REMEC Awarded Contract for Broadband Wireless Systems in New Zealand
Neil Simmonds, CEO of Counties Power, stated, "We looked at several technologies in the market before selecting REMEC's platform. A key requirement for Counties Power's business case was to select a technology that allowed us to offer bundled high-speed internet access and voice services at attractive prices to customers in New Zealand. We are impressed with REMEC's ExcelAir(R) capability to offer these services and the scalability of the platform that allows us to meet the deployment needs in urban, as well as, rural areas."
Counties Power started delivering broadband services to fiber-connected customers in February 2003. It will extend its coverage to wireless broadband and voice service customers in urban and rural areas of its electricity territory by July 2003. Counties Power purchased 20-year rights to two lots of national 3.5 GHz spectrum last year. It has already announced one joint venture to roll out services into the central region of the North Island. Simmonds commented that other areas should be announced over the next few months. Wired Country is a telecommunications access network business. It delivers voice and broadband services for multiple retailer service partners to the customers in its network areas, but it does not provide retail services of its own.
With a high internet penetration, a history of early-adoption of technology and low DSL penetration, New Zealand is a growing market for broadband fixed wireless services.
"We are pleased to form this partnership with Counties Power," said Ron Ragland, Chairman and CEO of REMEC. "It is important for REMEC's global wireless strategy to continue its efforts in providing competitive, leading edge solutions that enable wireless operators like Counties Power to build networks with a profitable business model for their telecommunication needs. We believe ExcelAir(R) platform is clearly best in class in providing a cost- effective platform for broadband fixed wireless services, as evident by the growing demand we have witnessed from 3.5 GHz operators worldwide."
ExcelAir(R) 70 Fixed Wireless Access System is one of the highest capacity and most scalable fixed wireless access systems available. Capable of employing multiple modulations down-stream (64QAM, 16QAM and QPSK) as well as upstream (16 QAM and QPSK), a fully scaled ExcelAir 70 base station has a throughput capacity of over 300 Mbps and supports over 3,000 subscribers. Unlike some of the other products in the market, ExcelAir(R) offers these high capacities while offering a large cell range well over 15 km. ExcelAir(R) is a true multi-service platform and offers high speed internet access, VoIP, VPN, VLAN and E1 services along with a carrier grade network management system. The product is now being shipped around the globe for commercial deployments and for trial evaluations to broadband service providers in several countries.
About REMEC
REMEC is a leader in the design and manufacture of high frequency subsystems used in the transmission of voice, video and data traffic over wireless communications networks and in space and defense electronics applications. REMEC is located at 3790 Via de la Valle, Del Mar, CA 92014.
About Counties Power
Based in the Franklin and Papakura Districts, Counties Power is one of New Zealand's most progressive electricity distributors, supplying its lines to a number of retailers throughout the Counties area. Owning, managing and maintaining an extensive electricity distribution network comprising over 3,000 kilometres of lines, Counties Power currently supplies electricity to more than 25,000 residents and businesses in the local area.
Statements in this press release that are not historical are forward- looking statements, which involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties. Actual results could differ materially from those implied by such forward- looking statements due to a variety of factors, including, general and industry economic conditions, competition, development factors, operating costs and other risks and uncertainties that are detailed from time to time in our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
Source: REMEC, Inc.