SAN JOSE, Calif. -- February 22, 1999 -- Cisco Systems, Inc. announced today that it has signed a memorandum of understanding with WIC Connexus, a Canadian-based service provider, to deploy an end-to-end broadband fixed wireless networking solution. Cisco also announced today that it intends to expand its relationship with Bosch Telecom, Inc. to enable service providers to bring integrated data, voice and video services to market quickly and more cost-effectively.
Utilizing Bosch's market-leading Local Multipoint Distribution Service (LMDS)/Local Multipoint Communication Systems (LMCS) capabilities, Cisco will be the primary supplier for WIC Connexus' fixed wireless network. With this network, WIC Connexus will rollout a range of traditional telecommunications, new Internet and data services in seven major markets across Canada. Cisco and Bosch will be working with WIC Connexus to deliver the first phase of the network rollout over the next three years.
"We chose Cisco to lead our network build-out because of their Internet leadership position, and their focus on delivering carrier-class solutions with world class wireless partners such as Bosch," said Robert Watson, president and chief executive officer of WIC Connexus. "Success in this industry requires an integrated and proven solution, and we believe that only Cisco can provide instant market adoption of these solutions through their New World architecture and presence in the enterprise market."
Cisco's relationship with Bosch focuses on the integrated networking needs of the emerging broadband fixed wireless industry. This relationship is being extended to include product development and full integration of the hardware and software products offered by each company, as well as to efficiently tailor the service offerings and financial capabilities that are critical to the success of joint customers. Cisco and Bosch will address the needs of broadband wireless operators who own or are seeking LMDS/LMCS licenses on a global basis.
"Cisco is committed to creating a Wireless Internet. By combining our worldwide leadership in networking for the Internet with Bosch's leadership in LMDS/LMCS, we will deliver a tightly integrated end-to-end value proposition to our customers. As a result, WIC Connexus will be the first to market with LMDS/LMCS technology in Canada," said Don Listwin, executive vice president of Cisco Systems.
The Cisco and Bosch relationship began in early 1998 and resulted in a strategic alliance that was formalized last June. One of the strategic intentions of the relationship is to focus on development requirements demanded by the market that would provide for seamless integration of products and network management capabilities.
"The agreement between Cisco and Bosch represents a marriage of the worldwide leader in networking for the Internet and the industry-leading radio system and services provider for the broadband fixed wireless market space. The market created this union which fully addresses the needs of our joint customers," said Ed Cantwell, president and chief executive officer at Bosch Telecom, Inc.
About Bosch Telecom
Bosch Telecom, Inc. is a member of Robert Bosch GmbH. Serving the global marketplace with systems solutions in telecommunications, Bosch Telecom, Inc. manufactures, markets, and distributes products and related services for broadband wireless network applications including LMDS/LMCS.About WIC Connexus
On October 29, 1996 Industry Canada awarded WIC Connexus Canada's first license to operate Local Multipoint Communications Systems (LMCS) in 33 major markets across Canada. This came after four years of research and development and the filing of a comprehensive application.WIC Connexus will be entering the marketplace with an Internet Protocol state-of-the-art high capacity distributed intelligence network that will enable it to service existing legacy type services as well as capitalize on emerging high-capacity network opportunities. The company is positioned to service the fastest growing area for which there exists a limited choice in innovative and competitive business solutions today.