BridgeWave's Gigabit Wireless Links Enable High-Capacity WiMAX For Kulacom

Jordan and Bahrain Operations Rely on BridgeWave’s Solutions for Broadband Wireless Backhaul

SANTA CLARA, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--BridgeWave Communications, the leading supplier of gigabit wireless solutions, today announced that Kulacom has deployed BridgeWave’s high-capacity links in their WiMAX network. Kulacom's Jordan and Bahrain operations both depend on BridgeWave’s AdaptRate 80 GHz product, AR80X, for a reliable carrier-class backhaul solution to provide high-capacity WiMAX connectivity to support Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) and data services.

Kulacom, established in 2006, provides voice and Internet services to emerging markets. Kulacom Jordan secured a 3.6 GHz frequency license in January 2008, positioning the communications operator at the forefront of wireless next generation technology. Their services include point-to-point IP connectivity, VoIP and data hosting. Recently, the Jordan operation expanded its services to include WiMAX Internet, providing uninterrupted, fast and reliable connections to Kulacom customers.

Kulacom needed reliable backhaul to support their growing WiMAX broadband network. A wireless solution was selected because the deployment is much faster than fiber trenching and would better accommodate the rapid deployment schedule Kulacom had in mind.

Once they put in a bid for the 3.6 GHz frequency license, Kulacom was tasked with delivering wireless Internet connectivity on schedule. Kulacom researched the leading wireless vendors and whittled down the selection to 12 companies. After rigorous testing, BridgeWave’s technology proved to be the leader in reliability and performance.

Kulacom immediately began the deployment, which connected base stations to the core network providing end-users with seamless Internet connectivity. They purchased multiple AR80X links for the Jordan location and several AR80X links for the Bahrain location. Installations at both sites went smoothly while requiring minimal maintenance. Since the installation, Kulacom has relied on BridgeWave’s AR80X product to ensure a strong, reliable high-capacity WiMAX backbone.

Despite the harsh climactic conditions of the region including severe heat, high winds and heavy rainfall, the AR80X wireless links continue to perform flawlessly. BridgeWave’s 80 GHz link performance and AdaptRate mode switching provide reliable network connectivity regardless of inclement weather. During moments of violent downpour, transmissions switch from GigE to 100 Mb/s data rates, maintaining a highly available link. The technology ensures Kulacom customers receive reliable service and allows Kulacom to maintain their service level agreements (SLAs) with each customer.

Since BridgeWave’s links operate in the uncluttered 80 GHz band, BridgeWave's backhaul solution accommodates their present data and will support future applications as Kulacom continues to expand their presence in additional markets.

“When determining which technology to use for backhaul, we debated between trenching fiber and using a wireless solution. Especially in emerging markets, where the infrastructure is weak, we discovered that gigabit wireless was the ideal solution,” said Ian Heath, group chief operating officer at Kulacom. “Not only is BridgeWave's technology incredibly reliable, but it is very cost-effective. BridgeWave’s products play a key role in our efforts to provide WiMAX-based services to our customers.”

“Kulacom provides emerging markets with reliable, high-bandwidth WiMAX connectivity,” said Paul Obsitnik, senior vice president of business development at BridgeWave Communications. “BridgeWave’s technology is appealing to Service Providers like Kulacom looking for reliable high-capacity backhaul links supporting WiMAX and next generation networks. We are pleased to help bring WiMAX to Jordan, and we look forward to Kulacom’s future success.”

About BridgeWave Communications

Founded in 1999, BridgeWave Communications is the leading supplier of outdoor Gigabit wireless connectivity solutions. The company's exclusive AdaptRate™ and AdaptPath™ technologies combined with its advanced Forward Error Correction capability deliver the highest availability at the longest distances for full-rate gigabit links. BridgeWave's point-to-point, wireless solutions are widely deployed in mainstream enterprise and service provider network applications and are poised to play a key role in the migration to 4G mobile network backhaul. With the largest installed base of GigE radios worldwide, BridgeWave delivers the highest levels of product quality and reliability. For more information, visit www.bridgewave.com.