Asia PR News

RICHARDSON, Texas, Feb. 27 /PRNewswire - AsiaNet/ –

AUSTAR United Communications has announced that it has selected Navini
Networks as the core vendor partner for its WiMAX-based regional network
rollout. The initial rollout is planned for two regional markets in Australia
in coming months.

AUSTAR will deploy a WiMAX-capable network in many of its regional
Australian markets using its wireless broadband spectrum.

"Regional Australians will be at the forefront of the worldwide WiMAX
revolution as AUSTAR introduces broadband wireless technology to its
customers," said John Porter, Chief Executive Officer of AUSTAR. "We are
pleased to be working with Navini, whose portable wireless broadband network
solution is unique and proven." The network will provide non-line of site
coverage, easy plug-and-play activation and a seamless upgrade path to
802.16e.

"We are delighted to provide AUSTAR with the ability to deliver wireless
broadband to their customers today AND the opportunity to take advantage of
the recently-ratified 16e standard," said Roger Dorf, chief executive officer,
Navini Networks. "Australia is well on its way to becoming a world model for
the deployment of wireless broadband to the mass market and Navini is very
proud to be a part of that."

AUSTAR plans to develop WiMax for 25 regional locations by the end of
2007. "This will deliver a world-class broadband network to approximately
750,000 homes," said Mr. Porter.

In addition, AUSTAR will work with Unwired Australia to allow roaming
between the regional AUSTAR and metropolitan Unwired networks.

Navini’s experience in providing the world’s largest portable broadband
wireless network with Unwired Australia, has led to numerous customer wins in
Asia South Pacific.

"Navini’s Ripwave systems are already successfully delivering portable
wireless broadband around the world with key deployments in Europe, Australia,
Asia-Pacific, Africa, and the Americas," said Dorf. "It’s a proven commercial
system that allows operators to use retail channels for customer acquisition."

About AUSTAR United Communications (AUSTAR):

AUSTAR (Australian Stock Exchange "AUN") is a leading provider of
subscription television services in Australia, providing principally satellite
delivered services to regional and rural Australia. AUSTAR also offers mobile
telephone and internet services. AUSTAR’s 50% owned joint venture,
XYZnetworks, is a significant program provider in the Australian market and
owns and/or distributes Nickelodeon, Nick Jr, Discovery Channel, Channel [V],
MAX, Arena, The Lifestyle Channel, Lifestyle Food, CountryMusic Channel, and
The Weather Channel to an audience of more than 4 million people. In
addition, AUSTAR was the first company in Australia to launch digital
interactive television.

http://www.AUSTARunited.com.au

About Navini Networks:

Navini Networks is the leader in providing portable, plug-n-play broadband
wireless access solutions with the largest commercial deployment in the world,
over 50 commercial networks in 6 continents and strategic partnerships with
industry leaders. Navini delivers on the vision of mobile WiMAX today with
patented phased array smart antennas delivering a price/performance
combination that is superior to other broadband offerings in the marketplace.
Navini’s Ripwave(R) portable, zero-install(TM), non-line-of-sight (NLOS)
product line consists of customer modems, base stations, and element
management systems (EMS) in the full range of spectrums. The newly announced
Navini Ripwave-MX product line offers dual-mode CPEs and PCMCIA cards as well
as base stations, for seamless upgrade to 802.16e.

Navini Networks is a principal member of the WiMAX Forum and the IEEE
802.16e committee. Headquartered in Richardson, Texas.

http://www.navini.com .

SOURCE Navini Networks; AUSTAR United Communications

CONTACT: Maryvonne Tubb of Navini Networks
+1-972-852-4247, or mtubb@navini.com

or

Emma Rackley
+02-9394-9806, or erackley@austar.com.au

or

Cathy Knezevic
+02-9295-0139, or cknezevic@austar.com.au

both of AUSTAR United Communications

Web site: http://www.navini.com
http://www.AUSTARunited.com.au