Alvarion Ltd. announced that it continues to lead the market in Africa as the African operators’ preferred choice with 60 networks commercially deployed and a distinguished list of customers. Key achievements in Africa include deployments in more than 30 countries; customer base of tier-1 operators, pan-African operators, incumbents; and strong local partners.

“Broadband coverage using WiMAX will become an integral part of Africa’s life,” said Kai Wulff, managing drector of KDN. “The challenge to provide broadband services to all users, at all times and places, requires a vendor that is committed to the region and technology. Alvarion’s WiMAX portfolio presents an optimized roadmap with respect to the solution, cost, and ecosystem, and is clearly a leading vendor with the ability to lead the market today and well into the future.”

WiMAX allows lower costs compared to other technologies and is considered the ideal technology for emerging markets, encouraging new entrants with attractive business models. The privatization process of African incumbents further promotes competition in the telecom arena, and by 2010 the majority of African countries are expected to take part in this highly potential competition.

“The African market is definitely flourishing with WiMAX and is expected to grow from a few hundred thousand subscribers to more than 10 million WiMAX subscribers over the next several years,” said Tzvika Friedman, president and CEO of Alvarion. “Given Africa’s growth potential for WiMAX, we intend to leverage our ongoing success as we extend deployments throughout the region. Together with our strong local partners, we remain fully committed to the African market and focused on supporting our customers with end-to-end WiMAX offerings and a proven track record that includes tailored solutions, applications, technical support and training.”

"Wireless broadband connectivity is becoming an integral part of the daily life in Africa for both business and residential customers," said Berge Ayvazian, Chief Strategy Officer of Yankee Group. "Just as wireless networks have created an explosion of mobile cellular telephony, wireless technology will make broadband affordable and available anywhere for rapid adoption by consumers and businesses. The lack of wired infrastructure in Africa positions WiMAX into an ideal technology for providing voice and broadband Internet service across the continent, and enabling cost efficient solutions for the benefit of operators and end-users alike. With an already strong and established presence in the region, Alvarion is well-positioned to help increase the regional uptake of WiMAX-based broadband services."