LTE News : wimax

Wintegra selects 4M Wireless for LTE interoperability

awardnews — Wed, 20 May 2009 18:45:00 GMT

London, United Kingdom, May 20, 2009 - Wintegra has selected 4M Wireless and its LTE terminal protocol stack as a key partner for LTE interoperability testing, which is expected to accelerate the product development efforts of LTE base station vendors. This enables Wintegra to provide well tested LTE software with its WinPath family of processors to the basestation market. In addition, Wintegra’s eNodeB customers can carry out comprehensive tests during their development phase by verifying their systems with the 4M Wireless LTE UE stack.

Wintegra is a leading provider of silicon and software solutions for 3G, WiMAX 802.16e and LTE base stations. Wintegra offers a complete LTE base station development and reference platform that easily scales from picocell to multi-sector macrocell densities based on the Wintegra WinPath family of fully programmable, pin-compatible and software-compatible processors.

4M Wireless is the market leader in LTE protocol stack software for terminal UE devices and also provides tools to carry out in depth analysis of LTE eNodeB technology. These tools allow eNodeB developers to carry out interoperability tests to verify their design and implementation against a complete reference 3GPP LTE terminal stack developed by 4M Wireless.

Wintegra and 4M Wireless are among the foremost companies in the LTE ecosystem and are actively enabling Tier 1 infrastructure vendors to meet the aggressive timescales of network operators. The two companies are showcasing their products to basestation vendors across the world. This includes demonstrations of all LTE software protocol layers as well as both TDD and FDD functionality to meet the specific requirements of different LTE rollouts.

"4M Wireless provides the most mature and widely used LTE terminal protocol stack in the market with a comprehensive set of stack features and tools" said Colin Alexander, Director of Wireless Marketing at Wintegra. "Working closely with 4M Wireless provides Wintegra and our customers with a very high level of confidence that the resulting base stations will be 3GPP standards compliant and interoperable with the broad range of LTE equipment. We value the opportunity to work with 4M Wireless and view this as an important relationship for us to maximise our value to our customers"

"We are very pleased that Wintegra has chosen the 4M Wireless LTE terminal protocol stack" said Atif Malik, CEO of 4M Wireless. “The widespread adoption of the Wintegra’s LTE eNodeB processors and software in the industry and the flexibility and scalability of its technology enables an excellent relationship. The two companies are ideally placed to provide well tested and best in class products to customers.”

About Wintegra, Inc.
Wintegra is a leading provider of access processing semiconductors enabling the delivery of new services for the evolving communications network infrastructure. Wintegra-based solutions are used in a wide range of networking and communication platforms such as wireline and wireless infrastructure, and access routers and are used by many of the leading equipment manufacturers worldwide. www.wintegra.com

About 4M Wireless Ltd.
4M Wireless Ltd is a supplier of advanced software solutions for mobile communications. Founded in 2006 and headquartered in the UK, 4M Wireless leads the wireless sector in LTE protocol stack software for mobile devices and LTE protocol test solutions for base stations. The company has been aggressively developing its LTE terminal stack very close to the schedules of the 3GPP. The 4M Wireless PS100 LTE protocol stack consists of Layer 2, Layer 3 and NAS protocol layers fully compliant to the latest 3GPP Release 8 specifications and optimized for embedded platforms. The company’s advanced award winning software is currently being used by a variety of leading customers and partners. More information is available at www.4mwireless.com

Educational Program Released for 4GWE Conference in Los Angeles

awardnews — Tue, 19 May 2009 20:11:00 GMT

Conference & Expo Dedicated to the Next Generation of Wireless Technologies Collocated with ITEXPO West 2009 in September

4G Wireless Evolution Conference 2009
Internet Telephony Conference & Expo West 2009

NORWALK, Conn. & YORKTOWN HEIGHTS, N.Y.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Technology Marketing Corporation (TMC®) and Crossfire Media have releases the conference program for the second 4G Wireless Evolution Conference (4GWE) taking place at ITEXPO in Los Angeles, on September 1-3, 2009.

4GWE is the first major event dedicated exclusively to addressing the issues, challenges and emerging opportunities associated with the evolution of the 4G - all IP - wireless network. The conference content is designed to educate the complete 4G eco-system on the applications, technology alternatives, time frames, and challenges influencing the new age of mobile broadband.

Conference tracks and sessions at 4GWE are specifically designed for each member of the 4G community, including:

Mobile Network Operators
Fixed Carriers
Handset Manufacturers
Mobile Internet Device Manufacturers
Application Providers
Venture Capitalists

“Just as the commercial Internet took root in 1993, the wireless Internet is coming of age today, and 4GWE is the one event that’s designed to educate attendees on the latest trends and opportunities, and provide a networking forum to meet the innovators who are best positioned to address these new opportunities,” said Carl Ford, partner and community developer for Crossfire Media.

The 4GWE Conference, which runs through the three day ITEXPO Conference, addresses 4G topics, such as:

1. Mobile Broadband: New Applications and New Business Models         14. Our G-enealogy
2. Social Applications: The Mobile Imperative                                                    15. LTE vs. WIMAX
3. Giving Voice to 4G                            16. IMS: Making Room for the Evolution
4. The World of WiMAX                                                                                             17. Qualcomm HSPDA The Next step
5. WiMAX Adoption in Rural Areas                                                                         18. The LTE Business Case
6. The IEEE’s Wireless Ethernet Keeps Growing and Going        19. The Demand Imperative
7. What’s on the Wireless Video?                                                                         20. Migrating the Core: Wireless Backhaul
8. The Ecosystem of Application Developers                                                      21. Wireless Backhaul: It’s Smarter near the Edge
9. Mobile Internet Devices: The Fixed is Embedded            22. Optimizing the RAN
10. White Space - Strategies                                                                                  23. The Broadband Stimulus Package: How does it Impact you?
11. While We are Waiting! WiFI Dual Mode                    24. Spectrum Maps
12. FemtoCell Solutions                                                                                        25. Defining Broadband: The New Neutrality Battlefield
13. Does Your 4G Device Communicate or Compute?                                     26. What Went Wrong for Wireless, Yesterday!

“Over the last 10 years, ITEXPO has played a key role in propelling the IP communications industry, and we believe that the 4GWE Conference at ITEXPO will provide the same type of content, networking and partnering opportunities that are needed to help evolve and mature the 4G industry,” said Rich Tehrani, TMC president and ITEXPO conference chairman.

“ITEXPO in Miami this past February flourished despite the shaky economy, setting a new attendance record. Offering the 4GWE educational program for the first time contributed to that success. That launch event quickly established 4GWE as the conference where the wireless/mobile industry’s foremost experts help attendees prepare to seize short- and long-term opportunities delivering 4G services,” added Tehrani.

In addition to the conference breakout sessions, 4GWE Conference will feature in-depth training courses covering LTE and backhaul.

Conference and Expo registration for both 4GWE and ITEXPO is now open. Sponsorship, exhibiting, and advertising opportunities are still available for companies looking to define, and showcase their role in the wireless evolution, to the thousands of combined 4GWE and ITEXPO attendees. The 4GWE Showcase is a turn-key exhibit opportunity, designed to minimize overhead expenses, and assure ROI to exhibitors. Interested parties should contact Dave Rodriguez at 1-203-852-6800, ext. 146 or at drodriguez@tmcnet.com or Scott Kargman, at 516-808-1991 or scott@crossfiremedia.com.

About Crossfire Media

Crossfire Media is an integrated marketing company with a core focus on future trends in technology. We service communities of interest with conferences, tradeshows, webinars, newsletters and provide community web sites with the latest information in our industries.

About TMC

Technology Marketing Corporation (TMC) is an integrated global media company helping clients build communities in print, in person and online. TMC publishes Customer Interaction Solutions, INTERNET TELEPHONY, Unified Communications, and NGN magazines. TMC is also the first publisher to test new products in its own on-site laboratories, TMC Labs. TMCnet, TMC's Web site, is the leading source of news and articles for the communications and technology industries. TMCnet is read by an average of two million unique visitors each month worldwide, according to Webtrends. In addition, TMC produces ITEXPO, 4GWE (in conjunction with Crossfire Media), and Communications Developer Conference.

TMC has also recently launched new industry-specific Web sites: 4g-wirelessevolution.TMCnet.com, InfoTech.TMCnet.com, Cable.tmcnet.com, Robotics.tmcnet.com, Satellite.tmcnet.com, Green.tmcnet.com.

For more information about TMC, visit www.tmcnet.com.

Clearwire and Cisco Form Alliance to Deliver 4G Mobile Internet Services for Consumers and Businesses

awardnews — Wed, 13 May 2009 18:05:00 GMT

- Clearwire Selects Cisco as Internet Protocol Next-Generation Network Core Infrastructure Provider

- Mobile Broadband Network Designed Specifically for High-Bandwidth Data Services

- Cisco Aims to Build Mobile WiMAX-enabled Devices for the Home, including
Linksys by Cisco Routers -

KIRKLAND, Wash., and SAN JOSE, Calif., May 13, 2009 - Clearwire Corporation (NASDAQ: CLWR) and Cisco (NASDAQ: CSCO) announced today an alliance designed to enhance and expand CLEAR(TM) 4G mobile WiMAX services throughout the United States. Under terms of the agreement, Clearwire has selected Cisco as its national Internet Protocol Next-Generation Network (IP NGN) core infrastructure provider, and Cisco has announced plans to build new mobile WiMAX devices for the CLEAR 4G mobile WiMAX service for the consumer, small office or home office (SOHO), and small and medium-sized business (SMB)markets.

As part of a multiyear network build-out plan with Cisco, the CLEAR 4G mobile WiMAX service will be available in major metropolitan areas across the United States. Clearwire's open all-IP network, combined with significant spectrum holdings, provides substantive network capacity to deliver next-generation broadband access. In addition, Cisco is aiming to introduce its first mobile WiMAX device later this year. Clearwire currently provides mobile WiMAX services in Baltimore, Md., and in Portland, Ore., and plans to bring its CLEAR 4G service to more than 80 markets across the United States by the end of 2010.

"By teaming with Cisco, one of the world's most forward-looking IP network infrastructure providers, we're building a robust and cost-efficient
next-generation network that's designed specifically for delivering rich broadband services," said Scott Richardson, Chief Strategy Officer of
Clearwire. "In addition, Cisco plans to develop WiMAX technology for end-user devices, which will give consumers and businesses more compelling ways to stay connected through our CLEAR 4G service."

"Around the globe, mobile WiMAX providers continue to make great strides bringing 4G mobile Internet services to market, and we are pleased that Clearwire has selected Cisco to help untether its Internet customers across the United States while delivering high performance," said Brett Galloway, senior vice president, wireless and security technology group of Cisco.

"Clearwire's ecosystem of partners, coupled with our all-IP next-generation network, will deliver a true mobile broadband experience," said Ned Hooper, senior vice president, corporate development and consumer of Cisco. "In addition, incorporating WiMAX into our products will help enable people to move freely throughout the United States, while maintaining continuous connectivity to personalized applications and services."

The CLEAR 4G Network
The Cisco(R) Visual Networking Index (VNI) Mobile Forecast for 2008-2013 noted that a single high-end data phone today generates more data traffic than 30 basic-feature cell phones, while a single laptop air card generates more data traffic than 450 basic-feature cell phones. Cisco projects that mobile data traffic will increase a thousand-fold over the seven years from 2005 through 2012, with video being a significant component. This rapid growth provides the primary reason why Clearwire, enabled by Cisco, is building a data-centric 4G network across the United States.

Cisco will be the primary IP network solution provider for Clearwire's 4G network, enabling consumers and businesses in the United States to access Internet applications and enjoy a Connected Life at home, at work and on the move. Clearwire has selected and is in the process of testing and certification of a Cisco IP NGN architecture that includes Cisco 7600 Series Internet routers, Cisco ONS 15454 and Cisco ONS 15310 platforms, Cisco ASA Firewalls, and the Cisco Service and Application Module for IP (SAMI) Home Agent.

With more than 80,000 nodes installed, the Cisco 7600 Series Routers are high-performance, intelligent and service rich routers designed for
deployment at the network edge where performance, IP-enabled services, redundancy and fault resiliency are critical requirements. Cisco's powerful combination of intelligence and performance brings Clearwire closer to their customers by enabling a tailored experience with personalized services to their end users.

Cisco also recently announced that it is supplying mobile WiMAX infrastructure to Russian wireless ISP Scartel, Georgian mobile operator
MagtiCom, and AsiaBell's mobile WiMAX service in central Kazakhstan.

CLEAR 4G Devices for a Connected Life
Future Cisco converged WiMAX and Wi-Fi enabled devices are targeted to include products from Cisco's world-class Linksys(R) by Cisco line of
consumer routers. Cisco will also look to expand its WiMAX portfolio with the growth of the CLEAR 4G network across the United States. Cisco and Clearwire will jointly develop and implement go-to-market plans that will benefit from Cisco's extensive distribution channels and presence with consumers and businesses of any size, which will assist to enhance and expand CLEAR mobile WiMAX services throughout the United States.

WiMAX Innovation Network in Silicon Valley
In addition, Clearwire and Cisco recently announced their involvement in forming the WiMAX Innovation Network for developers, which will initially cover more than 20 square miles in Silicon Valley. This developers' network will bring 4G wireless service to campuses of some of the world's leading technology innovators including early participants Google Inc. and Intel Corporation. Cisco will provide core Internet Protocol Next-Generation Network (IP NGN) core infrastructure equipment in support of the WiMAX Innovation Network. Service is expected to be available to developers by late summer of this year, giving them a head start on the Bay Area's commercial service launch which is planned for 2010. Service will be provided free to a limited number of qualified developers for one year. Clearwire will provide WiMAX USB Modems for $49.99. To qualify, developers must register for Clearwire's developer program and describe the products or business ideas they wish to pursue. Interested developers can pre-register at http://innovation.clear.com.

Clearwire and Cisco are founding members of the Open Patent Alliance (OPA).
The OPA is a consortium of companies formed in June 2008 to advance a competitive, open intellectual property rights model, thus stimulating a
larger WiMAX industry that supports innovation through broader choice and lower equipment and service costs globally. WiMAX, an IEEE 802.16e
standard, is an IP-based broadband wireless technology that provides low-cost, multimegabit speed and greater throughput for the mobile internet era of video-rich content, collaborative services and bandwidth-intensive applications.

Clearwire First Quarter 2009 Earnings
In addition, Clearwire will announce its first quarter 2009 financial results later today at approximately 4 p.m. Eastern Time. The financial
release will be posted at http://newsroom.clearwire.com. Clearwire executives will host a conference call and webcast following the release at
4:30 p.m. Eastern Time. A live broadcast of the conference call will be available online on the company's Investor Relations website located at: http://investors.clearwire.com. Interested parties can access the conference call by dialing 800-798-2801, or outside the United States
617-614-6205, five minutes prior to the start time. The passcode for the call is 87239806.

About Clearwire
Clearwire Communications, LLC, an operating subsidiary of Clearwire Corporation, (NASDAQ: CLWR), offers a robust suite of advanced high-speed
Internet services to consumers and businesses. As part of a multi-year network build-out plan, Clearwire's 4G service, called CLEAR(TM) will be
available in major metropolitan areas across the U.S, and bring together an unprecedented combination of speed and mobility. Clearwire's open all-IP network, combined with significant spectrum holdings, provides unmatched network capacity to deliver next generation broadband access. Strategic investors include Intel Capital, Comcast, Sprint, Google, Time Warner Cable, and Bright House Networks. Clearwire currently provides 4G service, utilizing WiMAX technology in two markets and provides pre-WiMAX communications services in 50 markets across the U.S. and Europe.
Headquartered in Kirkland, Wash., additional information about Clearwire is available at www.clearwire.com.

About Cisco
Cisco, (NASDAQ: CSCO), is the worldwide leader in networking that transforms how people connect, communicate and collaborate. Information about Cisco can be found at http://www.cisco.com. For ongoing news, please go to http://newsroom.cisco.com.

# # #

Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the securities laws. The words "will," "would," "may," "should,"
"estimate," "project," "forecast," "intend," "expect," "believe," "target," "designed" and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements may include, without limitation, Clearwire's expectations regarding: future financial and operating performance and financial condition; network deployment and market launch plans; other plans, objectives and strategies; product development; and industry conditions. Forward-looking statements are projections reflecting management's judgment and assumptions based on currently available information and involve a number of risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those suggested by the forward-looking statements.

Future performance cannot be assured. Actual results may differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements due to a variety of factors, including, but not limited to the risks referenced in the Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2008, in Part I, Item 1A, "Risk Factors."

Clearwire believes the forward-looking statements in this release are reasonable; however, you should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements, which are based on current expectations and speak only as of the date of this release. Clearwire is not obligated to publicly release any revisions to forward-looking statements to reflect events after the date of this release.

Cisco, the Cisco logo, and the Cisco Systems are registered trademarks or trademarks of Cisco Systems, Inc. and/or its affiliates in the United States and certain other countries. All other trademarks mentioned in this document are the property of their respective owners. The use of the word partner does not imply a partnership relationship between Cisco and any other company. This document is Cisco Public Information.

Clearwire Contacts:
Media Relations / Industry Analysts:
Susan Johnston
425.216.7913
susan.johnston@clearwire.com

Mike DiGioia
JLM Partners for Clearwire
206.381.3600
mike@jlmpartners.com

Investor Relations:
Mary Ekman
425.216.7995
mary.ekman@clearwire.com

Cisco Contacts:
Media Relations:
Kevin Petschow
773.444.5106
kpetschow@cisco.com

Industry Analysts:
Carter Cromwell
402.526.6914
coromwell@cisco.com

Investor Relations:
Matt Tractenberg
408.525.3170
matthew2@cisco.com

DigitalBridge Communications Announces a Strategic Investment by National Rural Telecommunications Cooperative (NRTC) to Support Expansion of Rural Broadband

awardnews — Wed, 29 Apr 2009 16:33:00 GMT

ASHBURN, Va., April 28 - DigitalBridge Communications Corp. (DBC), the leading private operator of WiMAX 4G broadband networks in underserved regions of the U.S., announced today that it has raised an additional round of equity financing, including an investment from the National Rural Telecommunications Cooperative. The current round of financing also includes all of the company's existing Series B investors: Paladin Capital Group, RedShift Ventures, CNF Investments, and Novak Biddle Venture Partners.

By combining capabilities, NRTC members and DigitalBridge will be able to rapidly deploy affordable, next-generation services to large parts of rural America. DBC's deployment capabilities, state-of-the-art Network Operations Center, scalable billing and customer care systems, and solid operating record will be further leveraged and enhanced by NRTC members' track record of rolling out new technologies in their rural communities.

Through its nearly 1,500 rural telecommunications and electric cooperative members, NRTC has been a pioneer in introducing advanced telecommunications services to strengthen its members' businesses and improve the quality of life in rural America. During the mid-1990s NRTC provided the first external funding and led in the launch of DIRECTV, activating nearly 2 million of its initial subscribers. More recently, NRTC repeated that success by investing in WildBlue, a satellite internet access provider. NRTC activated all of WildBlue's first-year customers, and today WildBlue provides Internet access to more than 350,000 subscribers. In addition, NRTC members provide ISP services to more than 200,000 subscribers.

Over the past two years, DBC has launched service in 15 communities nationwide. The company not only brings fixed broadband wireless services to a variety of customers--consumers, businesses, educational, healthcare, and public safety institutions--but also provides mobile broadband services though WiMAX-enabled laptops, netbooks, USB adapters and other portable devices. DBC's open, all-IP network and cost structure enable NRTC members to significantly expand broadband service in their markets at a fraction of the capital and operating cost required for traditional wired and wireless services. Moreover, in addition to sales force and field-technician jobs, DBC brings high-quality customer care jobs to the local communities it serves through its distributed, home-based customer-care model.

"We are excited to partner with DigitalBridge on behalf of our members to further the deployment of next-generation broadband services in rural America," said Bob Phillips, President and CEO of NRTC and newly-named DBC board member. "Together, NRTC's scale - reaching over 80% of US counties -- and DBC's proven capabilities makes for an unmatched combination that will allow our members to expand the reach of broadband services in their markets." Phillips noted that NRTC member companies have already done a remarkable job in delivering broadband to rural communities but said that with DBC they will be able to rapidly expand and ensure access to fixed and mobile broadband by millions more rural Americans.

"I can't think of a better partner for DBC at this stage of our growth," said Kelley Dunne, CEO of DigitalBridge Communications. "NRTC brings an unparalleled local presence in rural America that will greatly accelerate our ability to deliver innovative, 4G wireless services to the communities that need it the most."

Founded by Kelley Dunne, Bill Wallace, and Joe Kochan in late 2005, DBC was the first U.S. provider to launch standards-based WiMAX service during June 2007, the first to launch a standards-based (802.16E) WiMAX mobile service during June 2008, and the first to launch VOIP over WiMAX during October 2008. An established international standard for wireless telecommunications, WiMAX uses licensed frequencies of radio spectrum to deliver high-bandwidth fixed and mobile data services capable of self-installation by end users.

Additional questions can be directed to Stephanie Soscia at stephanie.soscia@dbcmail.com or (703) 723-7091.

About DigitalBridge Communications

DigitalBridge Communications Corp. ("DBC") is a 4G wireless Internet provider using WiMAX to deliver broadband services to underserved communities nationwide. DBC was founded in 2005 by Kelley Dunne, Bill Wallace, and Joe Kochan. Since launching its service during 2007, DBC has deployed WiMAX networks in 15 markets throughout the U.S. With WiMAX, DBC subscribers are able to set up fixed or mobile broadband service on their own within a matter of minutes and use their portable service anywhere within DBC's coverage area. For more information about DBC, please visit www.digitalbridgecommunications.com.

About National Rural Telecommunications Cooperative

The National Rural Telecommunications Cooperative (NRTC) represents the advanced telecommunications and information technology interests of nearly 1,500 rural utilities and affiliates in 48 states. Founded in 1986, NRTC provides products and services developed specifically to meet the needs of rural utilities and their customers, such as high-speed Internet access via satellite, full-service Internet access and support, advanced metering infrastructure, SmartSCADA, wireless technologies, power quality products, long distance programs, mobile phone service, IP backbone services, direct broadcast satellite service (DBS) with DIRECTV and programming for Internet protocol television (IPTV). For more information, visit www.nrtc.coop.

About CNF Investments

CNF Investments is the private equity and venture capital arm of Clark Enterprises, Inc. (CEI). CEI is a diversified financial and investment company with significant holdings in construction, real estate and private equity. CEI is the parent company of Clark Construction, one of the largest general contractors in the country. CNF Investments manages over $175 million on behalf of CEI and is an active investor in the technology, telecommunications, healthcare, energy, and alternative energy industries. For more information, please visit www.cnfinvestments.com.

About Novak Biddle Venture Partners

Novak Biddle Venture Partners is a leading early stage venture capital firm focused on unique, cutting-edge technology investments in the Eastern United States, as well as targeted opportunities nationwide. With $580 million under management, Novak Biddle operates five venture funds that currently provide equity financing and management assistance to 42 portfolio companies. Novak Biddle continues to seek business situations where the combination of ideas, dollars, experience, and relationships can create long term, sustainable value. A sampling of companies funded by Novak Biddle include: RFID first-mover Matrics, voice over IP trailblazer Telogy, education technology leader Blackboard Inc. and intelligent video surveillance pioneer ObjectVideo. For more information, visit www.novakbiddle.com.

About Paladin Capital Group

Headquartered in Washington, D.C., Paladin Capital group is a leading multi-stage private equity firm providing capital for growing companies whose principal business centers on products and services that address homeland security issues and needs. Paladin has over $980 million under management across multiple funds and 35 portfolio companies. Importantly, the fund's leadership is comprised of individuals with a proven track record of financial expertise, national security experience and specialized technical competence. Collectively, Paladin's Principals have completed over 100 direct and co-investments in a wide range of industries. For more, see www.paladincapgroup.com

About RedShift Ventures

RedShift Ventures is an early stage venture capital firm focused on tech transfer and spin-out opportunities from universities, research centers and corporations. RedShift primarily invests in the communications, microelectronics and information technology sectors and is traditionally the first institutional investor in a company. With the assistance of a world-class Advisory Board, RedShift works with entrepreneurs to build great companies based on compelling and differentiated technologies. RedShift Ventures has over $220 million under management and is headquartered in Arlington, VA. For more information, please visit www.redshiftventures.com.

Website: http://www.digitalbridgecommunications.com/

Aptilo WiMAX AAA+ Core Now Compliant With the Latest WiMAX Forum NWG Prepaid and Hotlining Standards

awardnews — Wed, 29 Apr 2009 16:25:00 GMT

WIMAX FORUM CONGRESS ASIA -- Aptilo Networks, the global leader in integrated management solutions for control of billing, user services and access in WiMAX™ and Wi-Fi networks, extends its market leadership today by announcing the important support for Prepaid and Hotlining according to The WiMAX Forum® standards. The Aptilo WiMAX AAA+ Core is an integral part of the award-winning, pre-integrated Aptilo WiMAX CSN System™ for fast-track deployments as well as the Aptilo WiMAX AAA+ Server™.
The new functionality is based on WiMAX Forum NWG specifications release 1, version 1.3.0, and is part of the new Aptilo system release 9.0. With Prepaid and Hotlining support, Aptilo becomes one of the first WiMAX AAA solutions on the market with this new standard commercially available.

"While WiMAX has been inspired by cellular networks in design with its well-defined nodes, it has much to learn from fixed broadband and Wi-Fi when it comes to business models," said Torbjorn Ward, Chief Executive Officer, Aptilo Networks. "Aptilo's heritage from these markets allows us to offer a proven solution with the flexibility to support a host of different business models. This is a welcome add-on to our existing WiMAX prepaid solutions."

Prepaid and Hotlining support allows a WiMAX operator to make use of a new suite of business models and extend beyond traditional post-paid models for improved cash flow from their operations and minimized business risks. This is particularly of interest in developing markets and for greenfield operators.

Aptilo's Prepaid support allows operators to activate charging models based on e.g.:

-- Volume-based charging
-- Duration-based charging
-- Subscription-based charging for prepaid user accounts

The Hotlining additions provide support for redirecting users to a Hotlining Portal e.g. to activate new users and devices through a self-signup process or to recharge an existing prepaid account when funds are depleted.

Furthermore, Aptilo's support for Provisioning enables flexible and scalable self-signup distribution models for accelerated subscriber growth with a "zero touch" device configuration when integrated with a third party over-the-air (OTA) vendor.

Alternatively Aptilo's "one touch" self-sign up concept automatically directs the users to a device dependent Web-assisted step-by-step configuration at first connection, where they also can activate their service and prepaid account.

For more information, please visit Aptilo Networks at WiMAX Forum Congress Asia, at stand #115.

About Aptilo Networks

Aptilo Networks is the global leader in integrated management solutions for control of billing, user services and access in WiMAX™ and Wi-Fi networks. Selected by premier business partners such as Nortel, Cisco and HP, Aptilo has become the provider of choice for service providers, enterprises and municipalities in need of a rapidly deployable, scalable multi-service solution to easily manage data and voice services over these networks.

Aptilo's comprehensive platform delivers exceptional flexibility for successful operations and a superior user experience. Its cost-effective solutions boast extensive pre-integrated functionality for fast and reliable time-to-market, yet are also available with unique modularity for seamless integration to external additional systems of choice. Customers can enjoy the option of a hosted delivery using Aptilo's managed service (Software-as-a-Service) from one of our many regional data centers located worldwide, or utilize a software license model. From smaller installations to large carrier networks, Aptilo's solutions have been deployed in more than 40 countries.

Aptilo Networks is headquartered in Stockholm, with regional offices in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia and Plano, Texas. For more information, please visit www.aptilo.com.

"WiMAX Forum" is a registered trademark of the WiMAX Forum. "WiMAX," the WiMAX Forum logo, "WiMAX Forum Certified," and the WiMAX Forum Certified logo are trademarks of the WiMAX Forum. All other trademarks are the properties of their respective owners.

Agilent Technologies to Demonstrate WiMAX™ Test Solutions at 2009 Asia WIMAX Forum® Congress

awardnews — Tue, 28 Apr 2009 14:26:00 GMT

SINGAPORE, WiMAX Forum Congress.- Agilent Technologies Inc. (NYSE: A) will demonstrate its full range portfolio of WiMAX test solutions April 28-29 at the Suntec Convention Centre, Booth 62. Agilent’s test solutions address the WiMAX test requirements in design verification, pre-conformance, conformance, network deployment and service assurance. These test solutions enable engineers and managers in R&D, manufacturing and service networks to create and advance WiMAX-based communications.

"Agilent’s participation in the WiMAX Forum Congress reinforces our commitment to the success of WiMAX" said C. J. Meurell, Wireless Systems general manager, Agilent. "Our leadership and dedication to meet the needs and issues not fully addressed by other test solutions on the market will empower today’s engineers to create a new range of WiMAX-based communication possibilities"

Agilent is a silver sponsor of the event. C.J. Meurell will present a paper titled "WiMAX Technology Evolution: The Role that Test Can Play" It will include information about Agilent’s E6651A + N8300A solutions for WiMAX. Meurell will also represent Agilent at the Congress in the "Interoperability in a Multivendor Environment" panel discussion.

Agilent’s demonstrations at the Congress include:

* The Agilent N5182A MXG vector signal generator, ideal for R&D, design validation and manufacturing of components such as base station MCPAs (multi-carrier power amplifiers) and receivers for communications systems. The accompanying N7615B Signal Studio for WiMAX has new features for Release 1.5 and also supports many new capabilities for Wave 2 testing. The MXG and Signal Studio will be used with Agilent’s 89600S VXI-Based Vector Signal Analyzer with two RF channels and 89601A vector signal analysis software to show signal generation and analysis capabilities for 2x2 Wave 2 MIMO testing.

* New functional test features of the Agilent E6651A Mobile WiMAX test set, including support for mobile station and base station initiated handover, sleep and idle modes, and security features. The E6651A test set provides unrivaled test coverage for Mobile WiMAX developers performing R&D, system integration and verification, or conformance test in RF, protocol and functional application test.

* Agilent’s N5106A PXB MIMO Receiver Tester simulates real-world conditions to minimize WiMAX- and LTE-MIMO design uncertainties and rework.

* Agilent’s N8300A wireless networking test set is a multiformat, one-box RF parametric test set for standard-compliant 802.16d and 802.16e physical layer (PHY) testing in fixed and Mobile WiMAX (tm) transceiver and receiver applications. It provides a 4-port RF I/O switching module, the new MIMO/Multi-Port Connectivity option 404 that turns the N8300A into a ’multi-up’ WiMAX/WLAN test solution. Option 404 features a receiver test broadcast mode, high RF output power and improved RF specifications such as source amplitude range. This functionality produces faster DUT throughput, minimizes external amplification costs and compensates for fixture losses, lowering test costs and simplifying the production test system.

* Agilent’s N9020A MXA Signal Analyzer drives signal and spectrum analysis to the next generation, offering the highest performance in a mid-range analyzer and allowing flexible analysis measurements of wireless communication devices to current and emerging standards. It seamlessly integrates a broad range of standards-based measurements, including WiMAX and Wave 2 2x2 MIMO, with Agilent’s industry-leading 89601A vector signal analysis software.

Next-generation mobile broadband technologies to close the gap with fixed broadband, says Frost & Sullivan

awardnews — Mon, 20 Apr 2009 16:49:00 GMT

Mobile operators are expected to fully maximise their high-speed packet access (HSPA) deployments before eventually deploying 3G long-term evolution (LTE). Many operators will leapfrog from HSPA to 3G LTE, as the window of opportunity for HSPA Evolved is insignificant when compared to 3G LTE.

New analysis from Frost & Sullivan titled 'European Mobile Broadband (EuMoBro) Mêlée between 3G LTE and Mobile WiMAX', finds that by 2013, there will be around 22.4 million 3G LTE subscribers with service revenues totalling to €9,685.4 million in Western Europe. Both Mobile WiMAX and 3G LTE technologies are covered in this research.

Over the past year, mobile data usage has skyrocketed and six to fourteen times more data is being used on mobile broadband networks today than in the previous year. This is being driven by flat rate pricing and high-speed mobile broadband availability (HSDPA/HSPA). Average users download more than 5GB per month, some as much as 9GB to 11GB.

Though data traffic is on the rise, revenues are unfortunately flat. Operators are witnessing divergence of revenues and traffic load curves for the first time due to the new data loads and flat rate price models. Hence, network cost has to decline and there is a strong focus in the 3G LTE camp on margin and production cost.

“Next generation wireless technologies such as 3G LTE and Mobile WiMAX will eventually lead operators to move to an ‘open’ access, any client device connected, Internet model, with the advent of consumer electronic devices being embedded with 3G LTE technology,” notes Frost & Sullivan Programme Manager, Luke Thomas. “This in turn will lead to higher service stickiness and reduced churn.”

However, operators will need to do away with locking-in client devices to their respective mobile broadband access networks. More smartphones/UMPCs/laptops/consumer electronic devices connected to such high-speed networks will lead to incremental revenues for mobile operators.

“If a mobile operator has decided to deploy 3G LTE by 2010/2011, it should immediately start upgrading its backhaul as each LTE base station would require a minimum of 200-300Mbps backhaul capacity,” advises Thomas.

Mobile operators are currently considering high-capacity point-to-point microwave links and relay for backhaul. However, some are considering minimising additional CAPEX on the backhaul by subsidising 3G LTE-enabled femtocells, thereby making their mobile subscribers pay for the backhaul. The deployment of femtocells, however, would require careful network planning to avoid any interference levels between the macrocell and femtocell.

“Rather than providing flat-fee unlimited contracts or traffic caps for 3G LTE and Mobile WiMAX, operators need to be more innovative with their pricing strategies so as to differentiate themselves from competition but, at the same time, ensure that it is not too complicated or non-transparent for the user to understand,” remarks Thomas.

“Furthermore, operators need to put in place effective management tools to manage traffic using QoS policies, prioritised access and flow based processing.”

Such active traffic management will ensure that operators do not tarnish their brand image by levying huge charges for high-speed mobile broadband access

1.45 Million BWA/WiMAX Subscribers Added in 2008

awardnews — Wed, 15 Apr 2009 16:35:00 GMT

Worldwide, approximately 1.45 million BWA/WiMAX subscribers were added during 2008, while the WCDMA subscriber base increased by more than 90 million. The average quarter-over-quarter subscriber growth rate in 2008 was 21.5%, according to the 7th issue of the 4GCounts Quarterly Report from Maravedis.

“Total BWA/WiMAX revenues for 2008 totaled US$1.82 billion, compared US$898.78 million in 2007 – a 102% annual revenue increase despite the economic downturn that began affecting operator revenues in Q3 2008,” noted Maravedis CEO and founder Adlane Fellah.

“2008 was a difficult year for most WiMAX vendors, which accelerated both market consolidation and niche specialization in order to survive the downturn,” said Cintia Garza, co-author of the report and 4GCounts team leader. “Because many operators are planning to deploy mobile WiMAX equipment, devices based on 802.16-2004 experienced a slow down,” she added.

While LTE networks are yet to become commercial, vendors have stepped up availability of the prerequisite network planning tools, test and measurement systems; LTE and multi-mode ICs and devices are scheduled to become available later in 2009. Progress has been made both on 3G-LTE systems and on the next generation LTE-Advanced version. The impact of the economy on life-cycle extension of 3G and commercial momentum for LTE is of key interest,” commented Robert Syputa, partner and senior analyst.

“Government and service industries are expected to be the top spenders on vertical applications. As WiMAX operators roll out their networks worldwide, increased availability of coverage will accelerate adoption of vertical services,” noted Basharat Ashai, co-author of the report.

This quarter's summary findings:

The Middle East and Africa were the fastest growing regions for WiMAX in 2008.
Operators across all regions generated residential and business ARPUs of US$43.8 and US$122 respectively.
The number of base station sectors deployed during Q4 2008 totaled 138,162; an increase of 14% from 121,269 the previous quarter.
Operators have faced various problems when deploying their base stations, including a lack of capacity.
One of the largest deployments we expect in terms of numbers of CPEs and base stations sectors installed is BSNL (India).
Posted to the site on 15th April 2009

Recession or Not, Wireless Backhaul Expansion Continues Strongly, Says ABI Research

awardnews — Wed, 15 Apr 2009 16:34:00 GMT

Worldwide revenues from backhaul leasing are expected to double over the next 30 months, according to a new study from ABI Research. The growth curve even accelerates after 2012, resulting in a fivefold revenue increase between 2009 and 2014.

Why this powerful performance? According to ABI Research senior analyst Nadine Manjaro, the main driver is the effort by mobile operators to prepare for an upgrade to LTE. “Operators might not deploy LTE immediately,” she says, “but they know that before they do, they’ll have to upgrade their backhaul capacity.”

Backhaul is the bottleneck that can prevent a satisfactory 3G user experience. “AT&T Mobility has found that one iPhone user typically generates as much data traffic as 30 basic feature phone users,” notes Manjaro. Wireless network traffic will dramatically increase as iPhone-like devices becomes the norm and laptop PC card usage increases.

Another indicator is the growing capital expenditure on microwave backhaul, which will exceed $8.5 billion in 2009.

The market opportunities generated by this growth in backhaul are spread around the backhaul equipment vendors and fixed line operators. Some backhaul infrastructure vendors like Ericsson, Alcatel-Lucent, and Nokia Siemens Network will benefit from operators’ strong interest in Carrier Ethernet solutions. Major microwave equipment vendors like Dragon Wave and Harris Stratex will also benefit from increased microwave adoption. And fixed-line operators such as BT, Embarq, AT&T, and Verizon Communications will develop new revenue streams by providing leased backhaul services.

Even the business models for backhaul are in flux. “We have observed a movement towards backhaul as a managed service,” says Manjaro. “This enables mobile operators to focus on their core business, while guaranteeing a backhaul capacity matched to their changing traffic demands. BT provides that service to four of the top five European operators. In the US Embarq is moving in the same direction, and I think more cable companies will follow suit. Wireline operators, who typically were losing business to wireless operators, can now get a piece of that wireless pie.”

ABI Research’s new study, “Mobile Backhaul - Global Market Analysis and Forecast” (http://www.abiresearch.com/research/1003419) provides a comprehensive analysis of the global mobile backhaul market, including forecasts by region and technology. It is part of the firm’s Mobile Networks Research Service (http://www.abiresearch.com/products/service/Wireless_Infrastructure_Research_Service).

ABI Research provides in-depth analysis and quantitative forecasting of emerging trends in global connectivity. From offices in North America, Europe and Asia, ABI Research’s worldwide team of experts advise thousands of decision makers through research and advisory services in seven key practice areas. Est. 1990. For more information visit www.abiresearch.com, or call +1.516.624.2500.

MegaFon Selects Venturi Wireless to Deliver Optimized Data User Experience

awardnews — Tue, 14 Apr 2009 16:17:00 GMT

Venturi to Deliver Unmatched Improvements in Connection Performance & Network Efficiency to a Leading Russian Operator

Venturi Wireless, a global provider of mobile broadband optimization solutions, announces that MegaFon, one of Russia's leading mobile operators, has deployed the Venturi Mobile Operator Solution. This commercial launch comes after an extensive evaluation of data optimization providers, where Venturi Wireless repeatedly proved successful customer deployments and lower cost of ownership across a multi-year deployment plan.

The Venturi Mobile Operator Solution delivers a high-quality, consistent user experience throughout the network, even in areas where weakened signal strength, high network load or interference degrades data transmission quality. As a result, business subscribers become more productive and consumer subscribers experience greater enjoyment from email, entertainment and multimedia content, and interactive Web 2.0 and 3.0 applications.

"We are very excited to deploy the Venturi Mobile Operator Solution across the entire MegaFon network," said Tomas Isaksson, Chief Executive Officer of Venturi Wireless. "We expect to reduce download times by at least 50% and improve network capacity by at least 30%, resulting in substantial savings and improved customer experience."

The Venturi Mobile Operator Solution currently supports 2G, 3G and 4G in GSM, CDMA, WiMAX, WiFi, PHS and other wireless technologies, on a single platform. The system dramatically improves a subscriber's experience with mobile Internet and multimedia applications, including Web, email and file transfer, through faster speeds and more consistent performance. Fundamental to the entire solution is Venturi's Adaptive Airlink Optimization(TM), which combines transport optimization through Venturi Transport Protocol (VTP) and Predictive Compression. Adaptive Airlink Optimization applies the ideal optimization techniques based on the available bandwidth to boost application performance and efficiency under all radio frequency (RF) conditions.

"With Russia's explosive telecom subscriber growth, operators are challenged to keep pace with the needs of their customers who require fast, uninterrupted access to multimedia and other wireless data applications," said Jim Jaquet, Area Vice President for Venturi Wireless. "MegaFon is a leading telecom operator in Russia with a rapidly growing and highly demanding customer base. We are committed to helping the company accelerate the performance of its wireless network with OlenCom Electronics, our partner in the region."

About Venturi Wireless

Venturi Wireless is the trusted leader in mobile broadband services optimization for mobile and wireless operators worldwide. Venturi's patented carrier-grade solutions maximize network efficiency and deliver the most compelling mobile user experience available for both data and multimedia applications. Venturi has a significant active mobile broadband user base and offers unparalleled expertise in mobile broadband deployment. The company's mobile and wireless operator customers include Verizon Wireless, Tata Teleservices, Reliance Communications, Unwired Australia and WILLCOM. Venturi Wireless is a global company headquartered in Sunnyvale, California, USA.

About OlenCom

OlenCom Electronics Ltd. (established in 1994) is a leading player in the field of Data and Telecommunications. The company develops, manufactures, and markets a full line of innovative cutting-edge solutions for the world-wide telecom market. OlenCom's headquarters, R&D center and manufacturing facilities are located in the High-Tech Industrial park of Yokneam, Israel, and offices located in Moscow, St. Petersburg, Baku and Kiev.

For more information please visit www.olencom.com