InterWave Wins Iraq Deal

MOUNTAIN VIEW, Calif. -- interWAVE(R) Communications (NASDAQ:IWAV), a Silicon Valley pioneer in compact wireless communications systems, today announced that it received an initial order from Sanatel totaling $1.4 million for a GSM-based wireless infrastructure to link eight cities in northern Iraq. Sanatel, owned by Halabja General Trading Company, is one of three wireless operators officially licensed to provide cellular services in Kurdistan.

"Establishing a modern telecommunications network infrastructure is critical to the rebuilding efforts of Iraq," said Bill Carlin, chief operations officer for interWAVE. "Our proven track record in providing wireless solutions to the Middle East and other regions of the world, combined with our local presence, will allow us to provide Sanatel with the necessary support and solutions for building out their network."

The compact and robust nature of interWAVE's GSM solution enables rapid network deployment throughout the world. Providing immediate telecommunications capabilities to war-torn areas, such as Iraq, profoundly affects the economy and quality of life for its residents by linking them with neighbors, family, and business partners. Furthermore, the flexibility and scalability of interWAVE's solution allows operators to build-out their networks incrementally, recognize a quick return on their investment, and make future expansions not only possible but also profitable in the near term.

"Halabja and Sanatel, in conjunction with the rapid improvement in the standard of living and the resumption of municipal services throughout the region, have initiated an aggressive expansion plan," said Mohammed Ali, chief executive officer of Halabja General Trading Company. "interWAVE's scaleable GSM solution will play a significant role in our current and future plans for network expansion throughout the region. Moreover, Sanatel has been successful at providing telecommunications capability to a significant number of subscribers since assuming operations of the network."

InterWave Communications International Ltd.