Don't know if this is old news or not
NEWS RELEASE TRANSMITTED BY CANADIAN CORPORATE NEWS
FOR: NEWBRIDGE NETWORKS CORPORATION
TSE SYMBOL: NNC
NYSE SYMBOL: NN
AND WIC CONNEXUS
APRIL 24, 1998
WIC Connexus Deploys Newbridge Networks Broadband
Wireless Point-to-Multipoint Showcase Network
TORONTO, ONTARIO--Local Multipoint Communication Systems (LMCS)
Deployment Provides Benchmark for Nationwide Rollout
WIC Connexus, holder of 47 LMCS spectrum licences across Canada,
today announced it is deploying a showcase network using
Newbridge(R) broadband wireless technology. LMCS (local multipoint
communications systems) refers to broadband wireless systems
operating in the 28 GHz band, licensed to deliver competitive
data, Internet, voice, video, and multimedia services to business
and residential customers. In other countries, including the US,
it is known as LMDS (local multipoint distribution service).
Located in the Toronto area, the showcase network is featuring a
new generation of LMCS architecture based on the
MainStreetXpress(R) multiservice access platform. Two cells
(wireless coverage areas) have been deployed, each with a wireless
base station using 90 degrees sectorization to serve customer
premises within the area. Network interface units located at the
customer premises provide connectivity to a full range of
in-building networks including: single and quad Ethernet, token
ring, circuit emulation, cell relay, and MPEG2 (Motion Picture
Experts Group) video, enabling Connexus to deliver high speed
Internet access, data services, telephone traffic, and
videoconferencing. The MainStreetXpress 46020 Network Manager
enables Connexus to centrally manage and monitor the network from
its head office. To ensure the network's ability to provide high
quality services to all customers, the showcase also includes a
mobile customer premise site that measures the strength and
quality of signals throughout the coverage area.
"As a pioneer in LMCS technology, Connexus is committed to
providing competitive, value- added communications services to
Canadian businesses and residential customers," said Bill Dunbar,
President and CEO of WIC Connexus. "Achieving this milestone has
involved extensive network design and cell planning, and requires
that we deploy advanced, reliable, and flexible technology.
Newbridge has been proactive in providing that technology."
In September 1997, WIC Connexus announced a program to optimize
the design of its LMCS network for national implementation. The
showcase network, using asynchronous transfer mode (ATM)
technology marks the next stage in the program, allowing Connexus
to apply the field- proven Newbridge solution to its specific
customer requirements. ATM is a communications standard that
enables the simultaneous delivery of high speed, high quality,
data, Internet, voice, video and multimedia services. Utilizing
this standard in the broadband wireless environment provides a
cost-effective, easily deployed alternative to fiber optic cable,
allowing Connexus to provide customers with the range and quality
of communication services previously available only on wireline
networks.
"Our development efforts with Connexus over the past year have
enhanced our ability to capitalize on opportunities afforded by
global deregulation," said Terence Matthews, Chairman and CEO of
Newbridge Networks. "Broadband wireless is a cost-effective access
technology that has applications worldwide."
John Lacey, President and CEO of Connexus parent company WIC
Western International Communications Ltd., stated, "I am extremely
pleased with Newbridge's support on this project and the progress
of Connexus over the past year. Connexus is one of WIC's valuable
communications assets and this key development will help to ensure
Connexus reaches its full potential."
Canada was one of the first countries to license broadband
spectrum for two-way services. LMDS auctions, completed in the US
in March 1998, have made 28 GHz band spectrum available there
nationwide. Industry analysts support the use of ATM in broadband
wireless networks and generally agree that US operators will
initially target the lucrative business market through the
delivery of high speed data, Internet, and voice services.
Newbridge Networks, a recognized global leader in ATM technology,
was the first manufacturer to develop solutions for extending full
ATM capabilities into the broadband wireless environment.
Developments in broadband wireless technology have progressed
rapidly since Connexus was awarded its LMCS licences in April
1997. By completing the network design and planning stages and
implementing the showcase network, Connexus maintains its
technological leadership in the deployment of advanced LMCS
networks.
According to research analysts, Ovum Ltd.: "By the year 2005,
there will be over 40 million broadband wireless connections
worldwide," said Pauline Trotter, Principal Analyst. "These will
generate an estimated (US) $16 billion to network operators."
Owned by WIC Western International Communications Ltd.
(www.wic.ca), WIC Connexus is licensed to operate as a "third
force" in local communications in 47 markets across Canada,
including Toronto, Vancouver, Edmonton, Quebec City, and Saint
John. The Company's head office is in Toronto, with additional
offices in Ottawa and Vancouver.
Newbridge Networks (NYSE: NN; TSE: NNC) designs, manufactures,
markets and services networking solutions to organizations in more
then 100 countries. Newbridge leverages its relationship with 15
Affiliate companies, and strategic alliances with Siemens and 3Com
Corporation to deliver seamless, end-to-end solutions. Newbridge
customers include the world's 250 largest telecommunications
service providers and more than 10,000 corporations, government
organizations and other institutions. Founded in 1986, the company
employs more than 6,000 people on five continents. News and
information are available at www.newbridge.com.
MainStreetXpress is a trademark used exclusively by Newbridge
Networks Corporation and Siemens AG under license for their
comprehensive solutions in broadband communications. |
