STOCKHOLM, Sweden, June 25, 2002 (PRIMEZONE) -- Aptilo Networks and the Internet service provider Internet 5 have signed a cooperation agreement on wireless public WLAN hotspots. In combination, the companies can offer complete service packages, with Aptilo's system solution and Internet 5's access and security solutions.
Internet 5 can offer public wireless Internet access as added value for its customers and this, in turn, creates new opportunities for the customers and new possibilities to generate revenue. Aptilo will be able to supply a total solution, in which all components are quality-assured.
"As a traditional Internet provider, we have a large customer base, to which we can now offer the possibility of starting to operate public or internal WLAN networks. For us, entering the mobile field is a natural step. With Aptilo's solution, we will have a package that is difficult to beat and with which customers can get started quickly," said Tina Nordlander, who is responsible for the partnership at Internet 5.
The cooperation between Aptilo and Internet 5 began in conjunction with the Hotspot-project Streetwise in downtown Stockholm. This led to the idea of packaging a joint service. Internet 5 has a broad base of enterprise customers and, initially, Aptilo and Internet 5 will target this customer group.
"For us, it is extremely valuable to have close cooperation with an Internet provider that already has existing customers and a solid understanding of the technology. The fact that Internet 5 recently acquired the Swedish part of KPNQwest makes the situation even more favourable. We have great confidence in this cooperation, since the Internet providers are very well positioned to offer these types of services in competition with conventional operators, both mobile and fixed," said Torbjorn Ward, CEO of Aptilo Networks.
About Aptilo Networks
APTILO NETWORKS develops and provides system solutions to operators of unlicensed wireless networks, such as WLAN (802.11) and Bluetooth, and provide hot-spot services to local area owners. The company is Stockholm- based, with a regional office for Asia-Pacific in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Aptilo was founded as a spin off from the Mobile Internet division of Axis Communications. Aptilo's suite of solutions offers operators a convenient and effective way to integrate access points in an advanced wireless public hot spot environments. It enables payment via service subscription, credit cards, by integration with mobile operators to pay with mobile phone subscriptions and also other payment enablers such as iPASS/GRIC and other customer bases. More information about Aptilo Networks can be found on the web at: www.aptilo.com
About Internet 5
Since its formation in 1995, Internet 5 has supplied communications solutions to companies and organizations that regard Internet services as a critical feature of their business operations. Through a nationwide backbone network, with connections in more than 30 locations in Sweden, Internet 5 can offer Internet services to customers throughout the country. Internet 5 has offices in Stockholm, Harnosand, Gothenburg and Helsingborg. The majority owner is IKEA via Catella IT and Interikea.
For further information please contact:
Torbjorn Ward, CEO Aptilo Networks, phone: +46 733-22 46 08; e-mail: torbjorn.ward@aptilo.com Paul Mikkelsen, VP Marketing, Aptilo Networks, phone: + 46 709-31 69 46, e-mail: paul.mikkelsen@aptilo.com Tina Nordlander, Partnership manager, Internet 5, phone: +46 702-65 50 99, e-mail: tina.nordlander@internet5.net
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