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Unwired Australia Takes Major Step in Deployment of Wireless DSL Throughout Australia
Airspan Is Fixed Wireless Supplier for Unwired Australia's National Deployment of Wireless DSL
SUNRISE, Fla., Jun 14, 2002 - Airspan Networks, Inc. (Nasdaq: AIRN), a leading worldwide provider of broadband fixed wireless
DSL networks, announced today that Unwired Australia has reached a major milestone in the deployment of wireless DSL throughout Australia.
As the fixed wireless supplier of choice for Unwired Australia, Airspan's wireless DSL solution has been deployed by Unwired Australia in the Paddington
suburb of Sydney.
During the introductory inaugural phase, selected small businesses and residents in Paddington will be offered high-speed wireless access to the Internet and
toll-quality voice service free of charge for three months without the need for any new telephone lines or cable links.
Users will have free access to voice calls up to $100 value per month and free data downloads up to 1 Gigabyte per month. Unwired Australia's service
includes placing a small antenna on the outside of the home or business, which is connected to an Airspan subscriber terminal placed alongside the computer.
The subscriber terminal is connected to both the computer and the telephone, using normal telephone cables.
"This is an exciting first step in the rollout of wireless DSL throughout Australia," said Eric Stonestrom, president and chief executive officer of Airspan
Networks. "We're pleased to be Unwired's supplier of choice and we're confident that together we can meet the growing demand for broadband access in
Australia. It is encouraging to see Unwired's business plans evolving, as they are uniquely positioned to rapidly bring wireless DSL to Australian businesses
and households.
"We expect to begin shipment of additional equipment for the initial network later this year and increase those levels throughout 2003," Stonestrom added.
Last Fall, Airspan announced its selection as Unwired's broadband fixed wireless supplier and the latter's plans to become the country's first fixed wireless
access provider, deploying Airspan's wireless DSL solution in the development of a national broadband fixed wireless network, which will span more than
14 major population centers, including heavily-populated metropolitan centers such as Sydney and Melbourne and selected regional centers.
"Our fixed wireless access network represents a unique opportunity for carriers, ISPs and other direct customers to capitalize on the demand for
cost-effective, broadband access," said David Harris, chief executive officer of Unwired Australia.
Today, there are only 200,000 users of high-speed broadband services in both residential and business sectors, leaving more than 3.7 million Internet accounts
in Australia dependent on slower, dial-up access. Industry estimates indicate that there will be more than 1 million high-speed DSL subscribers in Australia by
2005.
About Airspan Networks
Airspan Networks 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 90 operators in more than 45 countries. Airspan's systems are based on
radio technology that delivers excellent area coverage, high security and resistance to fading. Airspan's systems can be deployed rapidly and cost effectively,
providing an 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
About Unwired Australia Pty Ltd
Formed in 2000, Unwired, via a wholly owned subsidiary, emerged as the most successful bidder in the Federal Government's auction of spectrum licenses in
the 3.4 GHz band, securing them for $95.5 million. The company further strengthened its position last July with the purchase of licenses held by Austar United
Communications Ltd for $14.07 million. Unwired is the only company capable of operating a national network in this spectrum in Australia. The International
Telecommunications Union (ITU) has recommended 3.4GHz spectrum for the operation of Fixed Wireless Access Networks. The company's Chief
Executive Officer is David Harris, who was appointed in August, 2001, following a successful period as President and Chief Executive of Millicom
International Cellular S.A.'s Asian operations covering seven countries. More information on Unwired Australia at http://www.unwiredaustralia.com.au
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