Wi-LAN Ultima3 Fixed Wireless Access Products Slated for 12 Chinese Cities
CALGARY, Canada - May 26, 2003 - Wi-LAN Inc. (TSE:WIN), a global provider of broadband wireless communications products and technologies, announced today it expects to supply approximately $2 million of its Ultima3 fixed wireless access products for Guangdong Province Unicom's 5.8 GHz Project. Guangdong Province Unicom is a provincial subsidiary of China Unicom Limited (NYSE:CHU), a fully integrated telecommunications operator with services throughout the People's Republic of China. Wi-Comm United Communications Inc. (WCU), a distributor of Wi-LAN products in China, will supply the equipment for deployment in 12 cities with a total urban population in excess of 4 million. The initial order of Ultima3 products, valued at $0.2 million, has been shipped to WCU. Project completion is expected in 2003, pending completion of site surveys.
"The 5.8 GHz Ultima3 Series products are proving to be a very good fit for the Chinese market," said Lok Chow, President of WCU. "The integrated single-unit design makes installation simple and flexible, and the high performance and system stability of Wi-LAN's MC-DSSS technology sets a new standard. We expect to deploy large quantities of this product to provide high-speed data and voice service to our customers."
"Ultima3 is one of several excellent product series that Wi-LAN has to offer to the Chinese market," said Kia K. Chong, Regional Director, Asia Pacific, Wi-LAN Inc. "Wi-LAN's feature-loaded products and WCU's marketing expertise are an unbeatable combination. Guangdong Province's advanced economic development and infrastructure make this contract is a very significant success."
Guangdong Province, located in southern China on the China Sea, has benefited from its close proximity to Hong Kong. It is ranked first in China for the size of its consumer goods market (US$49.2 billion in 2000), for its industrial output (US$147.9 billion in 2000), and for its external trade (US$175.5 billion in 2000). The province also has one of the most advanced telecommunications networks in the country with a mobile phone penetration rate that exceeded 18% in 2001, ranking third in China, behind Shanghai and Beijing.
"We are pleased to participate in another of WCU's victories in the Chinese market," said Nico Roelofsen, Vice President, Global Sales, Wi-LAN Inc. "In China, regulators, operators, our resellers and their customers are all embracing wireless as a reliable and cost effective alternative in today's broadband access market. We anticipate more wins from WCU in China as the year progresses."
Wi-LAN's Ultima3 Product Series
Available in the 5.8 GHz license-exempt bands, Ultima3 is suitable for deployment in most countries worldwide. Ultima3 is certified for use in all major global telecommunications markets, having received certification from the USA Federal Communications Commission (FCC), the State Regulatory Radio Commission (SRRC) of the Peoples' Republic of China, Industry Canada (IC) and the Ministry of Communication of the Russian Federation, and having received the CE Mark indicating the product conforms to the standards of the European Telecommunications Standards Institute (ETSI). Built on eight years of field-proven technology and experience, the 5.8 GHz Ultima3 series is designed to meet the needs of license-exempt wireless Internet service providers and enterprises looking to build or extend broadband communications infrastructures. Ultima3 series products can be used for broadband access applications alone or in combination with wired alternatives. When paired with Wi-LAN's TEmux T1/E1 multiplexer, Ultima3 point-to-point products can also be used for transmission of up to 30 voice channels to provide a robust, reliable and cost-effective alternative to traditional leased T1 or E1 lines. The current hardware is capable of supporting several generations of enhancement to the system software. Features such as video services and additional network management features are being made available, as the market requires, via over-the-air software upgrades. Also, future generations of products will be compatible with existing products.
The Ultima3 series includes Rapid Deployment (RD) and Extended Range (ER) products for point-to point applications, and Multi-Point (MP) products, including the new Long-range CPE (LCPE), for point-to-multipoint applications. Using a cellular-based frequency reuse point-to-multipoint network design linked by point-to-point units, Wi-LAN's Ultima3 solution can easily serve a large customer base. Coverage cells can be added and expanded quickly and cost effectively. By starting small and expanding, network operators experience early profits, and enterprises realize incremental cost savings.
The AWE (Advanced Wireless Ethernet bridge) Product Series, which includes the Ultima3 Series as well as the AWE 45-24 and AWE 120-24, is offered in the license-exempt 2.4 GHz and 5.8 GHz bands. The AWE Series meets the requirements of service providers and enterprises without the need to obtain spectrum licenses. The 5.8 GHz Ultima3 series and the 2.4 GHz AWE 120-24 products feature Wi-LAN's patented MC-DSSS technology, which is designed to support constant service over distance through increased data rates, enhanced reliability and cost-effective performance. MC-DSSS technology also improves security due to built-in data scrambling that prevents unwanted eavesdropping. Wi-LAN's advanced wireless Ethernet bridges are designed to be easy to use, install and manage. Enhanced scalability allows a service provider to add new customers easily.
The MC-DSSS Advantage
Wi-LAN's patented Multi-code Direct Sequence Spread Spectrum technology (MC-DSSS) is the world's most spectrally efficient spread spectrum radio technology, and is the technology that makes it possible to multiply the carrying capacity of traditional spread spectrum systems by as much as ten times. Wi-LAN believes that MC-DSSS is the foundation for third generation (3G) mobile radio networks, including cellular phones, and Wi-LAN has filed an intellectual property statement with the International Telecommunications Union offering to make MC-DSSS available for licensing on fair, reasonable and non-discriminatory terms.
Wi-LAN Customer Support
As part of the Wi-LAN turnkey wireless network solution, the company provides engineering services to help customers and business partners plan and install wireless networks. From preliminary engineering service, such as system design and maintenance planning, to consulting and on-site service and training, Wi-LAN offers a full range of engineering services to help customers get the most from their wireless network equipment.
About Wi-LAN Inc.
Wi-LAN is a global provider of broadband wireless communications products and technologies, specializing in solutions for secure wireless provision of high-speed data and telephony over distance for enterprises and telecom service providers. Wi-LAN's broadband wireless access products are known worldwide for their high quality and industry-leading technology. Wi-LAN believes its W-OFDM patents are necessary for the implementation of devices using the IEEE standards 802.16a, 802.11a or 802.11g, the ETSI BRAN HiperLAN/2 standard or the current draft of the ETSI BRAN HiperMAN proposed standard. Wi-LAN licenses its W-OFDM technology and has executed non-exclusive W-OFDM license agreements with semiconductor companies. Wi-LAN is the Chair Company of the OFDM Forum (www.ofdm-forum.com). Wi-LAN's common shares trade on The Toronto Stock Exchange under the symbol "WIN." Detailed information on Wi-LAN can be found at www.wilan.com.