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...New PortableDSL service first of its kind commercially available in Europe...

San Bruno, Calif., Oct. 30, 2003 – German communications provider Airdata AG launched commercial services built on IPWirelessTM Mobile Broadband technology in Stuttgart. This marks the first commercial deployment in Europe of broadband wireless services based on the data-optimised UMTS TD-CDMA variation of the 3G standard. With PortableDSL, Airdata AG offers for the first time in Europe a portable and fast way of accessing the Internet that uses the new 3G standards. The mayor of Stuttgart, Mr. Wolfgang Schuster, commercially launched this innovative technology, which comes after the completion of a successful trial. It is now possible to use the Internet wirelessly in almost every part of Stuttgart – at ISDN speeds (128 Kbit/s) or DSL speeds (768 Kbit/s).

Inhabitants and workers in Stuttgart have a new and exciting way to access the Internet. Subscribers can use the Internet in the office and at home, at a friend’s house or during a conversation in the next office, at the train station or at the airport -- with high download and upload speeds and without ever needing a telephone line. Mobile workers are now able to connect to the company network while meeting in person with customers; technicians can download datasheets at the construction site; and teachers and students can reach the Web in whichever classroom they choose.

This is all made possible by the network built by Airdata over the last few months. The network uses the IPWireless Mobile Broadband system based on the TD-CDMA variation of the worldwide IMT-2000 standard, also known as 3G. It allows for both voice and data transmission. The new network enables connectivity far beyond distances covered by WLAN hotspots, creating instead much larger ‘hotzones,’ which are comparable in size to mobile phone coverage areas. In addition, the user does not need subscriptions with multiple providers as is the case when moving from hotspot to hotspot today, nor do they have to pay any additional usage fees that hotspots currently require.

The network leverages the secure 3G standard, so setup for the service is simple: insert the SIM card into the modem, connect the modem to the computer, and enter the user name and password. There is no need to connect to a phone outlet, and there is no additional hardware or software. No larger than a cellular phone, the modem is very small and handy.

“After an extensive and successful trial deployment, we are pleased to power Airdata’s new commercial PortableDSL service in Stuttgart,” said Chris Gilbert, CEO of IPWireless. “Airdata is a forward-looking provider that understand that subscribers want the speed, freedom, ease, and convenience that IPWireless’ technology enables. With spectrum licenses in all mayor areas of Germany, Airdata is well-positioned to offer the most advanced broadband services in Europe.”

In addition to the unprecedented convenience and ease of use PortableDSL offers, the new service is priced very competitively. Customers get an Internet connection that goes anywhere for the same price as a fixed connection, with the benefit of “always on,” 24-hours-a-day connectivity formerly only available with a DSL connection. Charges include only the Internet flat rate, the monthly connection fee, and the one time charge for the modem and installation. Airdata’s partner Next Generation Internet (NGI) offers PortableDSL 128 at a flat rate of only € 9.95 per month, plus a connection fee of €14.95 per month. NGI PortableDSL 768 costs € 19.95 for the Internet flat rate, € 24.95 for the monthly connection fee.

Whether using PortableDSL 128 or 768, the connection is wireless and, therefore, is an attractive alternative to traditional fixed line services since even voice will be possible through this access method, giving subscribers the most flexible data and voice communications solution available today.

Airdata AG has been offering the new service on a trial basis through ISPs in Stuttgart. Trial users have included not only private individuals but also self-employed workers and enterprises, since the large reach of PortableDSL gives the business professional many potential ways to increase productivity and save time and money.

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Notes to the editor
About Airdata AG
Airdata AG, a communications infrastructure provider, was founded in Stuttgart in 1998 to build and operate the infrastructure that connects enterprises and households to the Internet. Airdata specialises in using RF technologies to bridge the last mile by using its licensed spectrum in the 2.6 GHz band. For more information see www.airdata.de.

About IPWireless
IPWireless develops an advanced standards-based broadband wireless technology that will drastically improve the way people around the world connect and communicate at home, at the office, or on the road. With a full range of commercial network solutions and devices, IPWireless allows operators to offer a spectrum of fixed, portable, or completely mobile wireless services with unmatched economics and broadband performance. IPWireless has quickly established itself as a leader in the market, with commercial deployments with top global operators, and strategic partnerships and relationships with industry leading companies.

The IPWireless Mobile Broadband system is based on the UMTS TD-CDMA standard, a global standard that can be used by operators and manufacturers worldwide. The commercially proven Mobile Broadband system includes a complete network infrastructure, pocket-sized wireless desktop modems, and PC cards (PCMCIA) for laptops and PDAs.

For more information, visit the company’s Web site at www.ipwireless.com.

IPWireless, the IPWireless logo, and IPW are trademarks of IPWireless, Inc. All other brands, products, or service names are or may be trademarks or service marks of their respective owners.

Contact

Madelyn Smith
IPWireless
1 310 889 0043 (o)
1 310 962 9644 (m)
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Lee Brooke / Joanna Lane
Brodeur Worldwide for IPWireless
44 (0)20 7298 7070
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