I.C.E., Costa Rica's Largest Telecommunications Operator, Awards Airspan Networks a $12.5 Million WiMAX Contract

BOCA RATON, FL--(Marketwire - January 20, 2009) - Airspan Networks Inc. (NASDAQ: AIRN), a leading provider of WiMAX-based broadband wireless access networks, announced today that I.C.E. (El Instituto Costarricense de Electricidad) of Costa Rica, the country's main telecommunications operator, has awarded Airspan Networks a follow-on order worth approximately $12.5 million through its local partner, Datatell (Datatell 3000 de Costa Rica), for a network expansion and the deployment of several tens of thousands of CPEs (customer premises equipment).

The network, operating in the 3.5 GHz band, is made up of Airspan WiMAX Forum® Certified HiperMAX base stations and a combination of ProST outdoor installed CPEs and EasyST self-install desktop units. Together, the equipment will compose a large WiMAX network offering a broad range of next-generation applications.

"Airspan is excited to continue to supply I.C.E. with solutions for their WiMAX network. We have been working closely with Datatell to ensure that I.C.E. receives the best comprehensive solution, not only for the actual WiMAX equipment, but also for network installation, management and maintenance as well as radio planning. We look forward to an on-going strong relationship with the company and to continuing to help them quickly achieve their growth objectives," stated Amit Ancikovsky, Airspan's Vice President and General Manager, Americas.

Eric Stonestrom, Airspan's President and Chief Executive Officer, added, "Incumbent carriers such as I.C.E. continue to select Airspan to solve their broadband connectivity needs. We are helping these operators quickly deploy field-proven networks whether overcoming challenging terrain, serving diverse demographics, or providing a quick return on aggressive business models." Stonestrom continued, "Despite the challenging economic times, the business case for wireless broadband connectivity around the world remains compelling. Airspan's combination of strong customer focus and award-winning products continue to create value for our customers."

About Airspan Networks Inc.

Airspan is a leading WiMAX pure player and the solution-provider of choice for some of the world's largest WiMAX deployments. Developing leading-edge technology for broadband access and IP-telephony, Airspan continues to supply operators around the world with best-of-breed solutions. With direct sales offices throughout Asia, EMEA and the Americas, a worldwide network of resellers and agents, and partnership alliances with major OEMs, Airspan boasts over 100 commercial WiMAX deployments worldwide. www.airspan.com.

This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. All statements, other than statements of historical facts, including statements regarding our strategy, future operations, financial position, future revenues, projected costs, prospects, plans and objectives of management, may be deemed to be forward-looking statements. The words "anticipates," "believes," "estimates," "expects," "intends," "may," "plans," "projects," "will," "would" and similar expressions or negative variations thereof are intended to identify forward-looking statements, although not all forward-looking statements contain these identifying words. We may not actually achieve the plans, intentions or expectations disclosed in our forward-looking statements and you should not place undue reliance on our forward-looking statements. There are a number of important factors that could cause actual results or events to differ materially from the plans, intentions and expectations disclosed in the forward-looking statements we make. Investors and others are therefore cautioned that a variety of factors, including certain risks, may affect our business and cause actual results to differ materially from those set forth in the forward-looking statements. The Company is subject to the risks and uncertainties described in its filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2007 and in the Company's 2008 Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q. You should read those factors as being applicable to all related forward-looking statements wherever they appear in this press release. We do not assume any obligation to update any forward-looking statements.

Contact Information: For Investor Relations, contact: Charlotte Laurent-Ottomane Investor Relations Tel. +1 561 395 4581 Email: clottomane@airspan.com For Media Inquiries, contact: Dori Erann Director Marketing Communications Airspan Networks Inc. Tel. +1 561.893.8687 Email: derann@airspan.com