GPRS/GSM Operators Can Now Offer Seamless High-Speed Hot Spot WLAN Service to Their Existing Subscribers
 

Mobility Network Systems Inc., a leading supplier of carrier-class WiFi solutions that enable mobile operators to easily enter the wireless LAN business, and Rogers AT&T Wireless have successfully demonstrated Mobility Networks' WiFiRAN(TM) technology integration into Rogers AT&T Wireless' 2.5G/3G Network.

The significant performance/cost advantages of Mobility Networks' WiFiRAN technology ensures rapid time to market for mobile operators by allowing them to deploy their own WiFi networks or leverage third-party networks.

Mobility Networks' innovative technology allows mobile operators to offer wireless LAN services without making any changes to their existing GPRS network. Mobile operators are able to leverage current investments in their infrastructures to offer authentication, charging/billing and security to the public wireless LAN network. In product trials held in Toronto, Mobility Networks demonstrated the ease of implementation of WiFiRAN(TM) technology with Rogers AT&T Wireless' existing GPRS network by integrating the two systems within 24 hours.

"Mobility Networks' products enable us to leverage our recent investments in GPRS systems to offer multi-access solutions, which is in this case, roaming between GPRS and WLAN," said Bob Berner, executive vice-president and chief technical officer at Rogers AT&T Wireless. "This is a new step in wireless data -- providing datacom services which are easy to offer, while still maintaining telecom reliability. This rapid and successful integration, almost unheard of in the telecom arena, was a result of the innovative approach of Mobility Networks, in conjunction with careful joint planning by Rogers AT&T Wireless and Mobility Networks engineers."

Several mobile operators have recently announced plans to incorporate wireless LAN solutions into their offerings. However, solutions that are currently available offer the wireless LAN as a stand-alone system, making it difficult for mobile operators to combine it with their existing services or requiring investment and roll-out in additional networks and systems.

"The biggest barrier to any new product adoption in the wireless industry is the ease of implementation by network operators and the ease of use by the subscriber," said Bill Howe, president and CEO of Mobility Networks. "With our expertise of GSM/GPRS systems and IP Networking, we are able to leverage a mobile operator's, such as Rogers AT&T Wireless', large existing investments in packet data solutions and subscriber management systems to offer a simple, secure wireless LAN solution that easily integrates with their current GPRS network and offers a quick and simple user experience."

The growth of data in the mobile environment has been heavily anticipated. Today it is happening on wireless LANs. Wireless data usage is increasing in corporations, homes, and public access locations. BWCS estimates that the public-access WLAN market is expected to generate $7.3 billion by the year 2006.

About Rogers AT&T Wireless

Rogers Wireless Inc. operates under the co-brand Rogers AT&T Wireless and has offices in Canadian cities from coast to coast. Rogers AT&T Wireless is Canada's leading wireless communications service provider, offering a complete range of wireless solutions including Digital PCS, cellular, advanced wireless data services and one and two-way messaging services to a total of more than 3.5 million customers across the country. Rogers Wireless Communications Inc. (TSE:RCM.B, NYSE:RCN) is approximately 56% owned by Rogers Communications Inc. and approximately one-third owned by AT&T Wireless Services, Inc. (TM) Rogers Communications Inc. Used under License. (R) AT&T Corp. Used under License.

About Mobility Network Systems

Mobility Networks delivers carrier-class WiFi solutions that enable mobile operators to successfully offer wireless LAN services. Mobility Networks' technology allows mobile operators to utilize investments they have already made in their 2.5G IP infrastructure and business systems for rapid WLAN deployment across existing networks. Founded in 1999, the company is privately held and is based in San Jose, Calif. For more information on the company and its IP-based products visit Mobility Networks' Web site at www.mobilitynetworks.com.