Aperto Networks Achieves FCC Approval For Operation in 2.5 GHz Frequency Band

Aperto’s second generation PacketWave™ systems approved for shipment into US fixed wireless access broadband market  

Milpitas, CA, (January 14, 2002) – Aperto Networks, a leading provider of second generation fixed broadband wireless access (F-BWA) systems, has received final approval from the US Federal Communications Commission (FCC) for its second-generation PacketWave multiservice platform to operate in the 2.5 GHz band. The company has been shipping its PacketWave systems for operation in the 5 GHz (UNII) band to a worldwide customer base, and is now beginning to fill its order pipeline for base stations and subscriber units in the 2.5 GHz (MMDS, or Multi-Channel Multi-Point Distribution Service) as well as 3.5 GHz (FWA) frequency bands.  

"With this achievement, Aperto is the first fixed broadband wireless provider with the ability to ship products in all of the major frequencies under 11 GHz - 2.5 GHz, 3.5 GHz, 5.3 GHz and 5.8 GHz," said Reza Ahy, Aperto founder, Chairman and CEO. "By supporting all these bands, our PacketWave solution has an unparalleled capability to address the requirements in most of the major markets worldwide."  

In the US, the 2.5 GHz band has been the dominant licensed spectrum for carriers building first-generation fixed-broadband wireless networks. Growth in this market slowed in 2001, as service providers waited for the availability of second-generation equipment.  

"We see substantial renewed interest in MMDS/ ITFS (Instructional Television Fixed Services) network builds, because second generation systems improve capacity, coverage and cost, as well as carriers’ business model dynamics," observed Dr. Ahy. "Because of our systems flexibility, we also offer a smooth path for carriers to migrate from first generation to second generation, and from wireline to wireless broadband access. These factors, and our regulatory approval in this critical licensed spectrum, bode well for positive market momentum in 2002."  

For a summary of specific advantages that second generation F-BWA provides over first generation products, please refer to the table at the end of the release.  

About Aperto Networks

Aperto Networks is a leading provider of multiservice fixed broadband wireless access systems. The company was founded to provide a breakthrough solution to one of today’s critical network bottlenecks - last-mile broadband access. With practical, scalable systems and patent-pending technology that support new wireless builds and complement existing wireline broadband access technology, Aperto addresses service provider needs for rapid network deployment, multiservice scalability, ease of installation and cost-effectiveness. Aperto will dramatically shorten the lengthy provisioning cycles of broadband services by enabling rapid service provisioning across dense urban to suburban locations. Investors in Aperto include Alliance Ventures, Tyco Ventures, Innovacom (France Telecom), DMC Stratex Networks, Oki Electric Industry Company, Mitsubishi International Corporation, Ridgewood Capital, Satwik Ventures and Redwood Ventures. For more information on Aperto Networks, go to www.apertonet.com.