Aperto Networks Builds Early User Base in Fixed Broadband Wireless Access - Brief Article

ISP Business, July, 2001

Aperto Networks, a developer of second-generation fixed broadband wireless access (F-BWA) systems, has announced installation of 5 GHz licensed and license-free systems for European network operator, Pronet Communications, and US wireless Internet service provider, NextWeb. This effort furthers the rapid development and delivery of proven F-BWA systems to market. The installations of Aperto's PacketWave systems represent the first real-world deployment of dynamic per-subscriber link optimization technology.

"We've been very impressed with Aperto Networks' ability to keep on its aggressive delivery pace while meeting advanced functional and quality goals," said Graham Barnes, chief technology officer of NextWeb, who recently alpha-trialed Aperto's initial platform. "We plan to serve a number of business users in our upcoming beta phase of PacketWave field testing. We also look forward to using OptimaLink (Aperto's dynamic per-subscriber link optimization) for our obstructed-line-of-sight and non-line-of-sight locations."

NextWeb is an innovative ISP offering broadband Internet access as well as value-added services such as VPN and high-quality two-way videoconferencing to thousands of San Francisco Bay area businesses. NextWeb is testing IP functions and network management features as well as Aperto's OptimaLink and ServiceQ capabilities on a multi-sector base station and several configurations of subscriber units.

"We're extremely pleased to support these early deployments of PacketWave," said Reza Ahy, Aperto founder, CEO, and president. "Our system's proven ability to support the 5.3 and 5.8 GHz bands is ideally matched to the growing demand for U-NII band among ISPs, CLECs, IXCs, and ILECs, and confirms Aperto's market-leading pace. The value of our advanced, practical technology will be leveraged further in the coming months, as we make PacketWave seamlessly configurable for the 2.5 GHz and 3.5 GHz frequency bands across global markets."

Pronet Communications, a broadband service provider, has installed Aperto's PacketWave pilot system in Poland. Pronet's deployment includes a mix of commercial and public sector locations serving multiple subscribers per sector. It is expected to grow its base by 20 locations per month into 2002.