USI Wireless’ Minneapolis Network Has Highest Speeds of Any Metro Wi-Fi Network in The U.S. According to Preliminary Tests

Independent Testing Reveals Performance that Rivals Cable with Twice the Speed of 3G

Minneapolis, MN, - BelAir Networks, the leading provider of mobile broadband mesh network solutions, congratulates USI Wireless for delivering the highest speeds of any metro Wi-Fi network in the U.S., according to preliminary testing by independent third party consulting firm, Novarum. The testing took place in December, 2007.

The Minneapolis wireless network, powered by BelAir Networks award-winning wireless infrastructure equipment, is becoming the defacto standard for municipal networks. Deployed by USI Wireless, the network has consistently delivered industry-leading speed and reliability and was widely applauded by the city for its performance in supporting recovery efforts following the tragic I-35W bridge collapse in 2007. The network was also recently recognized with a W2i Digital Cities Wireless Communities Best Practices Award.

“We committed to delivering the best wireless network possible to the City of Minneapolis,” said Joe Caldwell, CEO, USI Wireless. “We have deployed a network architecture that delivers the country’s highest performance and stands as a role model for successful municipal wireless networks.”

USI Wireless Performance Leads Industry
The USI Wireless network delivered the highest network performance -- for both the 802.11n and internal 802.11g clients – of any networks that Novarum has tested for the firm’s Novarum Wireless Broadband Review (NWBR). Novarum’s audit of USI Wireless’ Minneapolis Network (Phase 1, Zones 1 and 5) also stated that “laptop clients operating on the network will have Service Availability rivaling 3G networks in the U.S. with twice the performance.”

“Many cities are re-evaluating their requirements for citywide wireless networks and USI Wireless has architected and deployed a state-of-art network that truly delivers performance as advertised,” said Ken Biba, Chief Technology Officer, Novarum. “Our early tests of the USI Wireless network confirm the value that a well-designed wireless network can provide to a city – wireless performance that rivals cable and exceeds both 3G and DSL.”

Test results also revealed low Round Trip Delay (RTD). This result is consistent with the fact that the network has already proven itself in real-time video surveillance applications, which were used by emergency response teams to monitor the bridge collapse site.

“USI Wireless has set a new standard for citywide wireless networks -- both in their technology and their business model,” stated Bernard Herscovich, President and CEO, BelAir Networks. “With Public Safety as a key driver of the Minneapolis network, both USI Wireless and the city understood the importance of deploying the highest-performing wireless mesh technology. We’re honored to support this industry-leading network.”

Novarum has developed the first standardized benchmarks for overall wireless network performance. The company tests wireless mesh networks world-wide with industry-standard tools and methodology to assess performance, availability and quality of service, from a user perspective. BelAir Networks contracted Novarum to conduct the independent testing of the USI Wireless Network. Media and analysts interested in a summary of the report can contact info@belairnetworks.com.

BelAir Networks CTO, Stephen Rayment, will be hosting a live webcast: “Mission Critical Broadband for Public Safety and ITS” on Tuesday, February 12 at 2:00 pm EST, and on Thursday, February 14 at 2:00 pm EST. For more details or to register go to www.belairnetworks.com/webcasts.

BelAir Networks technology will also be featured at the Association of Public Safety Communications Officials (APCO) Fifth Annual Winter Summit being held January 28-30, 2008 in Orlando. James Farstad, President of rClient and consultant on the City of Minneapolis wireless project will also be presenting at APCO on “Leveraging Broadband to Improve Public Safety and Emergency Crisis Response – Lessons learned from the Minneapolis Bridge Collapse” on Tuesday, January 29, 8:45 am - 10:45 am. “The Minneapolis network is designed to be a true multi-purpose network supporting Public Safety and allowing the City of Minneapolis to streamline the delivery of City services. In addition, the network will provide high quality fixed and mobile broadband services to residents, businesses and visitors,” said James Farstad, President, rClient, a Minneapolis-based business optimization consultancy. “The contract between City of Minneapolis and USI Wireless also includes a ground-breaking Community Benefits Agreement that will significantly accelerate Digital Inclusion initiatives and provide free neighborhood-oriented Community Civic Garden Portals (www.wirelessminneapolis.org) throughout the City.”