FOR RELEASE TUESDAY JANUARY 18, 2005
Agreement between Lucent Technologies and BelAir Networks enables local service provider, SMITCOMS, to quickly and easily deploy public access Wi-Fi network Murray Hill, N.J. and Kanata, ONTARIO - Lucent Technologies (NYSE: LU) and BelAir Networks, a Lucent technology partner, today announced that they have worked with Sint Maarten International Telecommunications Services Limited (SMITCOMS), a leading international service provider in the Netherlands Antilles, to deploy a Wi-Fi network in Philipsburg the Dutch capital of the Caribbean Island.
Deployed in less than three weeks, the network provides wireless Internet and email access to the island's residents and the more than 2 million people who visit it annually using Wi-Fi (802.11) enabled devices. Currently there is no charge for using this Wi-Fi network, but within a few weeks it will require a prepaid usage fee. The network covers Frontstreet, the main street in the downtown area, and the Boardwalk at the beach and will eventually be expanded to include other parts of the island.
"We are thrilled to be able to offer state-of-the art technology to the visitors and residents of our island paradise by working with Lucent and BelAir," said Theodore Heyliger, commissioner of tourism of St. Maarten. "We hope to continue to expand this network until one day you can wirelessly access the Internet from coast to coast in St. Maarten."
The high-capacity wireless network solution is being provided by BelAir Networks, which specializes in providing scalable Wide Area Wi-Fi for data, voice and video services to metro areas. Lucent Worldwide Services leveraged its experience working with multi-vendor networks to rapidly deploy the BelAir Wi-Fi equipment within SMITCOMS existing telecommunications infrastructure. This is the first joint project between Lucent Worldwide Services and BelAir Networks, which recently signed a reseller agreement to pursue business opportunities globally.
The BelAir 200 deployed in St. Maarten is a four-radio, multi-service wireless switch router that enables wireless networks. Built specifically for outdoor deployment, the BelAir 200 includes integrated antennas that focus Wi-Fi signals to beam directly into multi-story buildings from the outside, eliminating the need for indoor access points.
"This network demonstrates the power of working closely with specialized vendors and local services providers who have the expertise and contacts to penetrate these growing niche metro markets," said Stef Van Aarle, vice president, marketing and strategy, Lucent Technologies. "With BelAir and SMITCOMS we are able to mesh our multi-vendor technical knowledge with their own expertise helping to create and rapidly deploy a seamless WiFi network for the people of St. Maarten."
About BelAir Networks
BelAir Networks is the first company to offer scalable, Wide-Area Wi-Fi. Built specifically for outdoor deployments, BelAir Networks patented solution integrates easily and transparently into existing network and physical infrastructure of downtown business districts, hotels and resorts, and college campuses. BelAir Networks' Wide-Area Wi-Fi delivers maximum network capacity at the lowest cost - in days, not weeks. Founded in 2001, BelAir Networks is a privately held company headquartered in Kanata, Ontario. For more information, please visit www.belairnetworks.com.
About Lucent Technologies
Lucent Technologies designs and delivers the systems, services and software that drive next-generation communications networks. Backed by Bell Labs research and development, Lucent uses its strengths in mobility, optical, software, data and voice networking technologies, as well as services, to create new revenue-generating opportunities for its customers, while enabling them to quickly deploy and better manage their networks. Lucent's customer base includes communications service providers, governments and enterprises worldwide. For more information on Lucent Technologies, which has headquarters in Murray Hill, N.J., USA, visit www.lucent.com.
About SMITCOMS
Sint Maarten International Telecommunications Services Limited (SMITCOMS) is a limited liability company that was established in 2000 to develop and offer high quality, cost-effective telecommunications services to business and residential customers in Sint Maarten and to other Caribbean islands. For more information on SMITCOMS visit www.smitcoms-inc.com
For more information, reporters may contact: Wendy Zajack
Lucent Technologies
571-434-8045 (office)
973-449-2951 (mobile)
Email:wzajack@lucent.com
Emily Swanson
Breakaway Communications for BelAir Networks
415-377-9766 (office/mobile)
Email:eswanson@breakawaycom.com
Roberta Garzaroli
Atrebor Group for St. Maarten
212-764-0340 (office)
Email:stmaarten@arteborgroup.com
