09/06/2001
Wi-LAN Continues to Expand Markets Globally and Enhance Opportunities for International Sales
CALGARY, Alberta - September 6, 2001 - Wi-LAN Inc. (TSE: WIN), an innovator of high-speed wireless data and Internet communications, today announced that its new BWS 3500 broadband wireless access system, based on W-OFDM technology, has been certified for use in the 3.5 GHz frequency band in China. This approval was granted by the State Regulatory Radio Commission (SRRC), the Chinese government agency responsible for regulating spectrum allocation.
This certification opens the door for sales of the BWS 3500 in combination with other approved Wi-LAN products in China’s growing wireless market. The newest product in Wi-LAN’s wireless offerings, the BWS 3500 will add revenue through its approval and sale throughout China.
"China's major push into broadband deployment has created a substantial demand for broadband wireless access infrastructure products," said Bill Hews, President, Wi-LAN. "Wi-LAN's BWS 3500 is the fourth Wi-LAN product to receive certification in China, enabling Wi-LAN to provide a range of powerful, cost-effective solutions for the Chinese market in both licensed and license-exempt frequencies."
Wi-LAN broadband wireless access systems offer rapid market entry of wireless access, ease of deployment, and high network capacity, where wireline service is not available or where current wired alternatives are too costly to deploy. Available for use in the licensed 3.5 GHz frequency band, the system's flexible architecture easily allows the addition of other frequencies.
Wi-LAN's BWS Series includes access points and customer premises equipment (CPE), and can be used in broadband access applications alone or in combination with wired alternatives. Wi-LAN’s broadband wireless access systems are powered by the company’s patented W-OFDM technology, allowing for increased capacity, non line-of-site capability, and superior resistance to multipath, resulting in higher effective data transmission rates.
"We were able to meet the Chinese market demands in record time," said Sisso El-Hamamsy, Chief Operating Officer, Wi-LAN. "The BWS 3500 is another example of Wi-LAN's expertise with OFDM technology and the flexibility of the system architecture."
Using a cellular network design, Wi-LAN's solution can easily serve a growing customer base. Network cells can be expanded quickly, and cost effectively. By starting small and expanding, network operators experience early profits. The current hardware is capable of supporting several generations of enhancement to the system software. Features such as QoS, VoIP, video services, and differentiated customer access will be available, as the market requires, via over-the-air software upgrades.