it is working with Alvarion Ltd., Cisco® and Nokia to establish a Center of Excellence on Mobile Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access (WiMAX) in the Principality.

This initiative between all four companies will demonstrate the mobility and high-speed features of Mobile WiMAX 802.16e-2005. This new technology will allow customers to enjoy a seamless service and move freely while using Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP), streaming video and other Internet applications. This capability allows the network to move with the customer – enabling true mobility and improving the experience of the user.

In addition to showcasing personal broadband services, Alvarion’s 802.16e-2005-based 4Motion^TM solution will be demonstrated and is expected to reach a commercial level during 2008. The Cisco Broadband Wireless Gateway solution is a key component and part of Cisco WiMAX portfolio providing an open WiMAX Access Service Network (ASN) gateway functionality. This latest expansion of Cisco’s Service Exchange Framework enables Monaco Telecom to support another access technology. Nokia will contribute with its expertise in mobility and an Internet Tablet compatible with WiMAX 2.5 GHz.

As an active fixed WiMAX provider with an effective deployment running in Tunisia, Monaco Telecom was an ideal partner for such experimentation. Based on its technical knowledge and customer experience, Monaco Telecom intends to improve its expertise in what is a greenfield area.

“The WiMAX strategy and network architecture are essential for us as a global operator to maintain competitive edge and maximize WiMAX capabilities. We envision the Center of Excellence as the manifestation of best-of-breed WiMAX, and with an ultimate result of implementation in different networks around the world”, said Denis Martin, CEO of Monaco Telecom.

“Working with Alvarion, Cisco and Monaco Telecom is a great step towards making Mobile WiMAX available for consumers and fits perfectly with our strategy of offering a broad and innovative portfolio of devices.” said Ari Virtanen, Vice President, Convergence Products, Nokia.

“We are excited about working with Cisco, Monaco Telecom and Nokia,” said Tzvika Friedman, president and CEO of Alvarion. “We are continuing implementations with leading device manufactures as Nokia, and global operators such as Cable & Wireless via Monaco Telecom. Cisco’s Broadband Wireless Gateway can allow seamless integration with Nokia’s WiMAX-enabled devices; IOT is part of our OPEN™ WiMAX approach to increase innovation and services for the benefit of our customers.”

“Broadband services are increasingly important to the lives of individuals and the economic development of many countries”, said Larry Lang, Cisco vice president and general manager of the Services and Mobility Business Unit. "We are seeing significant demand for the delivery of Internet access and Internet Protocol-based services over wireless access technologies, and this opportunity to work with Monaco Telecom, Nokia and Alvarion with WiMAX is an exciting example of how this demand can be effectively met.”