SAN DIEGO, Oct. 14, 2003 (PRIMEZONE) -- Axesstel, Inc. (OTCBB:AXES), a leader in developing, manufacturing, and marketing high-quality, CDMA-based fixed wireless local loop (WLL) and hybrid terminals and mobile solutions to operators worldwide, today announced that Jai P. Bhagat has been appointed as the newest member of the Company's Board of Directors. As the founder of AIR2LAN and co-founder of Skytel Communications, Inc., Mr. Bhagat will provide guidance to Axesstel that draws on his extensive background in telecommunications management.
"Mr. Bhagat brings extensive expertise, particularly in the wireless communications field," said Satoru Yukie, president and CEO of Axesstel. "His knowledge and experience, combined with his widespread network of global telecommunications contacts, will further enhance Axesstel's success and expansion in markets worldwide, as well as guide the company's global strategies."
"Given Mr. Bhagat's impeccable record as an accomplished pioneer and leader in the communications industry, we look forward to his contributions as Axesstel expands its global market reach," said Mike Kwon, Axesstel's Chairman of the Board. "We are confident that his comprehensive wireless industry insight will enhance Axesstel's ability to remain competitive and increase market share."
Mr. Bhagat is the Founder, Chairman and CEO, of AIR2LAN, a company that provides broadband Internet access, wireless mobility solutions and value-added services to small and medium-sized businesses. Founded in May 2000 by former SkyTel Communications executives, AIR2LAN now serves five major markets. In Addition, Mr. Bhagat co-founded SkyTel Communications, and served as its Vice Chairman and CEO prior to its recent merger with MCI WorldCom.
Mr. Bhagat has served as Chairman of the "License Exempt" sector of Wireless Communications Association International (WCA), a national trade association representing the broadband wireless industry. He also served as Chairman as well as a board member of both the Personal Communications Industry Association, (PCIA) and American Mobile Satellite Corporation (now Motient). Mr. Bhagat currently sits on the boards of several wireless communications companies and is the Chairman of the Board of SmartSynch, Inc., a wireless data solutions company that enables two-way communications among corporate assets, people, devices and systems.
In March 2002, Mr. Bhagat was included on Rutberg & Company's "Wireless Influencers: 2002" list and inducted into the RCR Wireless Hall of Fame. He was also awarded RCR's Personality of the Year distinction, the PCIA Chairman's Award and the Radio Club Sarnoff Citation for his significant contributions to the development of the wireless industry. In addition, Mr. Bhagat was honored with the Mobile Insights, Inc. Mobility Award for outstanding personal achievement and the Mobility award for development of the SkyTel 2-Way network. He is a fellow member of the Radio Club of America.
About Axesstel, Inc.
Axesstel, Inc. (OTCBB:AXES) is powering the next generation of wireless terminals and gateways based on Qualcomm's CDMA and CDMA2000 technologies, and the integration with 802.11 and emerging 3G and 4G broadband IP technologies. The company is pursuing technology and applications that will enable the current development and delivery of carrier-class subscriber-based solutions, including fixed wireless terminals, mobile hybrid handsets, modems and wireless payphones. Axesstel's products can be found in more than 15 countries worldwide through its direct sales and OEM/ODM customers. The company is headquartered in San Diego, Calif. with its research and development center in Seoul, Korea.
"Safe Harbor" Statement under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995: With the exception of historical information, the statements set forth above include forward-looking statements that involve risk and uncertainties. The Company wishes to caution readers that a number of important factors could cause actual results to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements. Those factors include but are not limited to the risk factors noted in the Company's filings with the Securities & Exchange Commission, such as the rapidly changing nature of technology, evolving industry standards and frequent introductions of new products and enhancements by competitors; the competitive nature of the markets for Axesstel's products; Axesstel's ability to gain market acceptance for its products; the Company's ability to attract and retain skilled personnel; and the Company's reliance on third-party suppliers.