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M/A-COM and Airspan Networks Demonstrate Interoperability Between M/A-COM's Open Standard 4.9 GHz Broadband VIDA Network and Airspan's 4.9GHZ AS.MAX Subscriber Devices

Posted on: Tuesday, 8 August 2006, 15:00 CDT

APCO 2006 -- M/A-COM, Inc., a business unit of Tyco Electronics and a worldwide leader of critical radio communications systems, and Airspan Networks Inc. (NASDAQ: AIRN), a leading worldwide provider of WiMAX-based broadband wireless access networks, today announced that the companies have achieved full airlink interoperability between M/A-COM's 802.16 broadband VIDA Network and Airspan's AS.MAX subscriber devices over the 4.9 GHz frequency band, which has been designated by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) for public safety use. Using the open standard IEEE wireless broadband communications protocol of 802.16 in the 4.9GHz band, the systems can seamlessly transmit data and public safety grade wireless broadband video between M/A-COM's VIDA (Voice, Interoperability, Data and Access) system and Airspan's AS.MAX devices. The companies will hold a live, over-the-air demonstration of interoperability capabilities on Aug. 8 at booths #343 (M/A-COM) and #394 (Airspan) at the APCO International Conference& Expo in Orlando, FL.

"By achieving interoperability between our clients and our respective network systems, Airspan and M/A-COM are demonstrating, for the first time, advanced, interoperable, public safety grade broadband technology that is truly open standard-based," said Greg Henderson, system development manager, M/A-COM Wireless Systems. "The unique broadband VIDA network offers users a frequency-planned and scalable broadband network; plus guaranteed capacity and quality of service. Interoperability between this network and other manufacturers' clients offers our customers choices and future ready migration paths that are typically not available in mission critical communications. We are therefore very pleased to have the opportunity to work with Airspan, a company as dedicated to open standards as we are. We welcome attendees at the APCO International Conference & Expo to come view the capabilities of these powerful solutions."

M/A-COM's 802.16 broadband VIDA network enables public safety organizations to deploy high-capacity broadband applications such as video surveillance and vehicle mobile office. Through the use of the 802.16 protocol and the use of a licensed band, the broadband VIDA system provides a unique set of features, including guaranteed quality of service and scalable capacity, which are required for true mission critical broadband applications. The combination of the 802.16 protocol over the 4.9 MHz band is a unique and valuable technological achievement for public safety users.

"For public safety broadband networks to truly maximize capabilities and efficiencies, frequency-planned and scalable broadband networks that guarantee capacity and quality of service are an absolute must," said Paul Senior, VP Marketing, Airspan Networks. "Through our partnership with M/A-COM, we are proving that these technologies are not only available, but that they are capable of interoperating at levels never previously available. With the development of these systems, M/A-COM and Airspan are delivering on the promise of true open standards."

Interoperability has been achieved between the M/A-COM's VIDA network and Airmax's EasyST and ProST subscriber terminals -- the CPE products developed to work with any WiMAX Forum Certified Base Station products in Airspan's AS.MAX family. The EasyST is an all indoor CPE designed to self install by the end user. The ProST is an indoor-outdoor CPE which requires professional installation and provides superior link budget in difficult deployment conditions.

Both Airspan and M/A-COM are principal members of the WiMAX Forum(TM), which is engaged in the creation of interoperability/certification profiles for 802.16 equipment to allow for true equipment interchangeability among multiple vendors' equipment.

About M/A-COM

M/A-COM, Inc., a business unit of Tyco Electronics, is a leading supplier of critical communications systems and equipment for public safety, utility, federal and select commercial markets. Products range from some of the most advanced IP-based voice and data networks, to traditional wireless systems that offer customers the highest levels of reliability, interoperability, scalability and security. M/A-COM is also a recognized leader in the design and manufacture of radio frequency (RF), microwave and millimeter wave solutions for the commercial wireless telecommunications, aerospace and defense industries. Headquartered in Lowell, MA, M/A-COM has offices and manufacturing facilities worldwide. Information about M/A-COM can be found on the Web at www.macom.com or www.macom-wireless.com.

Tyco Electronics, a business segment of Tyco International Ltd., is the world's largest passive electronic components manufacturer; a leader in cutting-edge wireless components, complete power systems, and premise wiring components and systems; and a provider of critical communications systems to the Land Mobile Radio industry. Tyco Electronics provides advanced technology products from over forty well-known and respected brands, including Agastat, Alcoswitch, AMP, AMP NETCONNECT, Buchanan, CII, CoEv, Critchley, Elcon, Elo TouchSystems, M/A-COM, Madison Cable, OEG, Potter & Brumfield, Raychem, Schrack and Simel. For more information, visit www.tycoelectronics.com.

About Airspan Networks Inc.

Airspan Networks provides fixed and wireless voice and data systems and solutions, including Voice Over IP (VoIP). Its wireless products serve operators around the world in both licensed and unlicensed frequency bands between 700 MHz and 6 GHz, including both PCS and 3.5GHz international bands. Airspan has a strong wireless product roadmap that includes offerings compliant with the 802.11 a/b/g and the WiMAX 802.16-2004 standard, including software upgradeability to Mobile WiMAX (the 802.16e-2005 standard). Airspan is on the Board and is a founder member of the WiMAX Forum and a member of the Wi-Fi Alliance. The Company has deployments with more than 350 operators in more than 100 countries. Airspan's wireless systems are based on radio technology that delivers excellent area coverage, high security and resistance to fading. These systems can be deployed rapidly and cost effectively, providing an attractive alternative to traditional wired communications networks. Airspan's new AS.Tone VoIP system is a carrier class, turnkey solution that provides carriers with Class 4, Class 5 and IP-Centrex solutions and has a Softswitch and Gateways supporting SIP/H323 and SIP. AS.Tone's design provides customers; carriers, next-generation telcos, cellular providers and ITSP with a wide range of solutions with the best price/performance system for IP telephony. Airspan also offers radio planning, network installation, integration, training and support services to facilitate the deployment and operation of its systems. Airspan is headquartered in Boca Raton, Florida with its main operations center in Uxbridge, United Kingdom.

 --  M/A-COM, TYCO and OpenSky are trademarks. --  Other products, logos, and company names mentioned herein may be     trademarks of their respective owners.      

 Editorial Contact: Dave Hutcheson M/A-COM, Inc. 434/455-9628 Contact via http://www.marketwire.com/mw/emailprcntct?id=D14856E2B36323B9  Mike Ratcliff Tyco Electronics 717/592-2316 Contact via http://www.marketwire.com/mw/emailprcntct?id=9D34769E3D9930F2  Peter Aronstam Airspan Networks Inc. 561/893-8682 Contact via http://www.marketwire.com/mw/emailprcntct?id=0156F79E65002443  For sales information, please contact: M/A-COM, Inc. 1011 Pawtucket Blvd. Lowell, MA 01853 United States - 1.800.368.3277 Canada - 1.800.368.3277 Middle East/Africa - +1.434.455.9229 Asia/Pacific - +1.434.455.9223 Europe - +1.434.455.9544 Latin America - +1.434.455.9217  

SOURCE: Airspan Networks Inc.

Source: MARKET WIRE

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