Airspan Builds on Intel

BOCA RATON, Fla. -- Airspan Networks, Inc. (Nasdaq:AIRN), a leading worldwide provider of fixed wireless DSL networks, today announced it has reached an agreement with Intel Corporation to produce WiMAX-Certified(TM) equipment built upon Intel silicon. The agreement will give Airspan access to Intel's broadband wireless access technology conforming to the IEEE 802.16(a) standard. This access will accelerate Airspan's expansion of its 802.16 compliant product lines.

Airspan products based on this technology are expected to debut in the global marketplace shortly after Intel releases its 802.16 compliant silicon solution, which is currently targeted for the middle of 2004.

Eric Stonestrom, president and chief executive officer of Airspan Networks, commented: "Airspan is leading the charge on the introduction of 802.16 products. We plan an expansion of our 802.16 compliant product range as the Intel technology becomes available, and this agreement will accelerate our own development. We believe that the efforts of the WiMAX Forum(a) to establish interoperability of 802.16-compliant equipment has the potential to further expand the addressable market for broadband wireless access and we are proud to be working with Intel on leading edge products. Network operators are increasingly attracted to these 802.16 initiatives as it broadens the range of products and applications that effectively address the last mile."

Scott Richardson, general manager of the Intel Broadband Wireless Division, said: "Commitment to the delivery of 802.16 compliant products is the first step to achieving the promise of WiMAX, and we are pleased that Airspan has selected Intel's silicon platform for this important development. We believe that standards and interoperability will ignite growth in the broadband wireless market for both companies as well as the industry in the coming years."

While broadband growth in the global market surged by more than 72 percent in 2002, today less than five percent of subscribers around the world have access to the Internet via a broadband connection. Airspan product initiatives around this standardization platform are expected to provide additional cost-effective solutions for network operators to get more users connected. Using wireless access, operators can avoid costly investments in copper and fiber networks.

Airspan's arrangement with Intel complements its recent introduction of the 802.16-based AS4030 and AS3030 product lines, which can deliver high-end IP and E1/T1 services to business and corporate users. Airspan will submit its 802.16 compliant products for WiMAX Certification once multi-vendor solutions are available for interoperability testing.

"WiMAX" and "WiMAX-Certified" are trademarks of the WiMAX Forum.

Airspan Networks

Intel Corp.