AlwaysOn Network Bangladesh Deploys SOMA Broadband Wireless System to Connect Bangladesh Communities

(Business News & Technology News, 16 Jun 2008)

AlwaysOn Network Bangladesh (AONB), a joint venture between Oregon-based AlwaysOn Network and an organization of nonresident Bangladeshi technologists, has launched a new wireless network, powered by SOMA Networks' broadband wireless solution, that will deliver free Internet access to Bangladesh primary schools and colleges, as well as competitively priced broadband services to underserved rural and urban areas. The new nationwide telecommunications infrastructure is part of an agreement between AONB and the Bangladeshi government, in which the company will help bridge the digital divide and deliver high-speed wireless Internet service to education, government, private businesses and individuals across the country.

During rigorous live field trials in the capital city of Dhaka, AONB customers found the wireless broadband Internet service to deliver superior indoor, non-line-of-sight connectivity even during the most severe weather conditions, including frequent tropical storms. AlwaysOn Network, SOMA's first US deployment, had originally proven SOMA's technology in 2002, when the company launched service in the rugged, mountainous terrain of the U.S. Pacific Northwest where inclement weather is also a major concern for service providers.

"We were already very familiar with SOMA technology through our U.S. deployment so the company was the natural choice as our equipment provider in Bangladesh," says Dr. Reaz Shaheed, CEO and Managing Director of AlwaysOn Network Bangladesh. "Our vision is to offer the highest quality broadband Internet services throughout Bangladesh in order to make business opportunities more attractive to foreign companies seeking low cost, broadband dependent operations. To do this, the nation needs to grow its qualified workforce. By providing free wireless Internet services to connect every school and college in Bangladesh we can make the best educational resources available to everyone. SOMA's ability to provide, integrate and validate a complete broadband wireless solution quickly, along with the best service coverage, has proven invaluable and will accelerate the realization of our vision."

"As AlwaysOn's vendor of choice in the U.S. and now in Bangladesh, we are proud to continue our commitment to deliver high throughput, high capacity and revenue-enhancing systems for our customers," says Yatish Pathak, Founder and CEO of SOMA Networks. "SOMA's next generation broadband wireless systems continue to offer the industry's best business case. We are extremely pleased that our customers return to us for new deployments around the globe. By fostering our relationships with influential providers like AONB, SOMA continues to influence the rapid spread of broadband services in emerging economies and ensure the narrowing of the digital divide."

While promoting SOMA Networks' technology to its government customers, AONB cited the following key features of the 700MHz FlexMAX Broadband Wireless System: approximately five times better penetration than any other wireless service; unrivaled non-line-of-sight access; the easiest subscriber self-installation and activation, eliminating expensive technician service calls and custom installations; industry-leading sector coverage and capacity with multi-megabit data rates; and continuing customer care via the Internet or telephone.

The growing Dhaka deployment continues to offer superb uninterrupted broadband Internet connections allowing both commercial and residential customers to enjoy high-speed wireless Internet connectivity that is easily installed without the need for technical support. AONB is very pleased by early sales and rapid market acceptance of their new wireless service.

AONB signed a MoU with the Government of Bangladesh to provide inexpensive Internet service throughout the entire country as well as free Internet access to all primary schools over the next 10 years. One of the main objectives of this agreement is to offer broadband services at a cost suitable to the existing local economy. These services are designed to accelerate the expanding economy and act as a catalyst for future development and overall growth of Bangladesh. Based on the success of the early trial, AONB has been awarded exclusive connectivity with select universities and hospitals in Dhaka. Following the completion of the initial deployment, the network will expand to other cities and rural communities starting in the third quarter 2008.

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