BelAir Offers Mesh Backhaul

KANATA, Ontario -- BelAir Networks today announced the availability of the industry’s first wireless mesh backhaul solution for mobile network operators. The BelAir200 now supports direct connection to GSM or 3G microcell and picocell base stations through a T1/E1 Circuit Emulation Module (CEM). By using wireless mesh to interconnect microcells for cellular backhaul traffic, operators can achieve significant savings over the dedicated wired T1 and E1 lines typically used. According to industry analysts, transport costs including backhaul expense can comprise as much as 24 percent of operator revenue. The new T1/E1 CEM module will be demonstrated live at 3GSM World Congress in Barcelona at the BelAir Networks booth, E49, Hall 2, February 13 – 16, 2006.

The BelAir cellular backhaul system offers mobile operators the following benefits:

“This innovative use of mesh technology is a technical advance that offers economic benefits for operators who are battling increasing transport costs,” stated Philip Marshall, vice president, Yankee Group. “Cell sites are currently connected with point-to-point links, which are prohibitively expensive for micro and pico-cellular sites. The BelAir solution is the first wireless mesh that delivers the timing and quality of service required for cellular backhaul across multiple hops. This mesh approach is attractive as a low cost technique for facilitating backhaul to micro and pico-cellular sites.”

BelAir Networks Inc.