Airspan
Networks boosts Presence in Nigeria with new mobitel agreement
SUNRISE,
Florida - December 4, 2001 - Airspan Networks, Inc. (Nasdaq: AIRN),
a leading worldwide provider of fixed broadband wireless DSL networks,
today announced an agreement with Mobitel, a Lagos, Nigeria-based telecommunications
operator, to supply US$1.9 million of its AS4000 wireless DSL systems
for a new 2,000-line system in Lagos, and an additional 2,400-line expansion
in Nigeria's Warri region.
The agreement reinforces the relationship between Airspan and Mobitel
which commenced in August 1999 with an initial $2.5 million contract to
deploy a wireless local loop (WLL) network in the Warri region. Since
then, in excess of 1,400 lines have been deployed in this area with a
large proportion being utilized by Shell Petroleum Development Company
of Nigeria Limited.
"Mobitel and Airspan have enjoyed a very successful relationship
due to the flexibility and ease and speed in which Airspan's wireless
DSL systems can be deployed," said Charles Joseph, chief executive
officer of Mobitel. "This has enabled us to roll-out fixed wireless
services quickly and cost-effectively in the Warri region. The robustness
of Airspan's technology, combined with its ability to provide wide area
coverage and resistance to fading in the adverse environments of Nigeria
was also a driving factor behind our decision to deploy the Airspan solution
in Lagos."
The most populous nation in Africa with 126 million inhabitants, Nigeria
is rapidly emerging as a major market for fixed broadband wireless communications
services. Mobitel currently has a regional office in Warri, and owns licences
to provide voice and data services on a national level. Mobitel is currently
working closely with Airspan to introduce its PacketDrive technology,
which combines an always-on IP port, along with multiple carrier-grade
quality voice lines, into the network.
Airspan's AS4000 wireless DSL system offers point-to-multipoint delivery
of a wide range of telecommunication services including premium telephony,
high-speed packet and leased-line data. The system has coverage of up
to 25km from base with quality of service exceeding traditional copper
wire systems. It has frequencies ranging from 900MHz to 4 GHz.
"Our ongoing relationship with Mobitel underscores the confidence
and continued commitment operators have in Airspan's wireless DSL systems
to help them meet their telecommunication infrastructure needs,"
said Anders Rendahl, vice president and general manager, Airspan Networks
EMEA. "Airspan is one of the leading fixed broadband wireless providers
in Africa. Our fixed broadband wireless access technology is well suited
to meet the increasing demand for high-speed voice and data services in
this region."
About Mobitel
Mobitel is a provider of Telecommunications Services in Nigeria. It is
licenced by the Nigerian Communications Commission for Nationwide operations
for wireline, wireless, prepaid calling card and other value-added services.
It presently serves the important Victoria Island business district of
Lagos Nigeria using copper and fibre cables. Mobitel is poised to become
a major player in the newly deregulated marketplace in Nigeria and plans
to provide a minimum of 200,000 new lines by the year 2003.
About Airspan Networks
Airspan provides wireless DSL systems and solutions to operators around
the world with licenses in frequency bands between 900 MHz to 4 GHz, including
both PCS and MMDS. The company has deployments with more than 60 operators
in more than 40 countries. Airspan's systems are based on radio technology
that delivers wide area coverage, security and resistance to fading. Airspan's
systems can be deployed rapidly and cost effectively, providing 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
This press release contains forward-looking statements relating to future
events or future financial performance that involve risks and uncertainties.
These statements are only predictions and actual results could differ
materially from those anticipated in these statements based on those factors
identified in the company's filings with the SEC. The words "believe'',
"expect'', "intend'', "anticipate'', variations of such
words and similar expressions identify forward-looking statements but
their absence does not mean that the statement is not forward looking.
Forward looking statements in this press release include statements that
Nigeria, as the most populous country in Africa, is a major growth market
for fixed wireless broadband access systems and as one of the market leaders
in Africa, the implied opportunity from such market. These statements
are not guaranties of future performance and are subject to certain risks,
uncertainties and assumptions that are difficult to predict. Readers are
cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements
that speak only as of the date of this announcement.
For
Media inquiries, contact:
Airspan
Networks:
Al Quintana
Senior Director, Marketing Communications
Tel: +1 954 851 1665
Fax: +1 954 851 1678
Email: aquintana@airspan.com
For Investment inquiries, contact:
Airspan
Networks:
Peter Aronstam
Chief Financial Officer
Tel: +1 954 851- 1680
Fax: +1 954 851- 1661
Email: paronstam@airspan.com
Lippert/Heilshorn
& Associates, Inc.
Ryan Daniels or William A. Walkowiak, CFA
Tel: +1 212-838-3777
Fax: +1 212-838-4568
Email: william@lhai.com
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