Gilat To Provide Broadband Wireless Access With Proxim WiMAX Products

Petah Tikva, Israel -- Gilat Satellite Networks Ltd. announced that it has entered into an OEM purchase and global marketing agreement with Proxim Wireless Corporation, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Terabeam, Inc. The agreement is part of an implementation by Gilat of its strategy to expand its product portfolio using Gilat's core competencies. Leveraging its strong global sales, turnkey project implementation, satellite backhaul solutions and local support capabilities, Gilat now offers WiMAX, Wi-Fi Mesh and other Broadband Wireless Access solutions, to its existing and potential customers.

Gilat has established a wireless solutions department which will market the wireless products — SkyMP.16 for WiMAX technology and SkyMP.11 for license-free frequencies. The new department is headed by Tal Meirzon, who, for over 10 years, has held a variety of senior positions at Gilat, including his most recent position as vice president of marketing and business development for Gilat Network Systems. Mr. Meirzon will continue to serve as Gilat Network System's vice president of business development in addition to his new position as general manager, wireless solutions.

Gilat also announced that it has received its first Broadband Wireless Access order, from Asiainfo, an Internet Service Provider in Kyrgyzstan. Gilat will provide Asiainfo with an end to end solution which will include a Broadband Wireless Access and wireless backhaul solution. The solution will enable Asiainfo to deliver broadband wireless services for businesses and consumers throughout Kyrgyzstan's capital, Bishkek. Asiainfo is an existing Gilat customer, that recently deployed a SkyEdge broadband satellite hub within its network.

"The markets which require broadband satellite communications often have a need for Broadband Wireless Access technology," said Amiram Levinberg, Chairman and CEO of Gilat Satellite Networks Ltd. "Proxim's WiMAX expertise and product offering, coupled with our strong presence in emerging markets, wide range of satellite technologies, network planning and systems integration capabilities, underscores the synergistic value of this cooperation. The new contract with Asiainfo is an excellent example of how we can now cater to our customers' broadband wireless access and satellite communications needs through a single point of contact. We have targeted the broadband wireless market as one of Gilat's future growth engines and are now well-positioned to provide a one stop shop for broadband wireless solutions, on a nationwide basis including rural and remote areas," he added.

WiMAX is an emerging standard for interoperability of Broadband Wireless Access technologies. As a leader in Broadband Wireless technology, Proxim's products will expand Gilat's offering to include WiMAX and Wi-Fi Mesh as additions to its satellite networking solutions. This will enable Gilat to provide wireless Pico base-station architecture - all outdoor, scalable and cost effective data, voice and video solutions. Furthermore, in nationwide deployments, satellite backhaul is often used to connect last mile WiMAX to the Internet backbone.

Proxim's CEO, Robert E. Fitzgerald said, "We are excited to be working with Gilat to bring end-to-end satellite/terrestrial wireless networks to market. Gilat's well established global sales together with its turnkey project offering presents an excellent opportunity to reach new customers and markets. We believe that through this relationship we will be able to provide better value to these markets and customers."

SOURCE: Gilat Satellite Networks Ltd.