Israel's Ministry of Communications, 012 Smile.Communications, Intel and Alvarion Join in Launching WiMAX Initiative for Sderot, a City in the Western Negev
The Initiative, Based on Advanced WiMAX Broadband Wireless Technology, Will Provide Free Internet Access to Kindergartens, Elementary Schools and the Sapir Community College
PETACH TIKVA, Israel, January 8 -- 012 Smile.Communications (NASDAQ:SMLC) (TASE:SMLC), a growth-oriented provider of communication services in
Israel, today announced that it has joined with Israel's Ministry of
Communications, Intel Corporation (NYSE: INTC) and Alvarion Ltd. (NASDAQ:
ALVR), in launching a WiMAX project as an expression of solidarity with the
residents of Sderot, Israel and the entire Western Negev region due to the
security situation in the region. Following approvals by the Israel's
Ministry of Communication, 012 Smile, Intel and Alvarion have undertaken a
state-of-the-art initiative, the first of its kind in Israel and one of the
first in the world, to establish WiMAX wireless-based Internet coverage in
this Southern region of Israel.
The Sderot project will allow students and others to surf the
Web without cost and enjoy high-quality and continuous use of WiMAX
technology, one of the most innovative and advanced wireless technologies in
the world. The ultimate goal of the project is to enable local citizens to
enjoy wireless broadband surfing and to supply Internet links to public
institutions, among them kindergartens and schools, with state-of-the-art
technology. The initiative is also meant to place the City of Sderot and the
Western Negev at the forefront of this technology.
WiMAX technology enables the use of wireless broadband links
for long distances (compared to WiFi), and this unique initiative in Sderot
and the Western Negev is being conducted as part of an experimental extension
of WiMAX services. Utilizing advanced solutions from Alvarion and Intel,
dozens of kindergartens and the local primary school in Sderot that were
forced to move to alternative secure locations have been connected to the
Internet network and telephone services of 012 Smile. A mobile WiMAX-based
wireless area has also been established to enable portable mobile access in
the region. Intel donated dozens of laptop computers as part of this
initiative.
Commenting on the initiative, Ariel Atias, Minister of
Communications stated, "The State of Israel must be committed to minimizing
educational and technological gaps, bringing the periphery closer to the
center and devoting efforts to improving the quality of life of citizens in
Sderot and the Western Negev. The possibility of utilizing free access to
WiMAX technology is one means of achieving these goals."
Eli Moyal, Mayor of Sderot stated, "I congratulate this
initiative to connect kindergartens in Sderot using WiMAX wireless Internet
technology, thus bringing Sderot to the forefront of this innovative
technology, unparalleled throughout Israel. We wish for the success of this
project and hope that it will expand to other centers in the region in the
near future so that many more people will benefit from broadband wireless
Internet connections."
Stella Hendler, CEO of 012 Golden Lines remarked, "The
Ministry of Communication's expansion of the license for a technology
experiment using WiMAX technology has led to the establishment of a joint
community initiative, combining innovation and contributions to the community
of Sderot and the Western Negev. As one of Israel's leading communication
companies, 012 Smile sees its involvement in the community as a pivotal and
important part of its work. We are proud to be part of this project that is
placing Sderot on the cutting-edge of technological innovation in Israel."
Other companies and organizations that have joined this
project for the promotion of the community and the welfare of local
kindergartens include HP Israel, which donated a personal printer to each
kindergarten and the Baran Group Ltd., which engages in the supply,
establishment and management of communication projects in Israel and abroad,
and dealt with required license applications.
The Center for Educational Technology (MATACH) donated a
year's free access to the site "Maya's Secret," an educational MATACH site
for ages 4-7 that includes early reading, math, games, artwork, etc., and the
Second Authority for Television and Radio donated access to the existing mast
at the Sapir College campus on which the project transmission equipments was
installed.
Fixed & Mobile WiMAX Technology
This community initiative is at the forefront of modern
technology and is based on Fixed and Mobile WiMAX expertise. The technology
is a broadband system that offers widespread wireless coverage for the
transmission of various services, such as voice, data and Internet, to any
person with end-user equipment that can be used for portable surfing. This
community initiative is the first of its kind in Israel and one of the first
in the world.
About 012 Smile.Communications
012 Smile.Communications is a growth-oriented communication
services provider in Israel with a leading market position, offering a wide
range of broadband and traditional voice services. Its broadband services
include broadband Internet access with a suite of value-added services,
specialized data services and server hosting, as well as new innovative
services such as local telephony via voice over broadband and a WiFi network
of hotspots across Israel. Traditional voice services include outgoing and
incoming international telephony, hubbing, roaming and signaling and calling
card services. 012 Smile.Communications services residential and business
customers, as well as Israeli cellular operators and international
communication services providers through its integrated multipurpose network,
which allows it to provide services to almost all of the homes and businesses
in Israel.
012 Smile is a 72.4 % owned subsidiary of Internet Gold Golden
Lines Ltd. (NASDAQ: IGLD) one of Israel's leading communications groups with
a major presence across all Internet-related sectors. In addition to 012
Smile, its 100% owned Smile.Media subsidiary manages a growing portfolio of
Internet portals and e-Commerce sites. Internet Gold and 012 Smile are part
of the Eurocom Communications Group. 012 Smile's shares trade on the NASDAQ
Global Market and on the Tel Aviv Stock Exchange.
For additional information about 012 Smile.Communications Ltd.,
please visit the Company's investors' site at http://www.012.net.
Forward-Looking Statements
This press release contains forward-looking statements that are subject
to risks and uncertainties. Factors that could cause actual results to differ
materially from these forward-looking statements include, but are not limited
to, general business conditions in the industry, changes in the regulatory
and legal compliance environments, the failure to manage growth and other
risks detailed from time to time in 012 Smile.Communications' filings with
the Securities Exchange Commission. These documents contain and identify
other important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially
from those contained in our projections or forward-looking statements.
Stockholders and other readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on
these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date on which
they are made. We undertake no obligation to update publicly or revise any
forward-looking statement.
For further information, please contact:
Ms. Idit Azulay
012 Smile.Communications Ltd
+972-72-2003848
i.azulay at smile.net.il
