Wireless backhaul solutions provider Ceragon Networks Ltd. (Nasdaq: CRNT; TASE:CRNT) and WiMAX equipment maker Alvarion Ltd. (Nasdaq: ALVR; TASE: ALVR) will deploy a best-of-breed 4G network for Open Range Communications Inc. The companies did not disclose the value of the deal.
The new network is planned to be the largest Rural Utilities Service (RUS) funded deployment in the US, spanning 17 states, 546 rural communities, and reaching up to 6 million people.
Alvarion will be the WiMAX solutions provider for the network and is the prime system integrator. Ceragon will provide the platforms for backhauling rich voice and multimedia content over a newly constructed wireless IP network.
Alvarion CEO Tzvika Friedman said, "This Open Range network will bring high-speed broadband connectivity to millions of Americans. The backhaul solution plays a critical role in building such a high capacity network. Our partnership with Ceragon is another example of our strategy to enable Open WiMAX networks."
Ceragon president and CEO Ira Palti said, "We are very excited to partner with Alvarion for the Open Range network deployment. Delivering broadband services to rural communities brings new forms of enterprise, new sources of wealth and new forms of social interaction to millions of new users. Our wireless backhaul solutions help operators around the world to simplify their network deployments while driving down set up and maintenance costs. We look forward to a long and fruitful partnership with Alvarion."
Alvarion's share rose 0.2% at the opening on Nasdaq today to $4.34. The share rose 0.1% on the TASE today to NIS 16.06. Ceragon rose 10.8% at the opening on Nasdaq today to $9.14, but the share fell 1.9% on the TASE to NIS 30.55.
Published by Globes [online], Israel business news - www.globes-online.com - on October 8, 2009
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