Thursday March 22, 1:00 pm Eastern Time
Press Release
SOURCE: COM DEV International Ltd.
Focus Groups Confirm Subscriber Enthusiasm for COM DEV'S New M/ERGY(TM) Broadband Wireless Data System
End-User Sample Suggests Strong Latent Demand for Product
LAS VEGAS, NV, March 22 /PRNewswire/ - Positive reaction during recent consumer focus groups conducted by COM DEV Wireless, a division of COM DEV International Ltd. (TSE: CDV - news), suggests a high level of enthusiasm and willingness to embrace the Company's new M/ERGY(TM) high-speed mobile wireless Internet access system. Initial results of the study were released at the Cellular Telecommunications & Internet Association's Wireless 2001 show in Las Vegas where COM DEV introduced equipment and technology for the packet-based fully mobile system. COM DEV Wireless designs and manufactures leading-edge wireless systems and subsystems for major global wireless, cellular telephone and PCS system vendors worldwide.
``We believe that high-speed mobile wireless users will soon become a significant part of the Internet access market,'' said Roger Boivin, President of COM DEV Wireless. ``We are not talking here about WAP-type Internet access, fixed wireless Internet access or even ''high speed`` data access at data rates that are decidedly sub-broadband. M/ERGY will provide full ''desktop experience`` Internet access, at DSL data rates but without the wires. It will do this anywhere the user chooses to get on their laptop, desktop PC or handheld device. Leading analysts and think tanks have estimated the market for this technology to be more than $40 billion in the USA and $300 billion globally over the next five years. M/ERGY was designed for rapid deployment at low start-up costs to quickly help fill that demand. We are pleased that every demographic group we talked to strongly urged us to bring this product to market, given the product features and pricing we projected.''
The Washington, D.C. based Mathis Group conducted the focus groups over two days during which COM DEV unveiled M/ERGY's USB port model of its subscriber modem. About the size of current personal digital assistants, the wireless modem interfaces with computers through a USB connection. Consumers were asked their opinion on the size of the end-user terminals, demand for the service, importance of mobility, feature sets and service pricing.
``I've been working with focus groups for over 17 years and was extremely impressed with the uniformly positive reaction to this new product,'' said Mathis consultant Dan Wojcik. ``Consumers were drawn to the size, shape and color options for the user device. More fundamentally, they were excited about the prospect of being able to access the Internet at Broadband speed -- without the wires and without the hassles, and at a price point comparable to what they currently pay for DSL or cable modem service. Many desktop PC owners even said they would ''convert`` to a laptop PC in order to more fully take advantage of the convenience and portability features afforded through M/ERGY. All in all, it was an impressive response to a product that is obviously very well thought out.''
M/ERGY will wirelessly deliver data to laptop and desktop computers at speeds comparable to current cable and DSL modems and incorporate voice-over IP capability. M/ERGY is unique in that it supports both nomadic and mobile behaviors at unprecedented data rates, giving users complete access to the Internet and Virtual Private Networks from almost anywhere, as well as in transit at speeds up to 120 mph. This factor has been deemed important especially where public transit and passenger trains are popular.
About COM DEV
COM DEV International Ltd. (www.comdev.cc) based in Cambridge, Ontario, is a leading producer of wireless infrastructure, as well as a designer and manufacturer of space hardware subsystems. The company has two divisions: COM DEV Wireless and COM DEV Space that operate facilities in Canada, the United States, United Kingdom and China.
COM DEV Wireless designs and manufactures leading-edge wireless systems and subsystems that enjoy broad acceptance among global wireless system vendors. System products include soft radios, broadband wireless Internet products and TDMA base stations. Subsystem products integrate signal filtering, signal amplification and alarm monitoring in single compact electronics packages.
COM DEV Space manufactures advanced products that are sold to the major satellite prime contractors for use in commercial communications and earth science satellites.
COM DEV, COM DEV Wireless, COM DEV Space and M/ERGY are registered trademarks of COM DEV International Ltd. This news release may contain certain forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. Actual results may differ materially from results indicated in any forward-looking statements. The company cautions that, among other things, in view of the rapid changes in the wireless communications markets and technologies, and other risks including the cost and market acceptance of the company's new products, the level of individual customer procurements and competitive product offerings and pricing, and general economic circumstances, the company's business prospects may be materially different from forward-looking statements made by the company.
SOURCE: COM DEV International Ltd. |
