - 45 days, making them ideally suited to broadband wireless services. When a rig arrives on site, oil workers simply erect the derrick and the rig is automatically connected to the network. This unique "self assembling" network feature of Wi-LAN's patented VINE technology is extremely useful for this application. When the oil wells are completed, SCADA equipment is installed and connected to the wireless network as well. Currently, over 100 wells in this field have SCADA connections.

Wi-LAN's Ultima3, VIP and LIBRA product series now include an all-inclusive 2-year parts and labour warranty. As well, customers who deploy Wi-LAN's LIBRA product line are protected by Wi-LAN's CONTINUITY PROGRAM(TM). The core of the CONTINUITY PROGRAM is Wi-LAN's commitment that any current LIBRA Customer Premise Equipment (CPE) will operate side by side, in the same network, the same cell and even the same sector with future WiMAX Certified(1) CPE's. The CONTINUITY PROGRAM will minimize network and revenue disruption and protect customers' investment in current technology when networks are transitioned to WiMAX Certified equipment. The CONTINUITY PROGRAM offers Wi-LAN customers a solid migration path to Wi-LAN's Wi-MAX Certified systems, which are expected to be available in the first half of 2005.

About Wi-LAN Inc.

Wi-LAN is a global provider of broadband wireless communications products and technologies, offering businesses, including telecom service providers, and government enterprises effective, economic and secure wireless high-speed communications solutions. Wi-LAN specializes in high-speed Internet access, data network extension, and wireless data and telephony backhaul, utilizing its high quality products and industry-leading technologies.

Wi-LAN believes its portfolio of patents, including its core W-OFDM patents and 17 patents and patent applications acquired from Ensemble Communications in May 2004, are necessary for the implementation of devices using the IEEE 802.16 WirelessMAN Standard(1) and the ETSI BRAN HiperMAN(1) standard (the WiMAX Forum(1) standards). As well, Wi-LAN's W-OFDM patents are believed to be required for the implementation of devices using the IEEE standards 802.11a and 802.11g (the 2nd generation Wi-Fi Alliance(1) standards), and the ETSI BRAN HiperLAN/2(1) standard. Wi-LAN licenses its patented technology and has executed non-exclusive W-OFDM license agreements with semiconductor and broadband wireless equipment companies.

Wi-LAN is the chair company of the OFDM Forum (www.ofdm-forum.com) and a charter member of the WiMAX Forum (www.wimaxforum.org). Wi-LAN's common shares trade on The Toronto Stock Exchange under the symbol "WIN." Detailed information on Wi-LAN can be found at www.wi-lan.com.

Forward Looking Information

Certain statements in this release, other than statements of historical fact, may include forward-looking information that involves various risks and uncertainties. These may include, without limitation, statements based on current expectations involving a number of risks and uncertainties related to all aspects of the wireless communications industry. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not restricted to, continued increased demand for the Company's products, the Company's ability to maintain its technological leadership in the field of high-speed wireless communications, the Company's ability to attract and retain key employees, the enforceability of the Company's patents, and the availability of key components.

These uncertainties may cause actual results to differ from information contained herein. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate. Actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. These and all subsequent written and oral forward-looking statements are based on the estimates and opinions of management on the dates they are made and expressly qualified in their entirety by this notice. The Company assumes no obligation to update forward-looking statements should circumstances or management's estimates or opinions change.

(1) All trademarks and brands mentioned in this release are the property of their respective owners.

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