EION Wireless Announces Major Deployment in Asia

Hybrid Wireless Technology Delivers WiFi Access over Fixed WiMAX Backhaul

OTTAWA, Canada – April 26, 2010; EION Wireless, a Canadian manufacturer of broadband wireless products, today announced that its wireless technology has been deployed in Asia by a major service provider to deliver WiFi access to subscribers over a WIMAX Backhaul. The installation and commissioning of Base Station and Subscriber Station equipment has been ongoing since November of last year. The initial phase of the network rollout consists of more than two hundred WiMAX radio links; planned expansion will increase the size of the network to 2,800 links by the end of 2011.

The key component of the wireless network is EION’s Libra MAX-SP (SPOT) WiMAX-WiFi subscriber station. The Libra MAX-SP connects to a WiMAX Base Station at speeds of up to 20 Mbps and distances of up to 50 km; the connection is then pushed out to end users in the surrounding area over the built-in WiFi hotspot. Customers are able to access the network using laptops, netbooks, iPhones and other WiFi-enabled smartphone devices.

“The Libra MAX-SPOT combines the best of both worlds from the WiMAX and WiFi technologies,” states Dr. Anand Srinivasan, EION’s Vice President Technology & Product Development. “The long range backhaul portion is accomplished over WiMAX technology, while the access portion is able to leverage the massive installed base of WiFi capable products. The amount of forklift to connect new customers to the network is practically nil.”

The WiMAX portion of the network in Asia operates in a licensed 3 GHz frequency band. Enterprise customers connect to the network using dedicated WiMAX subscriber stations mounted on rooftops. Small businesses and personal users access the network via the outdoor WiFi portion. Customers pay different rates based on the type of service they require. Customers are using the network for internet access, e-mail, VoIP and gaming.

Libra MAX is an award WiMAX platform that offers service providers the performance and capacity required for robust suburban and urban high-density deployments. The Libra MAX family has been awarded the WiMAX Distinction Award and the Product of the Year Award by Communication Solutions.