Worldmax launches Aerea: the first commercial wireless broadband network in Amsterdam

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Metropolitan WiMAX network – deployed by Alcatel-Lucent - gives consumers seamless access to wireless broadband communications wherever they are

Special ‘light’ version of service available for consumers as of today

  

Amsterdam, June 17, 2008 – Worldmax today demonstrated Europe’s first citywide commercial wireless broadband network, based on WiMAX 802.16e technology, in Amsterdam. A special ‘light’ version of the service is available as of June 17. Early adopter customers will be able to enjoy the basic features of the service, called Aerea, which enables wireless broadband access to the Internet. That means users within the Amsterdam city ring can play online videogames, download and watch movies or listen to streaming music wherever they are; in a park, at home or any other location. Worldmax is launching this light version to meet the numerous requests of internet users in Amsterdam, who want broadband internet access wherever they are in the city. The network was deployed by Alcatel-Lucent and Worldmax over the past five months.

After the summer Worldmax will have completed the full roll-out of the network, allowing consumers and business users to access the network in order to enjoy online entertainment and business applications from virtually any location in the city.The service is easy to use and reliable. New customers can be online within two working days and can choose from various flexible subscription fees, including prepaid and post paid subscriptions.

Initially customers will need a PC card and in a later stage a USB dongle to connect their laptops and other mobile devices to the network. Intel plans to begin delivering integrated mobile WiMAX silicon in the U.S. at the end of the year. These embedded WiMAX solutions for Centrino 2 processor technology-based laptops and a variety of other mobile devices, will support the promise of cost effective, high speed “broadband on the go”.

Worldmax will showcase the capabilities of the 16e network on June 17 and 18 during the WiMAX Forum Global Congress, in collaboration with Alcatel-Lucent and Intel, including a live video feed from moving “trikes” (three-wheeled pedal taxis) as well as live demos aboard a canal boat serving as a moving Internet cafe.

“While there are several wireless broadband initiatives in The Netherlands and in Europe, Worldmax is currently the only company planning such a thorough and complete offer for the consumer,” said Worldmax’ CEO Jeanine van der Vlist. “This new network will make it possible for us to have our customers online within two working days, with access to unlimited wireless data and transparent and flexible contracts at very competitive prices. We are very excited to introduce a preliminary light version of the service. This will help raise awareness about the compelling capabilities of ‘broadband in your pocket’.

“Wireless broadband dramatically enhances the speed and manner in which people access all that the Internet has to offer”, says Sriram Viswanathan, vice president, Intel Capital and general manager, Intel WiMAX program office. “As the demand for mobile Internet services and devices increases, today’s announcement illustrates the growing industry support for mobile WiMAX and the healthy global footprint wireless broadband is quickly progressing toward.”

“We are enthusiastic about this innovative project for Worldmax and being part of the team that has made this wireless broadband Rev-e network a first in Europe,” said Frederic Rose, Alcatel-Lucent’s President of activities in the Europe, Africa and Asia region. “Worldmax’ choice of our solutions and services testifies to our expertise and technical leadership in the area of WiMAX and highlights the confidence Worldmax, a wireless broadband pioneer, has placed in us as they take this crucial next step in the development of their business, differentiating their service against existing broadband services common in Western Europe by leveraging the power of mobility.”

In addition to supplying the WiMAX technology, Alcatel-Lucent will also maintain the network for Worldmax. During the WiMAX Forum Global Congress Alcatel-Lucent will also present its Open Customer Premises Equipment-program, designed to promote an open device ecosystem, ensuring that customers have access to the widest possible range of interoperable end-user devices at attractive pricing.

Intel Capital, the venture capital investment arm of Intel Corporation, is a leading investor in Worldmax. The company promotes the deployment of low-cost WiMAX based Internet access and provides significant technical and marketing resources to Worldmax.

About WiMAX
WiMAX (802.16e-2005) stands for Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access and is optimized specifically for mobile broadband Internet. Providing multi-megabit data rates, mobile WiMAX provides the foundation for rich multimedia experiences on the go. With mobile WiMAX, users have on-the-go broadband Internet and access to data-intensive applications, like online multimedia, video downloads, mobile TV, and streaming music.

About Worldmax
Worldmax is owner of the national and exclusive 3.5 Ghz license for the Dutch market and the first company in Europe to have realized a ubiquitous network based on the worldwide WiMAX (IEEE 802.16e) standard providing both indoor and outdoor coverage. The WiMax 16e network of Worldmax is provided by Alcatel-Lucent and supports numerous applications such as web browsing, online gaming, downloading music, games, movies and internet TV: at home, on the go or in the office. At first instance the network is available by means of the Worldmax WiMAX PC card and - shortly - a USB adapter. In the near future Intel will offer integrated WiMAX functionalities in notebooks with Intel Centrino processor technology. WiMAX will also become available on personal mobile appliances such as mobile internet appliances, smart phones and PDA's. For more information: www.worldmax.nl

About Intel
Intel (NASDAQ: INTC), the world leader in silicon innovation, develops technologies, products and initiatives to continually advance how people work and live. Additional information about Intel is available at www.intel.com/pressroom and blogs.intel.com .




About Alcatel-Lucent
Alcatel-Lucent (Euronext Paris and NYSE: ALU) provides solutions that enable service providers, enterprise and governments worldwide, to deliver voice, data and video communication services to end-users. As a leader in fixed, mobile and converged broadband networking, IP technologies, applications and services, Alcatel-Lucent offers the end-to-end solutions that enable compelling communications services for people at home, at work and on the move. With operations in more than 130 countries, Alcatel-Lucent is a local partner with global reach. The company has the most experienced global services team in the industry, and one of the largest research, technology and innovation organizations in the telecommunications industry. Alcatel-Lucent achieved revenues of Euro 17.8 billion in 2007 and is incorporated in France, with executive offices located in Paris. For more information, visit Alcatel-Lucent on the Internet: http://www.alcatel-lucent.com



Contact the Alcatel-Lucent Press Office:    press@alcatel-lucent.com