India's First Certified WiMAX Network Deployed

New Delhi, India -- Aperto Networks announced that BSNL, telecom service provider in India, has begun rolling out Aperto's carrier-grade, WiMAX Forum Certified products.

The deployment of PacketMAX 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. BSNL will also be deploying Aperto's PM 300 subscriber units, along with Aperto's WaveCenter 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.

"Over the years, BSNL has installed a high quality telecom network across India and it is now focusing on improving and expanding the network," said Monica Paolini, President, Senza Fili Consulting. "Aperto's state-of-the-art WiMAX equipment will enhance BSNL's network and will serve as a robust platform from which to introduce new telecom services to meet the increasing demand from their subscriber base."

"We look forward to continuing our association with BSNL as it further strengthens the backbone of India's information society and employs Aperto's WiMAX gear to help bridge the rural-urban digital divide," said Manish Gupta, vice president of marketing and alliances for Aperto Networks.

SOURCE: Aperto Networks