Nokia and Endwave collaborate to address wireless broadband applications at 58 GHz

Endwave Corporation, a leading provider of radio frequency (RF) subsystems for carrier-class, cellular backhaul and broadband wireless access networks, and Nokia, the world leader in mobile communications, today announced a joint initiative to accelerate the development of the U.S. market for wireless broadband solutions at 58 GHz. The initiative was established to demonstrate the capabilities of unlicensed spectrum at 58 GHz in order to address new applications for wireless broadband, such as WLAN network backhaul and campus networking in addition to MicroCell backhaul for 2.5G and 3G cellular networks.

As part of the initiative, Nokia also announced the attainment of type approval for the Nokia MetroHopper radio, marking the readiness of the radio to be deployed in the United States in full compliance with FCC (Federal Communications Commission) regulations. The 58 GHz MetroHopper has been deployed broadly throughout Europe in MicroCell applications within mobile networks. Endwave manufactures and supplies transceiver units for the Nokia MetroHopper radio.

"The 58 GHz band presents an exciting opportunity to help alleviate the bandwidth bottleneck in the first and last mile, which remains an enormous problem as computer data rates continue to increase," said Doug Lockie, Executive Vice President and Founder of Endwave Corporation, and co-chair of the Wireless Communications Association (WCA) Engineering Task Force for Spectrum Policy Above 40 GHz. "We are pleased to be working with Nokia to raise awareness for high-frequency wireless broadband solutions and demonstrate their performance capabilities."

"We are delighted to work with Endwave to develop the U.S. market at 58 GHz using our FCC approved MetroHopper radio," said Risto Valtonen, General Manager of Nokia Networks. "This product, which has been successfully deployed in Europe on a broad scale, takes advantage of the large amount of self-regulated spectrum at 58 GHz to extend connectivity for a variety of network applications. The MetroHopper solution offers the bandwidth of multiple T1s or E1 lines, is quicker to deploy, and is more cost effective than fiber or DSL."

About 58 GHz Spectrum
This new 58 GHz frequency band presents a unique opportunity to deliver low-cost, broadband wireless services on a worldwide basis, based on the following considerations:
- This band, commonly referred as 58 GHz, is available in all major geographic regions around the world including the United States. The spectrum at 57 GHz to 59 GHz is approved worldwide for unlicensed operation by the WARC (World Administrative Radio Council), with nearly every nation worldwide having adopted the WARC conventions.
- Spectrum for the 58 GHz frequency band is exempt from licensing requirements. This "unlicensed" or "self-regulated" spectrum allows operators to reduce their cost by avoiding the costly spectrum licensing fees and lengthy application and approval processes.
- In the United States, there is a larger band of spectrum available between 57 and 64 GHz, allowing for low order modulation schemes to be utilized to transmit high data rates. The use of FSK type modulation techniques is feasible for systems operating at 10Mbps, 100Mbps, or even a Gigabit per second. Low order modulation makes low-cost radios easy to design and manufacture.
- At 58 GHz, the atmosphere attenuates radio signals rapidly, making the band ideal for secure transmission over short distances. Because of this characteristic, the same frequency can be re-used over and over without interference.

About Nokia
Nokia is the world leader in mobile communications. Backed by its experience, innovation, user-friendliness and secure solutions, the company has become the leading supplier of mobile phones and a leading supplier of mobile, fixed broadband and IP networks. By adding mobility to the Internet Nokia creates new opportunities for companies and further enriches the daily lives of people. Nokia is a broadly held company with listings on six major exchanges.

About Endwave
Endwave Corporation is a provider of radio frequency (RF) subsystems that enable the transmission and reception of data signals in broadband wireless systems. The company develops and manufactures products used in high-speed cellular backhaul and enterprise access applications. These products include RF modules, synthesizers, integrated transceivers, and outdoor units. Endwave has more than 34 issued patents covering its core technologies including semiconductor, circuit and antenna designs as well as its Flip-Chip Integrated Circuit (FCIC) technology. Endwave Corporation is headquartered in Sunnyvale, Calif. Additional information about the company can be accessed from the company's web site at http://www.endwave.com.


Media and Analyst Contacts:

Laurie Armstrong
Nokia Corporate Communications
+ 1 972 894 6043
laurie.armstrong@nokia.com