Hotspot Chooses Redline's RedMAX(TM) for National WiMAX Network in Tanzania
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Hotspot, Redline Communications and RapidCloud to install WiMAX Forum Certified(TM) network to cover six major centres
Toronto, ON, November 14, 2007 -- Redline Communications Inc. ("Redline") (TSX and AIM: RDL), a leading provider of standards-based WiMAX access and broadband wireless infrastructure products, today announced that Hotspot Business Solutions ("Hotspot"), a regional telecommunications provider in Tanzania, has selected Redline's RedMAX products for the country's first national WiMAX network.
Hotspot will launch the first phase of its WiMAX network, on November 15th, delivering commercial WiMAX services to Dar es Salaam, the country's premier commercial centre, and Mwanza. The first phase will also include the deployment of a RedMAX network in Arusha in December 2007. Hotspot expects to increase the number of its subscribers in these regions by up to 60 per cent over the next two-years. The second phase of the Hotspot RedMAX deployment will begin in January 2008, and will bring WiMAX services to the capital city of Dodoma, as well as Morogoro and Zanzibar. With its six-city WiMAX network, Hotspot will be able to deliver high quality voice, video and data internet services to government agencies, corporations, educational institutions, and residents across Tanzania.
"This is a great milestone in Tanzanian history. By launching WiMAX in the region, we have become a catalyst for positive change," said Emmanuel Nyaki, Chief Executive Officer of Hotspot. "With Redline's extensive experience installing OFDM and WiMAX systems, we will be able to quickly deploy our network and deliver revenue-generating broadband services. In addition, with Redline's solution, our network can support a much greater capacity of subscribers than with other technologies, allowing a much faster return on our investment - a return we hope to realize within the next eight to 10 months."
Hotspot selected Redline after a comprehensive review of four leading WiMAX companies. Under the terms of the agreement, the Hotspot WiMAX network will be closely managed and coordinated by RapidCloud Technology (Pty) Ltd ("RapidCloud"), a Premium Redline Certified Partner and major systems integrator that provides local logistical and post-sales operational support to the Hotspot and other RedMAX network installations in the East Africa region. Hotspot and RapidCloud have previously installed Redline's AN-30e to connect Hotspot's existing satellite network.
"Hotspot is the latest example of a company that has trialed Redline's products and chosen RedMAX for its wide scale WiMAX commercial deployment in a fast-growing emerging market," said Kevin Suitor, Vice President, Marketing and Business Development, Redline. "We expect that with its professional network planning and solid business model, Hotspot will join the many RedMAX customers with commercial deployments that are already generating revenues to fuel the further expansion of their networks."
"Wireless broadband service providers must balance their customers' expectations of high-quality broadband service against the reality of its cost," said Malcolm Clark, Managing Director, RapidCloud. "With RedMAX, Hotspot meets its customer expectations, while avoiding expensive infrastructure investments, allowing for more growth and deployment opportunities."
To celebrate their WiMAX launch, Hotspot is hosting a press conference on November 15th, 2007 at 6:45 pm at the Kilimanjaro Kempinski hotel in Tanzania. At the event, the following persons will be available to provide information on the Hotspot RedMAX deployment:
o Daniel Noni, Operations Manager, Hotspot
o Simon Wilder, Managing Director, Europe and Africa, Redline
o Malcolm Clark, Managing Director, RapidCloud
Redline's RedMAX(TM) Family
Redline's RedMAX family of WiMAX solutions includes the world's first complete system to receive the WiMAX Forum Certified(TM) mark for conformance to the WiMAX standards for performance and interoperability. Redline's carrier-class RedMAX Base Station (AN-100U) supports voice, video, and prioritized data traffic, enabling long-range, high-capacity wireless broadband networks. Redline's WiMAX products also include the RedMAX Indoor Subscriber Unit (SU-I) and Outdoor Subscriber Unit (SU-O) designed for enterprise and residential services. The RedMAX Management Suite enables operators to monitor and control the network, ensuring high service availability. Redline is maintaining its WiMAX leadership with the expansion of its RedMAX family to include products for additional frequency bands, applications and standards.
RedMAX 4C(TM) Mobile WiMAX
The RedMAX 4C, which is based on the WiMAX industry's 802.16e-2005 standards for mobile WiMAX, supports a wide range of fixed, portable and mobile wireless services including support Voice and Video over IP, broadband Internet access used to support highly valued education, medical, transportation and municipal applications, VPNs (Virtual Private Networks) and other advanced communications services. The RedMAX 4C Mobile WiMAX platform is designed to enable operators to maximize the reach and customer density required for a profitable carrier business model. The RedMAX 4C includes a modular, standardized µTCA (micro Telecommunications Computing Architecture) chassis base station that is small, lightweight and easy to deploy. RedMAX 4C will also include a suite of indoor and outdoor fixed and portable end-user devices including laptops, mobile handsets and PDAs. Redline's new WiMAX offering is also designed to facilitate the integration of its existing RedMAX products with its RedMAX 4C technologies, providing operators a path to true mobility.
About Hotspot Business Solutions
Hotspot Business Solutions - The Network That Delivers - is a well established company, founded in 2004 and registered in 2005. We specialize in the provision of the state-of-the-art business solutions: Satellite-based Data / Internet Services, Local Area Network (LAN) / Wide Area Network (WAN) Connectivity Solutions, Consultancy in ICT and Management Information Systems (MIS) coupled with Technical and Maintenance Services. For more information, visit: hotspot-tz.com/index.htm
About RapidCloud Technology
RapidCloud Technology (Pty) Ltd is a privately owned, South African based technology company. Founded in 2002, RapidCloud focuses on identifying, developing and implementing targeted telecommunication and enterprise solutions to enable telecommunication carriers, wireless ISPs and enterprises to expanded service capabilities while driving cost-efficiencies. For accelerated adoption of new broadband services, reduced communication costs and new connectivity possibilities contact RapidCloud at www.rapidcloud.com
About Redline Communications
Redline Communications (redlinecommunications.com) is the leading provider of standards-based wireless broadband solutions. Redline's RedMAX(TM) WiMAX Forum Certified(TM) systems and award-winning RedCONNEX(TM) family of broadband wireless infrastructure products enable service providers and other network operators to cost-effectively deliver high-bandwidth services including voice, video and data communications. Redline is committed to maintaining its wireless industry leadership with the continued development of WiMAX and other advanced wireless broadband products. With more than 75,000 installations in 80 countries, and a global network of over 140 partners, Redline's experience and expertise helps service providers, enterprises and government organizations roll out wireless broadband networks to support advanced communications.
Media Contacts:
Carolyn Anderson or Paree Katharos
Redline Communications
tel. 905.479.8344
canderson@redlinecommunications.com/pkatharos@redlinecommunications.com
