NEW DELHI, India -- Aperto Networks, builder of the world's most advanced WiMAX base stations and subscriber units, announced today that BSNL, the largest telecom service provider in India, has begun rolling out Aperto's carrier-grade, WiMAX Forum Certified(TM) products.

The deployment of award-winning PacketMAX(TM) base stations and subscriber units across six cities and four rural areas in India comes as a result of Aperto's successful bid in response to a BSNL tender that was issued in late 2004.

The six initial cities getting the WiMAX equipment are Kolkata (in West Bengal), Bangalore (in Karnataka), Chennai (in Tamil Nadu), Ahmedabad (in Gujarat), Hyderabad (in Andhra Pradesh), and Pune (in Maharastra). The deployment, which will also cover four rural districts in the State of Haryana, is planned for completion in January.

The WiMAX network will enable BSNL to offer enterprise customers a wide range of value-added, high bandwidth data communications services, such as MPLS, VPN, leased line, and Internet access, as well as VoIP, telemedicine, e-education, e-governance, and e-commerce in remote areas.

BSNL will be deploying Aperto's PacketMAX 5000 base stations, the industry's highest density, highest capacity, and highest performing base station. BSNL will also be deploying Aperto's PM 300 subscriber units, along with Aperto's WaveCenter(TM) EMS Pro, the element management system.

"BSNL is a leader in the world telecom landscape and its drive to deploy WiMAX across India is testament to its leadership. Aperto is delighted to have the opportunity to support BSNL's plan in this strategic deployment," said Mike Pratt, CEO for Aperto Networks.

Aperto Networks Inc.