Aircel launches WiMAX in Bangalore

BANGALORE

JANUARY 18, 2007

Aircel Business Solutions (ABS), announced the launch of wireless Internet
services through Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access (WiMAX) in
Bangalore.

ABS intends to extend WiMAX to 26 more cities in India soon. The company
hopes to target IT and ITES firms; enterprises across various verticals and also
the booming SME sector in India.

ABS is in the process of implementing WiMAX network in prominent locations in
Bangalore. It is also identifying and deploying Wi-Fi hotspots in Bangalore with
indoor and outdoor points backhauled with WiMAX.

Internet services at these hotspots will be enabled through pre-paid cards
integrated with Payment Gateways for online registrations. The company has
already acquired the necessary spectrum in 802.16d and 802.16e for the roll-out
of services.

"With all India backhaul capacities connecting more than 125 cities and
towns, ABS is targeting the top 1000 corporates for connectivity solutions,
content services and m-commerce services," said Ram Shinde, head - Aircel
Busienss Solutions.

He said that the company would be rolling out WiMAX in the 802.16d standard
in the current fiscal across 44 cities and would subsequently roll out 802.16e
next fiscal. ABS has set up a WiMAX expertise center in Chennai.

Besides Aircel, companies like Intel, BSNL, Alcatel and others are pushing
WiMAX technology, which is expected to cost only one-third the price of
traditional fiber networks.

The technology will replace Local Area Network (LAN), Wide Area Network (WAN)
and Internet access technologies.