WiMAX Forum^® Applauds Argentina’s Government Award of Spectrum in the 3.3 – 3.7 GHz Frequency Band for Broadband Data Services

PORTLAND, Ore.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The WiMAX Forum^® today commended the Secretary of State for Communications for its recent announcement in Resolution 250/2008 that it intends to award spectrum at 3.3 – 3.7 GHz for wireless broadband networks. The availability of these key bands for WiMAX technology in Argentina will accelerate the process of providing Argentine citizens with broadband connectivity across the diverse economic and social needs of the entire population.

“The WiMAX Forum welcomes the news that the government of Argentina will award spectrum at 3.3 - 3.7 GHz for broadband uses. This is an important step that will support the growth of wireless broadband networks that in turn will fuel Argentina's economy and promote much-needed broadband connectivity,” said Tim Hewitt, Chair of the WiMAX Forum’s Regulatory Working Group. “The WiMAX Forum and its membership look forward to supporting the Argentine Government and industry to move this process forward and to take full advantage of all the capabilities of this spectrum.”

Upon award, spectrum will be made available in the provinces of Buenos Aires, Chubut, Chaco, Cordoba, Corrientes, Catamarca, Entre Rios, Formosa, Jujuy, La Pampa, LaRioja, Misiones, Mendoza, Neuquen, Rio Negro, Santa Cruz, Santiago Del Estero, Sante Fe, San Juan, San Luis, Salta, Tucuman and Ytierra Del Fuego.

WiMAX Forum members and others have expressed significant interest in this frequency band noting that, under the rules announced by the Secretary, the spectrum is likely to be auctioned. The WiMAX Forum supports using these frequencies for the full range of voice, data, and video applications that its multi-megabit WiMAX technology can support, including the use of these frequencies by mobile, portable and fixed devices.

About WiMAX Forum^®

The WiMAX Forum^® is an industry-led, not-for-profit organization formed to certify and promote the compatibility and interoperability of broadband wireless products based upon the harmonized IEEE 802.16e/ETSI HiperMAN standard. A WiMAX Forum goal is to accelerate the introduction of these systems into the marketplace. WiMAX Forum Certified products are interoperable and support broadband fixed, nomadic, portable and mobile services. Along these lines, the WiMAX Forum works closely with service providers and regulators to ensure that WiMAX Forum Certified systems meet customer and government requirements. Through the WiMAX Forum Congress Events Series of global trade shows and events, the WiMAX Forum is committed to furthering education, training and collaboration to expand the reach of the WiMAX ecosystem. For more information, visit the trade show link at www.wimaxforum.org.

“WiMAX Forum,” the WiMAX Forum logo and the WiMAX Forum Certified logo are registered trademarks of the WiMAX Forum. “WiMAX,” “Mobile WiMAX,” “Fixed WiMAX,” “WiMAX Certified,” and “WiMAX Forum Certified” are trademarks of the WiMAX Forum. Third-party trademarks contained in this document are the property of their respective owners.