Airspan Networks, Inc. (NASDAQ: AIRN), a leading provider of
WiMAX-based broadband wireless access networks, announced today
that it has successfully demonstrated a unique, seamless,
uninterrupted handover from one frequency band on a mobile WiMAX
network to another frequency band.
A handover is the terminology used to define the seamless
transfer of a wireless device from one base station to another
without loss or interruption of service. A handover would be
conducted when a user device is moving away from the area covered
by one base station and entering the area covered by another.
This groundbreaking achievement is extraordinarily beneficial to
both end-users as well as network operators. As mobile WiMAX
deployments become more common, users will benefit from the ability
to transfer from one operating network to another. For instance, in
the United States, a user with an Airspan MiMAX USB device
connected to their laptop may be able to roam from a license-exempt
3.65 GHz network into a national, license-owned 2.5 GHz WiMAX
network.
Carriers and operators will benefit from the option to deploy a
single, large mobile WiMAX network using two or more frequency
bands. In many regions, the availably of 2.5 GHz is limited. Now
operators can aggregate spectrum to allow significant expansion of
coverage and roaming capabilities. A carrier, for example, could
begin with a small allocation at 2.3 or 2.5 GHz and add a larger,
often more affordable, allocation at 3.X GHz or even 5 GHz.
Users of wireless networks are typically confined to handovers
within a single operating frequency band. Switching between bands
with a cellular phone today, for example, requires changing
networks and forces the user to drop their connection before they
are able to restart on a new network for the new band. By enabling
seamless handover between two frequencies, the showcased solution
has demonstrated just how revolutionary WiMAX is proving to be. The
demonstration network is using the Airspan HiperMAX base station in
3.6 GHz frequency band and the MacroMAXe base station in the 2.5
GHz band communicating with a MiMAX Q-Series quad-band USB device
connected to a laptop roaming between the two base stations.
Staged in the UK, this achievement was performed with the
collaboration of long-term customer and partner FREEDOM4 and
strategic partners Starent Networks, using their Access Service
Network (ASN) gateway for connection management, and Bridgewater
Systems, using their subscriber management solution that delivers
carrier-grade authentication, authorization, and accounting (AAA)
services.
Graham Currier, Chief Operating Officer at FREEDOM4, stated,
"Airspan's Quad-Band MiMAX device creates a new paradigm for
European WiMAX operators. Airspan's technology allows us to combine
the reach of the 2.6 GHz frequency band with our large block of 3.6
GHz to create a spectrum position that can deliver a true broadband
experience for mobile users. We can deliver speeds and capacities
many times greater than operators using evolved 3G HSPA
technologies."
Paul Senior, Chief Technology Officer of Airspan, commented, "We
are very pleased to have succeeded in this world's first
demonstration with FREEDOM4. Confirming Airspan's WiMAX innovation
and technology leadership position, this achievement permanently
changes the landscape of mobile WiMAX and its possibilities."
This milestone is timely and relevant for European operators, as
2.5 GHz/2.6 GHz spectrum will be auctioned/allocated in almost all
European countries over the next 24-26 months, and typically up to
50 MHz of 2.5 GHz TDD spectrum (suitable for WiMAX) is available.
The 2.6 GHz auction in the UK will likely happen in the first half
of 2009.
Although this particular handover demonstration operated between
the 2.5 and 3.6 GHz bands, Airspan equipment can support this type
of handover between all the major WiMAX bands -- 2.3, 2.5, 3.3,
3.4-3.6, 3.6-3.8, and 5 GHz bands.
About Airspan Networks Inc.
Airspan is the industry's leading WiMAX pure player, ranked #1
for IEEE802.16-2004 WiMAX revenue in 2007 and has now been selected
for some of the world's largest mobile WiMAX deployments. With
direct sales offices throughout Asia, EMEA and the Americas, a
worldwide network of resellers and agents, and partnership
alliances with major OEMs, Airspan boasts over 100 commercial WiMAX
deployments worldwide. www.airspan.com.
This press release contains forward-looking statements within
the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and
Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. All statements,
other than statements of historical facts, including statements
regarding our strategy, future operations, financial position,
future revenues, projected costs, prospects, plans and objectives
of management, may be deemed to be forward-looking statements. The
words "anticipates," "believes," "estimates," "expects," "intends,"
"may," "plans," "projects," "will," "would" and similar expressions
or negative variations thereof are intended to identify
forward-looking statements, although not all forward-looking
statements contain these identifying words. We may not actually
achieve the plans, intentions or expectations disclosed in our
forward-looking statements and you should not place undue reliance
on our forward-looking statements. There are a number of important
factors that could cause actual results or events to differ
materially from the plans, intentions and expectations disclosed in
the forward-looking statements we make. Investors and others are
therefore cautioned that a variety of factors, including certain
risks, may affect our business and cause actual results to differ
materially from those set forth in the forward-looking statements.
The Company is subject to the risks and uncertainties described in
its filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including
its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2007
and in the Company's 2008 Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q. You
should read those factors as being applicable to all related
forward-looking statements wherever they appear in this press
release. We do not assume any obligation to update any
forward-looking statements.
About FREEDOM4
FREEDOM4, a joint venture between Pipex Communications and Intel
Capital, is a provider of personal wireless broadband services
without boundaries. With a national license to deploy WiMAX
services in the 3.6 GHz band, FREEDOM4 is working closely with
businesses and local authorities to build the necessary
infrastructure to provide broadband wireless internet access across
the UK.
FREEDOM4 has partnerships with some of the leading names in
wireless technologies and telecommunications, including Intel
Corporation, Airspan Networks, Nokia Siemens Networks, and National
Grid Wireless to provide WiMAX services to nomadic workers,
businesses and SOHOs via a scalable and resilient network. For
further information, visit www.freedom4.com.
For Investor Relations inquiries, contact: David Brant Senior
Vice President & Chief Financial Officer Airspan Networks Inc.
Tel: +1 561 893-8650 Fax: +1 561 893-8681 Email: dbrant@airspan.com
For media inquiries, contact: Dori Erann Director of Marketing
Communications Airspan Networks Inc. Tel. +1.561.893.8687 Fax:
+1.561.893.8671 Email: derann@airspan.com
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