Netcom Africa Selects Axcera to Deploy IPWireless UMTS TDD-Based Axity3G Broadband Throughout Nigeria

Initial Deployments Will Serve Lagos, Abuja, Port Harcout and Kano

Lawrence, PA, November 4, 2004 - Axcera, a leading manufacturer and integrator of best-of-breed technology for the broadband wireless access industry, today announced that it will supply Netcom Africa Limited, a leading IP infrastructure provider of satellite and wireless broadband solutions in Africa, with its IPWireless™ UMTS TDD-based Axity3G non-line-of-site (NLOS) broadband wireless access solution for a nationwide deployment.

With the goal of making broadband access commonplace in Nigeria, and not just a luxury as it is today, Netcom will offer reliable and affordable Internet access throughout the country using the Axity3G Broadband wireless solution. Wireless broadband is the best method for rapid mass deployment in populated areas, and the Axity3G solution, a mobile broadband solution based on UMTS TDD, the part of the 3GPP family of standards optimized for high-speed data transmission, provides the robustness required to quickly serve this currently underserved market.

Netcom's initial deployment will serve Lagos, Abuja, Port Harcourt and Kano, covering a total population of more than 15 million, operating in the 2.5GHz frequency band. Subsequent deployments are planned to provide service throughout Nigeria.

Netcom is committed to offering world-class service to its users. According to Yen Choi, Netcom's Group Executive Vice President and CTO, "We searched for a scalable, carrier-class mobile broadband platform built for IP that is available today, and the Axity3G solution came out on top. The non-line-of-sight operation of the very compact client side equipment makes it simple to install. Indoors and outdoors our customers will have reliable broadband access, and the true mobile capability of this technology will enable a whole new range of multimedia and broadband applications."

Technology alone was not the only deciding factor to Netcom when choosing Axity3G Broadband. Choi adds, "World class service delivery requires world class partners. Axcera and IPWireless create the right mix of technology partners to make this deployment possible."

Netcom's service offering will be branded MyNetcom and offered as an affordable true non-line-of-sight mobile broadband solution for the individual or home. MyNetcom will be offered to the end user both directly through Netcom and through the company's large network of resellers.

"Like Netcom, we at Axcera are committed to providing our customers with a world-class offering," said David Neff, President and Chief Executive Officer of Axcera. "By combining IPWireless technology with our industry leading service offerings, we were able to build a partnership with Netcom that will greatly benefit both organizations and bring highly reliable and truly competitive broadband access to Africa."

With UMTS TDD, coverage is achieved through an air interface, significantly minimizing deployment time and installation cost when compared to copper or fiber based systems, while at the same time offering true mobility. The plug-and-play capability of the pocket-sized modem allows simple user installation, minimizing or eliminating the need for costly and time consuming truck rolls. As a global standard that can be used by operators and manufacturers worldwide, UMTS TDD has emerged as the leading standard for mobile broadband, with commercial deployments in several countries around the world including Australia, Germany, Malaysia, New Zealand, Portugal, South Africa, the United Kingdom and the United States.

About Axcera
Axcera (www.axcera.com) is a premier provider of equipment and systems for the television broadcast and broadband wireless/MMDS industries. Carrying on the tradition of offering the best products and services for more than 20 years, the company has earned its reputation as a high-quality manufacturer and integrator focused on meeting customers' needs. Today Axcera, a Platinum Equity company, provides the most complete line of television transmitter systems available from any manufacturer, as well as end-to-end broadband wireless/MMDS solutions, including complete network planning, design and integration services.

About Netcom
Netcom Africa Ltd. (www.netcomng.com) is a leading IP infrastructure provider of satellite and wireless broadband solutions in Africa. Netcom's product suite is best in class using the latest generation technologies in satellite communications and supported 24/7 by some of the most experienced customer support and technical engineers in the industry.

NetcomVSAT is a robust, multi-tiered business solution and is ideal for organizations of all sizes from the small business operator to the multi-business process intensive multinational corporation. MyNetcom is the first to market and affordable true non-line-of-sight mobile broadband solution for the single PC user.

Headquartered in Lagos, Nigeria, Netcom is licensed by the Nigerian Broadcasting Commission and the Nigerian Communications Commission and is backed by shareholders and a seasoned management team who have extensive knowledge and experience in satellite communications, ERP/CRM enterprise applications, international banking, international airline and manufacturing industries.

About IPWireless
IPWireless (www.ipwireless.com) offers an advanced standards-based broadband wireless technology that will drastically improve the way people around the world connect and communicate at home, at the office, or on the road. With a full range of commercial network solutions and devices, IPWireless allows operators to offer a spectrum of fixed, portable, or completely mobile wireless services with unmatched economics and broadband performance. IPWireless has quickly established itself as a leader in the market, with commercial deployments in service for more than a year, trials with ten of the top twenty global wireless operators, and strategic partnerships and relationships with industry leading companies.

Contact Information:

Axcera Contact:
Richard Schwartz, Director, Marketing and Product Management
+1-724-873-8100 x 263
rschwartz@axcera.com

Netcom Contact:
Brian J. Kim, Sales Manager, Business Development
+234-1-461-1234
b.kim@netcomng.com

IPWireless Contact:
Madelyn Smith, Director of Corporate Communications
+1-703-243-9668
msmith@ipwireless.com


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