Aperto Deploys WiMax in Ukraine

KIEV, Ukraine -- PAN Wireless, a newly formed joint venture between the United Kingdom's leading wireless systems integrator, Networks By Wireless Ltd., and Ukraine's leading provider of satellite and telecommunications products, PAN Telecom LLC, announced today that it has installed the first of its planned roll-out of Aperto Networks WiMAX-class base station products in Ukraine.

Commenting on the joint venture, Alex Silvestri, General Director of PAN Wireless explained, "During the past 18 months we have been formulating our business plan with the two JV parties. NbW from the UK brings a vast amount of experience in RF and Data design and Broadband network solutions and deployments. PAN Telecom from Ukraine brings a wealth of experience in servicing the Telecom market and knowledge of the key players and processes required to run a successful business locally".

Continuing the theme, "Today marks the next step in our ambition to create a national network for BFWA network applications using the 5GHz frequency that is currently being evaluated for release to commercial operations by the NCRS and Ukrainian Government. The initial deployments are based on the 802.16 standards, of which, there is much misunderstanding and ignorance of the real facts behind the technology."

PAN Wireless has a strategic relationship with Aperto Networks of the United States and has already homologated the product set for its use in this market. PAN Wireless has entered into a number of discussions with some of the Ukraine's leading telecoms operators to provide a test service, free of charge, to the operators, in order for them to evaluate the service levels offered through the system. The first pilot is in place in Kiev and the first test customers are currently evaluating.

Yuri Besborodov, founder and chairman of PAN Telecom Group, the JV Ukrainian partner, is naturally optimistic about the future of PAN Wireless in the territory: "We have worked hard with our UK partner to create a company capable of delivering exciting new technologies and leading edge solutions both to the existing telecoms market and also to add benefit to the new agenda for change in Ukraine. Our company, in fact, will be able to really open up the possibilities for education, health and social services with these proven radio technologies and make a substantial contribution to the infrastructure development and public services of our country."

Manish Gupta, vice president of marketing and alliances, at Aperto Networks, added: "We are delighted to be supporting this important initiative in Ukraine with PAN Wireless. We have now been dealing with Networks By Wireless for the last two years, and recognize that the importance of partnering with a high quality organization capable of delivering these types of networks is key to the success of any manufacturer of telecoms equipment."

Aperto Networks Inc.