Conterra Communications Launches Broadband Deployment in Southeast US Markets with Aperto Networks Fixed Wireless Access Systems  

Milpitas, Calif. and Columbia, SC, (February 11, 2002) – Conterra Communications, a second generation broadband service provider utilizing fixed wireless technology, and Aperto Networks, a leading provider of second generation fixed broadband wireless access (F-BWA) systems, today announced plans to deploy Aperto’s PacketWave™ multiservice platform in five southeast US markets. Conterra is emerging as a new broadband wireless service provider and has purchased and begun deployment of PacketWave systems to support a 5 GHz fixed wireless network footprint to serve small and medium businesses with data, voice, and video connectivity. The company’s service areas will include Charlotte, Charleston, Greenville, Spartanburg and Augusta.  

"Our mission is to grow our position as the progressive multiservice leader in our core markets, while we expand both delivery options and service diversity throughout high-growth metro markets in South Carolina, North Carolina and Georgia," said Carl Donnelly, Conterra chief executive officer. "Following a year of testing various options and service development, we selected Aperto as the only true second generation fixed broadband wireless access solution that will allow us to offer business class and multi-tiered services to our customers. Aperto’s field-proven solution provides high quality, equivalent to broadband wireline, rapid installation and provisioning of subscriber equipment, cost-effectiveness, and smooth scalability for multiservice access."  

"We are very pleased that Conterra has selected Aperto solutions to spearhead its broadband multiservice fixed wireless deployment," said Reza Ahy, Aperto founder, chairman and CEO. "PacketWave is designed to enable service providers to support dense cellular deployments, high network scalability, business-class performance, and end-to-end QoS management. We look forward to supporting Conterra in its growth and multi-market deployment."  

About Aperto Networks

Aperto Networks is a leading provider of multiservice fixed broadband wireless access systems. The company was founded to provide a breakthrough solution to one of today’s critical network bottlenecks - last-mile broadband access. With practical, scalable systems and patent-pending technology to support new wireless builds and complement existing wireline broadband access technology, Aperto addresses service provider needs for rapid network deployment, multiservice scalability, ease of installation and cost-effectiveness. Aperto will dramatically shorten the lengthy provisioning cycles of broadband services by enabling rapid service provisioning across dense urban to suburban locations. Investors in Aperto include Alliance Ventures, Tyco Ventures, Innovacom (France Telecom), DMC Stratex Networks, Oki Electric Industry Company, Mitsubishi International Corporation, Ridgewood Capital, Satwik Ventures and Redwood Ventures. For more information on Aperto Networks, go to www.apertonet.com.  

About Conterra Communications

Conterra Communications, Inc. is based in Columbia, SC and is a second generation broadband service provider utilizing fixed wireless technology. Conterra's networks will be initially deployed in southeastern markets to provide high-speed broadband solutions including voice, video, hosting, ISP, email and security services. For more information, please visit www.conterra.com.