Islanet Successfully Launches Pre-mobile WiMAX Service in Puerto Rico

Islanet, Inc., the dominant provider of commercial wireless Internet and data services in Puerto Rico, has successfully launched Volare, a pre-mobile 802.16e WiMAX residential service on its countrywide network infrastructure and licensed 2.5GHz EBS channels. The service was deployed using the Ripwave MX system from Navini Networks.

The Volare service was publicly launched August 22nd in greater Mayaguez (est. population 100,000) and is already providing high-speed wireless Internet to over 600 subscribers. The service provides customers with plans from $19.95 per month, plug-and-play activation, no need for a cable or phone line and the ability to use the modem and service anywhere within the coverage area.

"The market response to a portable, high-speed wireless Internet solution that the customer can take home and connect in minutes has been even greater than we anticipated. There is no other service in the market with this kind of instant gratification and performance. Our word-of-mouth referrals have already exceeded all other forms of advertising, which demonstrates that Volare with Navini is the right solution at the right time for the market," according to Gary Lasher, President and CEO of Islanet, Inc.

"People in Puerto Rico can now enjoy the freedom of personal broadband -- high speed Internet access anytime, anywhere within the service area," said Roger Dorf, president and chief executive officer, Navini Networks. "And, with Navini's Smart WiMAX, Islanet is positioned to take advantage of next generation mobile broadband wireless access, 802.16e-based mobile WiMAX."

Gary Lasher, President and CEO of Islanet, said, "We are excited to be on the forefront of the mobile WiMAX market in Puerto Rico. Internet users in Puerto Rico and the Caribbean are ready to upgrade from dialup to personal broadband as seen from our initial sales. Given the demand, Islanet will expand its Volare coverage on the West coast to surrounding municipalities. Our strategy is to deliver WiMAX to the entire country in 2007."