Press Releases

Irish Broadband Expands its Alvarion-based Fixed Wireless Broadband Network

New 5.7GHz OFDM network complements existing 2.4GHz network and expands capability and reach of Irish Broadband’s offering. 
 
 Tel-Aviv, Israel and Dublin, Ireland, October 2, 2003 - Alvarion (NASDAQ:ALVR) today announced that Irish Broadband (www.irishbroadband.ie), the first company in Ireland to offer guaranteed broadband connection speeds has expanded its fixed wireless network, again using Alvarion equipment, supplied by integration partner Siemens.

Launched in May 2003, Irish Broadband’s original fixed wireless broadband network was built using Alvarion’s BreezeACCESS™ equipment, and operates throughout Dublin in the license-free 2.4GHz frequency band.

Following the success of this network, Irish Broadband has expanded its network across the unlicensed 5.7GHz spectrum using Alvarion’s new BreezeACCESS VL high-capacity OFDM portfolio.

Irish Broadband’s 5.7GHz network has been rolled out alongside its 2.4GHz network. The 5.7GHz base stations are used to feed the 2.4GHz base stations in order to increase the range available.

The network will be expanded to include Derry in Northern Ireland and then to major cities throughout Ireland.

Paul Doody, Managing Director of Irish Broadband, said: “Our fixed wireless network has exceeded the expectations of both ourselves and our customers. The ability to install base stations where demand is highest has enabled us to grow rapidly, whilst keeping our costs low. With the expansion of our network and the use of the latest technology – 5.7GHz networks – we will be able to meet the soaring demand for broadband services in Ireland. As ever, Alvarion has proved to be an invaluable partner – its investment in research and development, and production of equipment which the market is demanding has impressed yet another customer.” Rudy Leser, VP Marketing at Alvarion, added: “Obviously repeat orders are the biggest compliment our customers can pay us. Irish Broadband is an example of how fixed wireless networks can enable alternative operators to rollout networks quickly and generate immediate revenues.”

Brendan Martin, Carrier Sales Manager, Siemens adds, “One of the core advantages of Irish Broadband’s network is the availability of more bandwidth at a more competitive rate in locations that have been historically under-served.”

About Irish Broadband

Irish Broadband is a subsidiary of NTR plc, Ireland’s leading private sector developer, financier and operator of public and environmental infrastructure. In July 2002, Irish Broadband received a license to operate wireless broadband networks from Ireland’s ComReg (Commission for Communications Regulation – previously ODTR). Since then the company has deployed an aggressive network rollout and customer acquisition. Irish Broadband is the first company to introduce guaranteed broadband connection speeds, offering wireless leased lines equivalent quality at DSL prices. DSL connections are shared with between 24 and 48 other users. Irish Broadband customers only share the service with between 4 and 8 other users, so customers have superior speeds, and quality of service. Irish Broadband is focused on providing superior customer service across the full range of broadband and ISP products.

For more information, visit www.irishbroadband.ie

About Siemens

Siemens Information and Communication Networks (IC Networks) is a leading provider of network technology for enterprises, carriers and service providers. Its comprehensive portfolio - HiPath for enterprises, SURPASS for carriers - comprises IP-based convergence solutions for voice and data, a full range of solutions for broadband access, and optical transport networks. The Siemens Group thus provides complete solutions from a single source for the infrastructure of the Next Generation Network — optimized for a prompt return on investment and to open up new business opportunities for customers. For more information, visit www.siemens.ie/operators

About Alvarion

Alvarion is dedicated to delivering seamless wireless broadband networking infrastructure to carriers, ISPs and private network operators, in order to leverage their broadband opportunities into sustainable profits. Alvarion offers premier wireless broadband solutions for access in the last mile, backhauling connection to the backbone and private network connectivity. Featuring the industry's most extensive range of products and international support, Alvarion is a pioneering leader of the converged wireless broadband network. With over 1.5 million units deployed in 120 countries worldwide, Alvarion provides secure rich-media networks for business or residential Internet access, corporate VPNs, cellular base station feeding, community interconnection, public safety connectivity and extended Hotspots.

Having recently acquired InnoWave's wideband access portfolio and expertise, Alvarion provides a complete wireless solution that supports a wide range of frequency bands, customer profiles and service types.

This press release may contain forward-looking statements within the meaning of the "safe harbor" provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements are based on the current expectations or beliefs of Alvarion’s management and are subject to a number of factors and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those described in the forward-looking statements. The following factors, among others, could cause actual results to differ materially from those described in the forward-looking statements: inability to further identify, develop and achieve success for new products, services and technologies; increased competition and its effect on pricing, spending, third-party relationships and revenues; as well as the inability to establish and maintain relationships with commerce, advertising, marketing, and technology providers and other risks detailed from time to time in filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Information set forth in this press release pertaining to third parties has not been independently verified by Alvarion and is based solely on publicly available information or on information provided to Alvarion by such third parties for inclusion in this press release. The websites appearing in this press release are not and will not be included or incorporated by reference in any filing made by Alvarion with the Securities and Exchange Commission which this press release will be a part of.

You may request Alvarion's future press releases or a complete Investor Kit by contacting Carmen Deville, Investor Relations: carmen.deville@alvarion.com or 760-517-3188 

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