Telecom Execs Talk Wi-Fi
Here's a roundup of what telecom execs have to say about the most pressing issues related to Wi-Fi

For more than two years now, the telecommunications industry has been stuck in financial quicksand. You know the story: Amid a global economic funk, telecom carriers have seen revenues and profits decline. So they've put the pinch on capital expenditures. Spending on telecom gear should decline 7.8% in 2003, to $128.9 billion, according to JP Morgan Securities.

...

Nicholas M. Labun, Motorola vice-president for wireless network seamless mobility [Motorola in partnership with Avaya (AV ) will unveil a WiFi phone by the middle of 2004.]: We're developing a dual-mode phone that will work off the Wi-Fi network while inside an enterprise, and then sniff out a cellular network when the phone is outside of the office. Inside the office it becomes more like your desk phone, a sophisticated desk phone that has access to all the directories and files from your PC network. If you walk outside the enterprise, then the phone hands off to a cellular network.

When it's outside the enterprise, this thing still can connect to mission-critical data. This will create a whole new market category. We think it will change the way an enterprise functions. There is a growth opportunity, but it's at the stage where it has to prove itself in the market.

Interlink Networks and Bluesoft Partner to Deliver Wi-Fi Location-Based Security Solutions


ANN ARBOR, Mich. and SAN MATEO, Calif., April 24 /PRNewswire/ -- Interlink
Networks, a leading developer of access control and security software for
wireless networks and Bluesoft, a provider of positioning platforms for
wireless security ('rogue' access point), asset management and enterprise
productivity, today announced a partnership to provide location enabled
security solutions for Wi-Fi(TM) (IEEE 802.11) wireless networks.
Interlink Networks' Secure.XS Wireless LAN Security Software secures
access to public and private wireless LAN networks based on a standards-based
802.1x security solution compliant with the new Wi-Fi Protected Access (WPA)
specification. Through integration with Bluesoft's AeroScout(TM) Wireless LAN
Location System, the location of the mobile device can be added as an
additional authentication parameter. The resulting Location-based
Authentication solution adds a strong new layer of wireless security by
allowing enterprises to ensure that only users within a defined building or
campus are allowed access to the network.
The Location-based Authentication solution is directly targeted at
preventing so-called "drive-by hacking" of enterprise networks, where hackers
try to spoof mobile device credentials while seated in a parked car or other
building at a 'safe' distance from the target enterprise. In addition,
location-based policy management will enable differentiated service provision
in various physical areas of a building. For example, Internet access can be
provided in the lobby of a building, but access to the network denied
completely in all other areas.
Bluesoft's AeroScout(TM) Wireless LAN Location System is the wireless
positioning platform that enables location to be added as an authentication
parameter to standards-based 802.1x authentication. AeroScout is unique in its
ability to locate Wi-Fi mobile devices with no hardware or software
modifications, making the system ideal for use in security applications where
the ability to locate a wide variety of mobile devices is crucial. AeroScout
can also be used for 'rogue' access point detection and location. Tight
integration with the Wi-Fi infrastructure enables AeroScout to become a
platform for a wide range of applications for enterprise and public access
networks.
Interlink Networks and Bluesoft are conducting trials with select
customers during Q2 and Q3 2003. A commercial solution will be available in
Q3.

About Interlink Networks
Interlink Networks is a leader in securing wireless LAN, mobile and wired
networks. The company's standards-based software blocks intruder access to
networks using strong 802.1x authentication, a requirement of the WPA
standard. Interlink's offerings range from carrier class and enterprise
solutions to appliance ready software -- ideal for OEM development designs.
Interlink Networks is headquartered in Ann Arbor, Michigan. For more
information, call 734-821-1200 or visit http://www.interlinknetworks.com.

About Bluesoft
Bluesoft is a leading provider of positioning solutions to enhance
security and usability of wireless networks, as well as enable indoor and
campus location-based applications. Bluesoft is unique in its ability to add
positioning (distance measurement and location finding) capabilities to
short-range wireless networks such as Bluetooth and Wi-Fi (802.11).
Headquartered in San Mateo, California, Bluesoft is a privately held company
funded by Intel Capital, Coral Ventures, Star Capital, Technoplus Ventures and
Dr. Andrew Viterbi (founder of Qualcomm), among others. For more information,
please visit http://www.bluesoft-inc.com.

PR Contact:
Mike Bernhardt or Isaac Lopez
The Bernhardt Agency
1-866-509-3775 or 503-384-0220

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CNA Wireless Announces International Wireless Symposium 2003
2003 program to feature elite roster of business and technical
experts

SAN DIEGO, Calif. -April 23, 2003- CNA Wireless, a global
marketing group focused solely on the wireless industry, today
announced the dates, location and keynote speakers for the
International Wireless Symposium, IWS2003.
IWS2003 (http://www.iws2003.com) will be held September 22-
23, 2003 at the San Diego Convention Center. Scott Carson,
president, Connexion by BOEING, and Paul Jacobs, president, Qualcomm
Wireless & Internet Group, will deliver keynote presentations. The
event is expected to attract more than 800 senior industry attendees
and will feature more than 50 prominent speakers discussing critical
elements of real-world wireless solutions, from technology drivers
to devices, applications, infrastructure and service delivery, along
with the latest collaborations and announcements.
IWS2003 offers a unique networking opportunity for the
senior business and technical representatives of the global wireless
industry to discuss the major issues that face carriers, hotspot
operators, corporate IT decision makers, device manufacturers,
service and software suppliers and enterprise users.
Confirmed speakers at IWS2003 include senior business and
technical representatives from the following organizations:
Connexion by Boeing, Eleven Wireless, IDC, Intel Capital, IPASS,
Logica CMG, Flarion, Microtune Wireless, National Semiconductor,
Nokia, Qualcomm, Sevin Rosen Funds, Sharp Systems of America, SK
Telecom, Starent Networks, Texas Instruments, and the Wi-Fi Alliance.
"We are thrilled at the warm and positive response we have
received from last year's sponsors and participants, clearly
indicating the International Wireless Symposium has already earned
the respect of the community as one of the industry's important
events,"said Cathlyn Librizzi, president of CNA Wireless.
IWS2003 attendees will benefit from an elite roster of
speakers sharing their experience and insight on the implementation
of Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and cellular technologies along with the wireless
industry?Es business and technical challenges moving forward.?E
IWS2003, endorsed by the Wi-Fi Alliance is hosted by CNA Wireless
and supported by the San Diego Telecom Council. Corporate sponsors
include Nokia, Jabra and Sevin Rosen Funds.
Companies interested in speaking, exhibit or sponsorship
opportunities at IWS2003, should contact the event organizer at:
info@iws2003.com or call 858-274-5495.
Members of the media may register at:
http://www.iws2003.com/media_form.html, or by contacting Isaac
Lopez, The Bernhardt Agency, 1-866-509-3775 / (360) 576-5475, or by
email at: IWSmedia@bernhardtagency.com.

About CNA wireless
CNA Wireless is a San Diego based global marketing and consulting
firm that represents and promotes a diverse range of wireless
businesses located in Asia and North America. CNA Wireless
represents leading semiconductor, component, and software companies
developing wireless products using IEEE802.11, Bluetooth, and 3G
standards. The company combines market expertise and long-term
relationships while representing American firms seeking access to
Asian manufacturers and consumer markets. More information can be
found at: http://www.cnawireless.com.

MEETING ANNOUNCEMENT



“Wireless Innovations: New Technologies and Evolving Policies”



Monday, May 12, 2003, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. – Technology Showcase

Tuesday, May 13, 2003, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. – Policy Panel Discussion



U.S. Department of Commerce Lobby and Auditorium

1401 Constitution Avenue, N.W., Washington, D.C.

(Entrance on 14th Street between Pennsylvania and Constitution Avenues, N.W.)



The Commerce Department's National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA), in cooperation with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and the U.S. Department of State’s International Communications and Information Policy (CIP) group, will host a two-day wireless technology showcase and policy discussion. The first day will consist of an exhibition of new, innovative wireless technologies, devices and applications. The second day will feature panel discussions on unlicensed wireless technologies by key policy makers, entrepreneurs, industry representatives and experts from government and academia.



This two-day event will build upon NTIA’s “Spectrum Summit” held last year, the findings and recommendations of the FCC’s Spectrum Policy Task Force, and the State Department's international policy and regulatory reform efforts by highlighting and demonstrating new and emerging technologies and creating a forum to discuss important spectrum policy issues that are likely to impact tomorrow’s ever-changing marketplace. The technology exhibition will provide policy-makers and members of the public and news media an opportunity to witness live demonstrations of cutting-edge wireless technologies and applications. The panel discussions, which will be Webcast over the Internet, will focus on unlicensed wireless technologies and allow technology innovators and entrepreneurs the opportunity to interact and exchange ideas with key policy decision-makers. Additional information about the panel discussion and the Webcast will be announced in the near future and will be available on the NTIA home page at: www.ntia.doc.gov, on the FCC’s Spectrum Policy Task Force home page at: www.fcc.gov/sptf , and on the CIP's home page at: www.state.gov/e/eb/cip/ .



The showcase and panel discussions will be open to the public and press on a first-come, first-serve basis and space is limited. Due to security requirements and to facilitate entry to the Department of Commerce building, attendees must have photo identification available and/or a U.S. Government building pass, if applicable, and plan to arrive at least one half hour ahead of the panel sessions. The events are physically accessible to people with disabilities.



FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Joe Gattuso, NTIA Office of Policy Analysis and Development, at 202-482-1880 or electronic mail: jgattuso@ntia.doc.gov; Kathleen Ham, Federal Communications Commission, Office of Strategic Planning and Policy Analysis, at (202) 418-2030, or electronic mail: kham@fcc.gov; or Andrew Weinschenk, Department of State Office of International Communications and Information Policy, at (202) 647-9340, or electronic mail: weinschenkaj@state.gov. All media inquiries should be directed to the Office of Public Affairs, NTIA, at (202) 482-7002.

Network Security Technologies Vie for Wi-Fi Dominance; PKI and User Authentication Use Grew by 36% in Six Months, New Evans Data Wireless Survey

SANTA CRUZ, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--April 23, 2003--Evans Data Corporation's newest Wireless Development Survey of wireless focused developers has found that Bluetooth network security mechanisms in use are evenly divided among Public Key Infrastructure (PKI), Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) and Wireless Application Protocol 2.0 (WAP) at 19%, 17% and 16% respectively.
The 802.11 network security mechanisms in use are SSL at 21% and then PKI and User authentication/Passwords were nearly tied at 16% and 15%. The greatest increase from six months ago for Bluetooth was PKI and for 802.11 it was User authentication/Passwords, both expanded their user base by 36%.
"As wireless continues to gain market momentum and Wi-fi hot spots crop up across the country it logically follows that security on these networks must become a priority. But, though there are no clear leaders yet, SSL seems to be establishing itself as the front runner for now," said Chris Preimesberger, Evans Data's wireless analyst. "This is because, after 8 years of development, PKI architecture has established a reputation as a trusted and reliable method of authentication."
Other findings from the March survey of nearly 500 developers focused on the wireless development market include:


-- Deployments of wireless Web services enabled applications are expected to see more action. More than 50% of survey respondents indicating that they'll be deploying the apps within the next 12 months.
-- Most wireless developers plan to support Nokia with almost 60% of survey respondents selecting the cell phone provider. Other notable brands include HP/Compaq, 54%, Palm, 48%, and Motorola, 45%.
-- Intentions to use Bluetooth and 802.11 Wireless LANs are expected to continue gaining development resources. Fifty eight percent of survey respondents currently using or evaluating Bluetooth, up from 41% six months ago and 56% currently using or evaluating 802.11, up from 50% six months ago.

About Evans Data Corporation

Evans Data Corporation provides regularly updated IT industry market intelligence based on in-depth surveys of the global developer population. Evans' syndicated research includes surveys focused on developers in North America, Asia/Pacific (APAC) and Europe, the Middle East and African (EMEA) markets, also in specific technology areas like: Linux, Databases, Embedded Systems and Enterprise Development Management Issues. Evans Data customers include IBM, Intel, Sun Microsystems, HP and Nokia.
Evans Data can be reached by phone: 831 457-9013, by email: eriko@evansdata.com or on the web: http://www.evansdata.com/. In Europe, contact Jeremy McGee, +44 (0) 23 8079-0655 jeremy.mcgee@bassettmarketing.com; in Japan: Philip Davies, +03 3486 2676 davies@ods.co.jp.


--30--PW/sf*

CONTACT: Evans Data Corp.
Erik C. Orgell, 831/457-9013
eriko@evansdata.com

Everybody loves an underdog, right? Think Rocky Balboa. The wireless market has its own underdog: Proxim, which sells equipment to set up
local area networks and wide area networks. Proxim is in a hot market
right now, and that's the good news. The bad news is that there are
other companies in the same market, and one of them is named Cisco
(CSCO). Last week Proxim reported its financials for the first
quarter, and so far this year, the underdog has been, well,
underwhelming.

Based in Sunnyvale, Calif., Proxim is not a new company -- the 550-
employee business was founded in 1979 -- but it has a new look,
thanks to some recent deals. Last March, Proxim merged with fellow
wireless infrastructure provider Western Multiplex, and in June it
paid $65 million in cash to acquire Agere Systems's 802.11 wireless
local area networking (WLAN) equipment business, including the
popular Orinoco product line of access points and PC cards.

Nextel Posts Earth Day Milestone
Tuesday April 22, 1:45 pm ET
One Million Phone Mark Passed as Nextel Commemorates Second Anniversary of Phone Recycling Program - Company Cites Environmental and Economic Success


WASHINGTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--April 22, 2003-- Nextel Communications Inc. (NASDAQ:NXTL - News) today marked Earth Day by announcing that it has recycled more than one million phones as a result of a two-year old program designed to re-use and recycle old wireless phones.
The program, launched in mid-2001, encourages customers to turn in their older wireless telephones when purchasing a new phone. To date, more than one million phones have been recycled under the program preventing them from being sent to city and county landfills.

"Nextel takes seriously its commitment to being an environmentally responsible corporate citizen," said Christopher Brown, Nextel vice president of customer operations. "And the word is finally getting out to consumers that wireless phones should be included in their recycling plans."

How the Program Works

Nextel retail stores collect surplus and inactive wireless phones, regardless of make or model, usually when customers are purchasing their new phone. Phones previously sold by Nextel are sent to a company facility in Texas, where they are sorted into several categories:

Handsets that can be repaired or refurbished;
Handsets that are beyond repair; and,
Handsets that are of minimal use because of age or technology.
The recycling process includes stripping the phones of contents that may be harmful to the environment, such as caustic metals used in handset components. Potentially harmful components and substances are extracted and disposed of in accordance with applicable federal, state and local environmental laws and regulations.

The remaining components are then recycled, again, adhering to current environmental recycling standards.

"By re-cycling the old phones Nextel Service & Repair is realizing the full potential of this equipment," reports Gary Moore, Nextel national service program manager, "and that makes sense for us and the environment."

Nextel has also conducted innovative "Donate a Phone" programs encouraging consumers to donate old, unused wireless phones with the proceeds being directed towards community based organizations. In the Fall of 2002, Nextel conducted Donate a Phone drives with five professional football teams, and donated new phones and airtime to anti-domestic violence organizations in those cities.

In 2003, Nextel concluded a program with the National Hockey League in which phones were donated in conjunction with Nextel promotional nights, and $25,000 in proceeds was donated to the NHL's Hockey Fights Cancer charity.

Nextel plans on continuing its Donate a Phone program with non-profit organizations as part of its continuing efforts to raise awareness of the need to recycle wireless phones.

About Nextel Communications

Nextel Communications, a Fortune 300 company based in Reston, Va., is a leading provider of fully-integrated wireless voice and data communications services including Direct Connect®- the long-range digital walkie-talkie feature; all-digital cellular service; Nextel Online® wireless data solutions; and two-way messaging.

Nextel and Nextel Partners, Inc. have built the largest guaranteed all-digital wireless network covering 197 of the top 200 U.S. markets. Nextel and Nextel Partners' wireless voice and packet data communications services are available in areas of the U.S. where approximately 240 million people live or work.



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Contact:
Nextel Communications, Reston
Media:
Chris Doherty, 703/433-4656
or
Nextel Communications
Investors:
Paul Blalock, 703/433-4300

Reconnecting Iraq


By Cynthia L. Webb
washingtonpost.com Staff Writer
Friday, April 18, 2003; 9:36 AM

Will Wi-Fi -- wireless networking technology -- be the answer to
reconstructing Iraq's devastated telecommunications infrastructure?

"By using Wi-Fi," USA Today reported this week, "parts of Iraq could
skip the build-out of traditional phone and cable networks
altogether. The situation is similar to how cell phone technology
enabled huge swaths of the Third World to avoid regular land-line
phone systems. Wi-Fi equipment makers such as Cisco Systems, Proxim
and Nomadix are talking to government agencies and non-profits about
possibilities for Wi-Fi in Iraq."

The industry site, broadbandreports.com, has a slew of active message
postings about the USA Today piece and the prospect of Wi-Fi in Iraq,
including a fair share of skeptics. One message poster wrote: "First,
this wireless thing is not for the Iraqi people in general. Most
Iraqis can't afford or have no use for this tech, period. This Tech
is for the American companies that are 'rebuilding/conquering' the
Iraqi economy (mainly oil, and yall know it)." Another person