Alvarion and Digicel Group Deploy WiMAX 802.16e Network Throughout the Caribbean

Alvarion Ltd. and wireless broadband solutions, announced the signing of a master supply agreement with Digicel Group, the largest mobile operator in the Caribbean. Alvarion was selected by Digicel as its strategic partner to deploy a WiMAX network throughout the Caribbean region in a major initiative over the next few years. Alvarion was selected following a successful commercial deployment of its 802.16e solution in Grand Cayman in 2007.

As part of the master supply agreement, Alvarion, along with its OPEN™ WiMAX partners, will provide an end-to-end WiMAX offering based on Alvarion’s Mobile WiMAX™ solution. The agreement also includes a comprehensive package of professional services.

“Mobile WiMAX represents a unique opportunity for Digicel to leapfrog current technology to offer a wireless full service portfolio as an attractive alternative to the existing operators’ offering,” said Mario Assaad, CTO of Digicel Group. “Businesses and consumers are looking for an alternative wireless solution. Based on our successful Grand Cayman deployment and our experience with the high throughput and quality of service of Alvarion's WiMAX solutions, we believe Alvarion is the best choice for enabling us to provide advanced services to our customers.”

Based on the success of the Grand Cayman deployment, Digicel is moving quickly to deploy WiMAX in additional markets to deliver primary voice, data VPN and residential broadband to both corporate and residential customers. With an existing operational GSM footprint in 23 markets, Digicel chose Mobile WiMAX as its next-generation broadband technology because of its ability to emulate traditional fixed line services, as well as to enable personal mobile broadband services, using a wide variety of innovative end-user devices.

The rapid service uptake in Grand Cayman illustrates the current demand for WiMAX-enabled primary broadband services, even in a market with high broadband penetration. Digicel reached double-digit market share after only a few months of operation fully loading the network, which has recently been expanded to meet customer demand.

The WiMAX 802.16e network in Grand Cayman is enabling Digicel to offer custom-designed service plans for businesses, as well as a consumer plan offering up to 3 Mbps downlink and 1 Mbps uplink throughput and performance. The wireless broadband connection is being used by consumers in both fixed and portable modes. The small form factor of Alvarion’s residential CPE allows subscribers to take their broadband connection with them wherever they go, paving the way for Digicel to make full use of Mobile WiMAX technology to provide Personal Broadband services in the future.

“We are proud to extend our relationship as a strategic partner with Digicel,” said Tzvika Friedman, President and CEO of Alvarion. “Digicel is as an example of a highly capable customer leveraging its assets for expanding service offering and achieving growth, while providing advanced and unique services to its customers. After extensive and rigorous testing among major WiMAX telecom equipment manufacturers, we were selected to offer Primary Broadband as an alternative for the local incumbent, followed by Personal Broadband as the natural expansion for cellular businesses. Building on the successful deployment in 2007, we look forward to helping this valued customer meet the unique service requirements of its millions of subscribers throughout the Caribbean.”