MILPITAS, Calif. -- Cedarcom, SAL, a nationwide wireless data provider in Lebanon, and Aperto Networks, a leading 802.16a class broadband wireless access (BWA) systems provider, announced today that Aperto's PacketWave(R) 2.6 GHz and 3.5 GHz licensed BWA systems have been deployed in the Greater Beirut area.

Cedarcom provides wireless data connectivity and last-mile access solutions to Lebanese ISPs, ASPs, banks, universities, multi-branch organizations and SMEs. Cedarcom now plans to deepen its coverage nationwide via its license holdings in the 2.6 GHz and 3.5 GHz frequency bands, offering high bandwidth, business-grade broadband wireless access to all major cities and business centers in Lebanon. Within 45 days broadband coverage will reach 15 major centers in the country, effectively covering 95% of the business community.

"We're committed to providing an exceptional quality of service, a wide range of broadband applications, and solutions that are scalable and rapidly deliverable," said Imad M. Tarabay, chairman and CEO of Cedarcom. "Aperto allows us to extend our best-in-class networking capabilities, while providing subscribers with reliable access and competitive pricing."

"We are particularly pleased that PacketWave is able to interface seamlessly with our MPLS based backbone," he continued. "We are the first carrier to implement MPLS in Lebanon and the first in the Middle East to deploy broadband wireless MPLS based services. The use of MPLS and PacketWave will enable us to deliver Class of Service and dynamic routing allowing better service performance and higher availability, contributing to Cedarcom's market leadership in wireless broadband."

"Cedarcom has astutely leveraged a number of technical and marketing innovations in wireless applications," said Reza Ahy, chairman and CEO of Aperto Networks. "This demonstrates the company's ability to master and integrate advanced networking technologies for its diverse commercial customers, including financial and educational institutions, and service providers across a growing geographic footprint. We are gratified that PacketWave can assist in delivering highly-efficient, feature-rich and peak performance networking."

Aperto Networks