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| Oman - October 24th, 2007
4RF Communications - Award Winning New Zealand Firm Exhibits at Arab Telsat 2007 (Oman)
Manufacturers of super-long distance point to point microwave radio systems, 4RF Communications will be exhibiting at Arab Telsat from the 28th to 31st October. The company’s products are recognized for class leading performance and quality and have been deployed in over 90 countries. All products offer advanced networking features and the real security provided by licensed sub 3 GHz frequencies.
“The combination of greater distance and more capacity means 4RF Communications can help public or private operators economically deliver more services and applications to rural areas than competing satellite or terrestrial technology”, explains Sales Director Faisal Saifullah.
Based in Wellington, New Zealand, the company has established a dedicated sales and support office in Dubai for customers and partners throughout the region. At Arab Telsat, interactive demonstrations and presentations will showcase how the company’s products are capable of supporting mission critical communications over great distances and in some of the most challenging environments.
Contact Information
Press Contact(s)
Jarlath Lally
Director of Marketing |
jarlath.lally@4rf.com |
Rachael Walter
Marketing Coordinator |
rachael.walter@4rf.com
DDI 64 4 4987076 |
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| Wellington, New Zealand - September 12th, 2007
4RF Communications Win ANZ Wellington Export Award
4RF Communications is pleased to announce it has won the Gibson Sheat Lawyers Exporter of the Year Award. The ANZ Wellington Export Awards celebrate the pioneering spirit of Wellington exporters taking the region’s excellence to the world.
Presenting the award to 4RF, Tony Southall (Chairman of Partners, Gibson Sheat) said “4RF has delivered outstanding revenue growth. Its exports consistently exceed 90% of total production. Through a combination of superior technology and deployment of sales resources in key markets – the company is flying”.
The Convenor of Judges, Nigel Stirling said that “the judges were extremely impressed with 4RF’s market knowledge, their engineering and design skills, their excellent customer service, and their dedication to quality manufacturing. It is easy to understand why many blue-chip organizations have standardized on 4RF products for mission critical applications.”
Accepting the award on behalf of the company Ian Troughton (CEO) paid tribute to his staff, “it takes a lot of hard work and an exceptionally dedicated team to make an international business successful. Performance, quality and customer care have been key to our export success.” Thanks were also extended to New Zealand Trade and Enterprise, “the team at NZTE have been with us since the start and continue to provide us with invaluable support and encouragement”.
4RF Communications export over 90% of its products. Valued for their superior performance and quality, these systems have helped operators establish networks in over 90 countries throughout the world.
More information on the awards can be found at www.exportnewzealand.org.nz
Contact Information
Press Contact(s)
Jarlath Lally
Director of Marketing |
jarlath.lally@4rf.com |
Rachael Walter
Marketing Coordinator |
rachael.walter@4rf.com
DDI 64 4 4987076 |
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| Dubai, United Arab Emirates - August 28th, 2007
4RF Communications exhibits at GITEX 2007
4RF Communications will be attending GITEX 2007 in Dubai. This five day event is a leading international ICT trade show starting on the 8th of September.
During the show, interactive demonstrations and presentations of the Aprisa XE will be available to all our visitors.
The 4RF Aprisa XE long distance point-to-point radio solutions operate in the secure licensed sub 3 GHz frequencies. Links can be deployed over distances greater than 100 km and used to deliver up to 65 Mbit/s over multiple network interfaces. Designed to operate in harsh climates and challenging terrain, the Aprisa XE offers superior linking performance, quality and networking flexibility.
Visitors to our stand will have an opportunity to converse with Faisal Saifullah (Sales Director) and Cal Iaccarino (Product Manager) to discuss technical issues, potential projects, path planning and successful Aprisa XE deployments in the Middle East region.
The 4RF Communications stand will be situated in Hall 1, Stand 220 and if you would like to request a meeting time or be sent further information, please contact marketing@4rf.com. We look forward to seeing you.
Further Information can be found at www.4rf.com
Contact Information
Press Contact(s)
Jarlath Lally
Director of Marketing |
jarlath.lally@4rf.com |
Rachael Walter
Marketing Coordinator |
rachael.walter@4rf.com
DDI 64 4 4987076 |
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| Wellington, New Zealand - January 18th, 2007
4RF Communications travels to Germany for CeBIT 2007
4RF Communications will be exhibiting at CeBIT 2007, one of the world's largest ICT trade fairs showcasing in Hannover, Germany. Over 6,200 exhibitors and 430,000 visitors from all over the world are anticipated to attend the show running from the 15th to the 21st of March 2007.
The Aprisa XE portfolio will be showcased using interactive demonstrations and presentations. Information packs, giveaway spot prizes, and light refreshments will also be available for visitors to the stand.
4RF extends a special welcome to any existing and new 4RF customers attending the event. Our stand is in Hall 3, position B55, the New Zealand pavilion.
Our participation at CeBIT 2007 is with the co-operation and support of New Zealand Trade and Enterprise.
Further Information can be found at www.4rf.com
Contact Information
Press Contact(s)
Jarlath Lally
Director of Marketing |
jarlath.lally@4rf.com |
Rachael Walter
Marketing Coordinator |
rachael.walter@4rf.com
DDI 64 4 4987076 |
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| Dubai, Middle East- December 19th, 2006
4RF Communications receives continued support from the NZTE Beachhead Programme
New Zealand technology company 4RF Communications is gaining a significant foothold in the Middle East telecommunications sector. Over the past year the company, ranked as New Zealand's 14th fastest growing company, has finalised several contracts in the region, some in excess of $US1 million.
4RF's Director of Marketing, Jarlath Lally says the company is advancing opportunities in several countries in the region including Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Iran, Libya, and Syria.
Mr Lally acknowledges the positive role of NZTE’s Beachhead Programme. "It's not always the case that you can set up a website and wait for orders. An industry like ours means we need 'feet on the street'. A critical part of the client engagement is inspiring trust and a sense of locality. As such the Beachhead Programme helps us keep the door open on opportunities that would otherwise disappear."
4RF joined the Dubai Beachhead when it was launched in September last year.
4RF Communications is a specialist manufacturer of point to point microwave radio systems used to deliver telecommunications services over very long distances, where it is either impractical or uneconomic to use satellite or 'wired' alternatives such as copper or fibre.The systems are designed to operate in harsh climatic conditions over difficult terrain and are used by telecommunications providers, gas and water utilities, the oil and gas industry for on and off-shore platforms and for extending base-station coverage into remote areas for cellular and land mobile radio operators.
Company revenues have grown consistently since it first brought commercial products to the market in 2003. 4RF was recently listed as the 14th fastest growing company in New Zealand and the leading technology exporter in Wellington and the lower North Island. Mr Lally says the Beachhead Programme has been extremely useful to the company in supporting their export growth.
"Although we offer a market leading product it still requires a significant investment in terms of time and effort in order to realize success. Our sales cycle can be long. This means we may have to invest in regional offices and support without necessarily gaining immediate sales. The Beachhead Programme means we can invest more in sales, marketing and business development. Activities that are vital to generating success in overseas markets".
4RF first became first involved with the Beachhead Programme in the United Kingdom, and their office is now self-financing and provides support for clients throughout Europe - their fastest growing market.
Mr Lally says one of the further benefits of the Middle-East Beachhead has been complimentary participation in Trade Missions. "Missions to Syria and Saudi Arabia (led by Paul Swain and Phil Goff respectively) have yielded contacts and dialogue that have directly led to sales, partnerships and ongoing opportunities in both these countries."
Further Information can be found at http://www.4rf.com
Contact Information
Press Contact(s)
Jarlath Lally
Director of Marketing |
jarlath.lally@4rf.com |
Rachael Walter
Marketing Coordinator |
rachael.walter@4rf.com
DDI 64 4 4987076 |
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| Cambridge, United Kingdom - December 14th, 2006
4RF Communications attends Wireless Broadband Forum 2006
- Launches Rural WiMAX Backhaul Solutions
This week 4RF Communications, attending the annual WBF event and launched their long range backhaul solutions for rural WiMAX deployments.
Speaking at the event, Director of Marketing, Jarlath Lally said, ‘the characteristics of sub 3GHz bands and the technical capabilities of the Aprisa XE make it an ideal solution for backhaul to rural WiMAX basesstations’.
‘Many WiMAX operators are targeting green-filed markets and this invariably takes them into less urban environments where the business case viability can be challenged by the cost of backhaul and site infrastructure.’
Operating in licensed <3GHz bands, the Aprisa XE delivers a unique blend of security, distance linking, non-line of sight capability, minimal
site infrastructure requirements, and carrier class performance.
The effect can be very substantial.
In any planning scenario, the technology opens up the number of usable sites a planner can elect to use. This allows for nominal positioning of the basestation and its associated coverage.
Ongoing opex can be greatly reduced through bypassing repeater sites thatwould be necessary using higher frequencies. Site capex is also minimal due to the all indoor mounting and antennas that require minimal tower infrastructure for support.
Jarlath Lally concluded that, ‘rural WiMAX is an opportunity and a challenge. The Aprisa XE can go a long way towards helping solve those challenges and maximizing the number of viable WiMAX base-stations an operator can deploy’.
Further Information can be found at http://www.4rf.com
Contact Information
Press Contact(s)
Jarlath Lally
Director of Marketing |
jarlath.lally@4rf.com |
Rachael Walter
Marketing Coordinator |
rachael.walter@4rf.com
DDI 64 4 4987076 |
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| Wellington, New Zealand - November 29th, 2006
4RF Communications is awarded as the 14th fastest growing company in New Zealand
Deloittes Unlimited Fast50 announced 4RF Communications as the 14th fastest growing company in New Zealand. The Fast50 ranks New Zealand’s most rapidly growing businesses and this year 1200 companies underwent a rigid examination process in order to gain a prestigious placing.
This is the second time 4RF Communications has made the Fast50 Recording 322% growth meant the company moves up 28 places in the ranking, since its ranking at 42nd in 2005. The company was also rated the fastest growing exporter in Wellington and the Lower North Island.
4RF Communications growth has been fuelled by the success of its innovative and highly integrated wireless networking technology. Attending the awards, 4RF’s Chief Technology Officer, John Yaldwyn, stated “We are continuing to build momentum in international markets through the continued expansion of our portfolio. We are committed to substantial ongoing investment in research and development in order to grow our intellectual property and maintain our technology advantage”.
Agreeing with the importance of intellectual property development and the prominence of the ICT sector in the Fast 50, Deloitte Chief Executive, Murray Jack stated, “that’s the future for New Zealand”.
About 4RF Communications
Based in New Zealand, 4RF Communications designs and manufactures point to point microwave radio systems operating in licensed frequency bands from 300MHz to 2.7GHz. Our systems are used to deliver telecommunications services over very long distances, where it is either impractical or uneconomic to use alternatives such as copper, fibre, or satellite networks. The Aprisa XE is our core product and can be used to link distances >100km (60miles) and support connection speeds up to 65Mb/s. To date we have deployed systems in >80 countries throughout the world with over 145 operators. Our clients include utilities, international aid organizations, fixed line telcos, public safety/homeland security organizations, cellular mobile operators, and oil and gas companies.
Further Information can be found at http://www.4rf.com
Contact Information
Press Contact(s)
Jarlath Lally
Director of Marketing |
jarlath.lally@4rf.com |
Rachael Walter
Marketing Coordinator |
rachael.walter@4rf.com
DDI 64 4 4987076 |
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| Wellington, New Zealand - November 20th, 2006
4RF Communications Announces Appointment of Ian Troughton as CEO
4RF Communications announces the appointment of Ian Troughton to the position of CEO, based at the company’s headquarters in New Zealand. Ian has been a representative on the company’s Board of Director for the last 3 years and brings to his new position extensive experience in the financial sector.
On his appointment, Ian comments, “The sustained growth the company has been experiencing is a tribute to all the staff and their considerable efforts over the past couple of years. I am looking forward to increasing this growth world-wide, creating new opportunities for the company, as well as participating actively in the day-to-day running of the company”.
Ian’s overall experience spans the transport (air), utility, technology, insurance, and government sectors. He has worked for Carnegie Wylie & Co since 2001, a specialist merchant bank in Australia. Prior to joining Carnegie Wylie, Ian worked for investment bank Credit Suisse in Australia, New Zealand, and the UK.
About 4RF Communications
Based in New Zealand, 4RF Communications designs and manufactures point to point microwave radio systems operating in licensed frequency bands from 300MHz to 2.7GHz. Our systems are used to deliver telecommunications services over very long distances, where it is either impractical or uneconomic to use alternatives such as copper, fibre, or satellite networks. The Aprisa XE is our core product and can be used to link distances >100km (60miles) and support connection speeds up to 65Mb/s. To date we have deployed systems in >80 countries throughout the world with over 145 operators. Our clients include utilities, international aid organizations, fixed line telcos, public safety/homeland security organizations, cellular mobile operators, and oil and gas companies.
Further Information can be found at http://www.4rf.com
Contact Information
Press Contact(s)
Jarlath Lally
Director of Marketing |
jarlath.lally@4rf.com |
Rachael Walter
Marketing Coordinator |
rachael.walter@4rf.com
DDI 64 4 4987076 |
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9 August 2005
Aprisa XE certification updates
The first 800 MHz Aprisa XE systems were shipped
within New Zealand in June, and have been independently verified
as compliant to Gazetted Radio Communication Standards (Radio
Standards) Notice 2004. The Aprisa XE 800 MHz with 3.5 MHz
channel width also tested compliant to EMC specification EN
301 489 Parts 1 and 4.
In April the 1400 MHz Aprisa XE 1.75 MHz terminal
was issued with a certificate of compliance to the essential
requirements of R&TTE enabling CE marking on this variant.
CE marking is a declaration that the product meets the appropriate
EU provisions, and can be shipped into the European community.
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31 March 2005
Optimising sub-3 GHz with TDM multiplexing, IP switching,
and a versatile RF platform...
Jarlath Lally is the 4RF Europe Strategic Account
Director based in Paris. He manages new business development
and OEM relationships in Europe, and is a key member of the
4RF SPDG (Strategic Product Development Group).
In February 2005 Jarlath presented an overview
of the positioning and advantages of the 4RF Aprisa XE range
of microwave radios. The following notes are edited from his
presentation.
On the unique positioning of 4RF in
the market…
“4RF has a unique microwave radio product portfolio
that enables governments, regulators, and operators to realise
the ambition of universal broadband in much the same way as
universal telephony was an ambition in the past. By delivering
relatively high bandwidth over the most cost effective spectrum,
the Aprisa systems can dramatically improve the bottom line
for rural broadband operators.”
“Our technology is uniquely positioned
to address the integration of legacy and Ethernet transmission.
The unique blend of TDM multiplexing and IP switching coupled
to a versatile RF platform means our products can adapt to
applications across often fractured, but extremely useful
tranches of spectrum below 3 GHz.”
“Operators are starting to rediscover
this part of the spectrum and acknowledge its usefulness in
providing relief for their existing point-to-point infrastructure
in more congested bands. Mobile operators, in particular,
can use the Aprisa’s near-line-of-sight and link length
to bypass their existing point-to-point infrastructure. In
practice, Aprisa can deliver significant backhaul capacity
to remote (rural) mobile installations without increasing
bandwidth requirements or accelerating spectrum congestion
on their existing network. But the Aprisa is not just about
creating pressure valves on mobile infrastructure—its
capabilities mean that remote mobile base station sites can
be considered for upgrade to support services that are typically
only available in more urban areas (e.g. hotspots.).”
On the competitive advantages of Aprisa
XE…
“What other product on the market can present an Ethernet
bridge/switch, multiple E1 bearer and myriad analogue interfaces
on a common digital transport platform; what other product
is capable of transporting these information structures, either
discretely or in combination, over a single transmission path
that extends to 100 kilometres or more, often with severe
line-of sight-obstructions?
On licensed bands for Ethernet bridging…
“IT managers have acknowledged that Wi-Fi doesn’t
always cut the mustard when it comes to security or distances
that need to be traversed between end points on their networks.
Licensed bands and their security for Ethernet bridging applications
is increasingly attractive as the unlicensed bands become
more congested and critical payloads such as video surveillance
information cannot be compromised by interference issues.”
On rural/ remote backhaul connectivity…
“Incumbent telcos are increasingly receptive to the
capability of the Aprisa XE systems to support backhaul connectivity
to small, cost-effective IP DSLAMS in remote areas. The efficient
use of inexpensive frequencies by Aprisa XE creates a compelling
rural backhaul solution that enables the viable upgrade of
even the most remote exchanges.”
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Adrian Meredith, Sales Director
– South Asia
Adrian Meredith, who has joined 4RF from Australian microwave
company LongReach Wireless, heads the new office. He is responsible
for sales, new business development, and channel partners
in India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Thailand, Malaysia, and Indonesia.
“Adrian has insight into the region’s
communications environment and has earned his credentials
in the marketplace. He has an excellent track record of providing
radio communications solutions to telcos, government agencies
and utilities. His customers speak highly of his ability to
work alongside them and successfully introduce new-generation
systems”, said Grant Dow, Chief Executive Officer, introducing
Adrian in Wellington, New Zealand.
Adrian looks forward to living and working
in the region again. “I’m very pleased to be representing
4RF in Asia. Our products’ interfacing capability and
functionality delivers solid, tangible advantages to operators
looking to expand their services,” he said. “The
uptake of communications in Asia and improved economies are
creating opportunities for my customers to update and extend
their networks.”
Adrian has a Degree in Electronic Engineering
from Oxford Brookes University. His wife Cheryl and their
two daughters will join him in Kuala Lumpur. Adrian may be
contacted on adrian.meredith@4rf.com
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Ralph Belo, Sales Director –
North Asia
The North Asia office, headed by former Stratex Networks Global
Supplier Quality Manager, Ralph Belo has opened in the
Philippines and will manage customer relations in China, Mongolia,
Korea, the Philippines, Vietnam, Cambodia, Taiwan, and Japan.
Ralph graduated from the Polytechnic University
of the Philippines with a Bachelor of Science in Electronics
and Communications Engineering (BSECE), and is currently undertaking
the MBA Programme at the University of Santo Thomas Graduate
School of Business.
He has worked in the Philippines and the USA
with Stratex Networks and REMEC, and brings to 4RF considerable
network integration and system engineering insight.
Presenting at the 4RF Sales Conference in
Sherwood, UK in February 2005, Ralph said, "With the
phenomenal growth in backhaul needs and the high percentage
of carrier budgets dedicated to leased backhaul, the 4RF long-haul
microwave radio systems are an attractive transmission option.”
He sees the 4RF built-in multiplexer, the
customer-configurable interface options, and the frequency
ranges of the 4RF microwave radios as valuable advantages
for operators expanding their networks into untapped areas,
or facing increased metro traffic demands as 3G and VoIP applications
are adopted.
“Working closely with my customers from
network design through to post sales support will enable 4RF
North Asia to provide the best solution at the least overall
cost. A synergetic relationship between 4RF and my customers
will promote successful outcomes and long-term growth.”
Ralph may be contacted at ralph.belo@4rf.com.
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| 31 March 2005
Tim Rattray appointed Sales Director
– MEA
4RF has announced the appointment of Tim Rattray
to the position of Sales Director with responsibility for
customer accounts and new business development in the Middle
East and Africa.
Tim assumes his new responsibilities from
Tony White and will be based in a new office being established
in Dubai.
He joins 4RF from his position as General
Manager with Prolificx. Ranked the third-fastest growing New
Zealand company in 2004, Prolificx was the sixth fastest growing
technology company in Asia (2003 Deloitte Technology Fast
500) and won the Small Business of the Year category in the
2003 Westpac Hi Tech Excellence Awards.
In 2001 Tim Rattray managed the deployment
of microwave and rural wireless communication systems for
the United Nations MONUC peacekeeping mission in the Democratic
Republic of Congo. He previously spent three years based in
Zimbabwe managing the sales of Motorola, Ericsson, MAS Technology,
and Exicom rural telecommunications systems throughout sub-Saharan
Africa.
4RF Chief Executive Officer Grant Dow says,
“Tim is a very high achiever. He has consistently demonstrated—from
the beginning of his professional engineering career with
the New Zealand Army through to his sales and management roles
with companies of the calibre of Prolificx and Avnet—the
ability to build strong relationships and deliver customers
relevant communications solutions in often extremely difficult
situations.
Tim is an exceptional individual capable of
delivering outstanding support to our partners and customers
throughout the region. I am personally very pleased that he
has agreed to lead our sales program in MEA.”
Tim Rattray has a Post Graduate Diploma in
Business and a Master of Business Administration from the
University of Auckland. He enjoys riding motorcycles, motor
sport, squash, and fishing, and will be joined in Dubai by
his wife, Pamela, and young daughter.
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| 29 March 2005
New Sales & Support Engineer joins
4RF Europe
Rob Woollard has been appointed by 4RF Europe
to the position of Sales and Support Engineer.
An experienced field and radio product engineer,
Rob served five years with Royal Signals in the British Army
before assuming a microwave radio sales support, account management,
and product-engineering role with Stratex Networks.
He conducted training programmes and client
acceptance trials for Stratex, and supervised microwave radio
rollouts and installations throughout Europe for customers
including Orange UK and Orange Romania.
“Rob’s system engineering knowledge,
hands on experience in the field, and understanding of the
Aprisa SE and XE ranges makes his contributions far-reaching
and immensely valuable,” says Jason Stout, Sales Director
for 4RF Europe.
“Being able to work alongside our customers
is crucial to identifying their optimal solution. Rob’s
experience enables my team to continue providing high-calibre
support for our customers’ microwave radio networks.”
Rob Woollard is based at 4RF Europe in Nottinghamshire.
He enjoys family time with his two-year old son and catching
the odd game in between home renovations. He can be contacted
at robert.woollard@4rf.com.
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| 02 February 2005
New Zealand rated one of the hottest
tourist destinations
Independent travellers from across the globe
have rated New Zealand as one of the best places they've been
and one of the most desired places to go next. The survey
was conducted online at www.lonelyplanet.com
Australia topped the poll as the destination
travellers would most like to visit next. After Australia,
the most desired destinations to visit in the future were
Chile and Brazil with New Zealand and India rounding out the
top five. New Zealand was in the top five of favourite destinations
travellers had already visited.
New Zealand has also been awarded Best
Adventure Destination In The World by the Irish travel
industry and was named the top holiday destination for readers
of British newspaper The Daily Telegraph, ending
a four-year run at the top by Italy.
4RF customers have travelled at our invitation
to view our facilities in Wellington, New Zealand; undertake
factory acceptance testing or product training on the Aprisa
systems; and learn more about our microwave radio engineering
capabilities.
Wellington is the capital city and has an
international airport with direct flights to Brisbane, Melbourne,
Sydney, and throughout New Zealand. Wellington offers an unforgettable
city experience with excellent shopping, professional theatre,
cafés and restaurants all close to the 4RF office.
Our guests can also quickly reach the wine producing regions
of Marlborough and Wairarapa.
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| 10 December 2004
New 2 GHz digital microwave system opens up
opportunities to extend remote coverage
Improved ROI for rural network coverage with lower capital
investment and operational costs
4RF Communications has introduced a new 2 GHz
variant of its Aprisa™ XE digital microwave radio transmission
system. The new radio opens up opportunities for network operators
to expand high-quality communications coverage and capacity
– such as extending the reach of mobile and broadband
networks – to remote and rural enterprises and consumers.
The system makes optimum use of the licensed
2 GHz (1.9–2.7 GHz) point-to-point frequency band, enabling
the extension of services further – and more cost-efficiently
– than is achievable with current analog or higher-frequency
digital alternatives. It offers robust, spectrum-efficient
transmission over distances of 100 kilometers or more in a
single link, in difficult terrain and other areas where wired
infrastructure is not viable.
“We’ve identified a fast-growing
need for the kind of digital transmission capacity that can
be delivered in the 2 GHz band, which is often under-utilized
or is becoming available in many markets,” said Grant
Dow, Chief Executive Officer of 4RF Communications. “Spectrum
is a finite resource: the Aprisa 2 GHz system will ensure
customers can make the best use of it in serving their medium-capacity
needs.”
Commenting on the launch of the new Aprisa
system, John Devlin, senior analyst at IMS Research said,
"Operators and private telecom users around the world
are looking for radio transmission solutions that meet their
changing traffic needs cost-effectively without having to
find new radio spectrum. With the 2 GHz product, it seems
4RF has filled a gap between low-cost, low-capacity analog
systems and the higher-end digital systems that are 'overkill'
for low-density, remote transmission needs."
High-quality and affordable telecommunications
are important for economic growth and competitiveness. In
both developed and emergent telecommunications markets –
including Europe and North Africa – many remote and
rural locations have remained underserved or under-resourced.
Recent product advancement, spectrum licensing and the ubiquitous
demand for mobile services and broadband access are providing
compelling commercial incentives for operators to provide
services to low-density, remote and rural locations.
The 2 GHz band has inherent advantages for
network operators in remote or rural locations. Its physical
attributes mean RF signals can be transmitted over significantly
greater distances using less infrastructure than with higher
frequencies. This advantage translates into lower capital
investment (fewer base stations, and smaller towers and antennas)
and reduced operational costs (lower leased line, site rental
and maintenance costs) improving the operator’s ROI
appreciably for the delivery of remote and rural services.
Operators and enterprises are increasingly aware of the potential
of the 2 GHz bands to extend their network reach, grow revenue
and acquire new subscribers. Typical applications include
medium-capacity linking for mobile and broadband backhaul,
ADSL and Ethernet extension, PSTN trunking, broadband wireless
access, private mobile radio and remote monitoring and control
applications for utility networks.
For example, mobile operators could use the
2 GHz bands for efficient linking of base stations in low-density
rural areas, where higher-frequency transmission systems would
be over-dimensioned with cost-prohibitive infrastructure.
PSTN operators could use them to upgrade ageing analog trunk
links to rural subscribers and deliver four times the capacity
in the same spectrum allocation – while supporting not
only existing voice traffic, but also high-speed Internet
and data services.
The new Aprisa
2 GHz variant supports all the current bandwidths ranging
from 250 kHz to 3.5 MHz and capacities up to 17 Mbps (8E1).
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| 01 December 2004
4RF Europe expands into Sherwood Park
4RF Communications (Europe) Limited opened
in the prestigious Sherwood Park enterprise zone in Nottinghamshire
on the 1st December.
“The new corporate structure and office
facilities reflect the significant growth in sales and new
business opportunities for 4RF emerging from both within and
from European-based companies,” says Grant Dow, 4RF
Chief Executive Officer.
“4RF Europe now boasts an expanded sales
and business development presence under the direction of Jason
Stout. We are presently recruiting further specialist engineering
staff and growing our technical support resource,” he
said.
Located within the Innov@te complex, the new
offices have available first-class infrastructure, communications
technology and support facilities including meeting and training
rooms and a café. Innov@te is set in landscaped surroundings
with 24-hour security, car parking, and easy access to the
M1 and Nottingham East Midlands Airport. A 92-room luxury
hotel is located adjacent to the complex with full dining
and business facilities.
Already some 3,000 people work at Sherwood
Park and it is estimated that when complete, the Park will
provide a total of up to 1.5 million square feet of business
space.
The official launch of 4RF Europe will take
place early in the New Year.
Please update your records.
4RF Communications (Europe) Limited
Innovate Office
Lake View Drive
Sherwood Park
Nottingham NG15 0DA
United Kingdom
T +44 (0) 870 736 9616
F +44 (0) 870 736 9617
E europe@4rf.com
www.4rf.com
For more information please contact Jason
Stout.
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| 01 December 2004
Aprisa XE passes RF compliance testing
The 1400 MHz Aprisa XE has been successfully
tested for RF compliance to ETSI standards.
RF compliance is part of the R&TTE (Radio
and Telecommunications Terminal Equipment) Directive. The
Directive is the main instrument regulating the sector and
ensures that radio equipment is safe and does not disturb
radio services and other equipment.
The R&TTE standards and processes for
the assessment for radio equipment deployed in high-density
environments were developed following the adoption of the
R&TTE Directive by the European community. 4RF Communications
draws upon the R&TTE assessment process to form the baseline
of our international compliance strategy.
The introduction to market in 2004 of our
Aprisa XE range of microwave radios coincided with the introduction
of a new draft set of standards for RF compliance (ETSI draft
EN 302 217 series). It provided an excellent opportunity to
test to the new standard as part of the Aprisa XE compliance
strategy.
We are pleased to confirm that in October
2004 accredited testing and certification laboratory, MiCOM
Labs, successfully completed testing of the 1400 MHz radio
in accordance with the draft requirements of EN 302 217.
Modulation methods of QPSK and 16 QAM are
explicitly covered within the scope of draft EN 302 217 for
equipment operating in the 1400 MHz band. 4RF also tested
at 32 QAM and 64 QAM.
The resulting test report from MiCOM Labs
is being submitted to a Notified Body for assessment to the
essential requirements of the R&TTE Directive prior to
the formal issue of our CE mark.
More information on the test report is available
from 4RF
Communications.
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| 01 December 2004
Bangladesh PMR network deploys Aprisa XE
Leading systems integrator Totaltel and Tait
Radio Communications are constructing a specialised telecommunications
network for an elite police force to provide coverage and
access over several hundreds of kilometers around Dhaka, Chittagong,
Rajshahi, Khulna and outlying regions.
The system will be operational by the time
of the SAARC Conference to be held in Dhaka in January 2005.
The two-node, seven-site, 28-channel trunked
system will be initially loaded with 1200 portables and 200
mobiles. The 4RF Aprisa XE digital microwave radios are being
deployed as multiple-service access radios using both digital
and analog interfaces to provide inter-site connectivity and
connection into the Tait 5100 trunked radio system. The network
will connect 15 video conferencing sites and provide high-speed
data connectivity to seven police force sites across the country.
The network will transport voice, VoIP, LAN/WAN,
data and video traffic and includes sophisticated encryption
features. The network has crossband linking with conventional
channels and interoperability with HF radios.
TotalTel has delivered a wide range of communications
solutions to customers in Bangladesh for more than 14 years.
They have been instrumental in the implementation of systems
for the Bangladesh Power Development Board, the Bangladesh
Telegraph & Telephone Board and GrameenPhone Limited.
TotalTel and Tait have been provided with
systems engineering and path planning services, and onsite
product training and commissioning by 4RF in accordance with
the contract with the police force.
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| 30 September 2004
New Aprisa performance test figures
released
4RF have published significantly improved performance
test figures for the Aprisa SE and Aprisa XE digital microwave
radios, The tests were undertaken as part of ongoing research
and development, and delivered valuable gains of up to 4 dB
in receiver sensitivity.
Testing was conducted over the past six months
to measure the extended capability of the radios and focused
upon the performance of the receiver over the full operating
temperature range. For each given modulation state and data
rate, receiver sensitivity was measured while maintaining
the BER above the required ETSI 10-6 BER thresholds. |
| Test results |
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Aprisa SE |
Aprisa XE |
| Receive sensitivity
and system gain improvement (10-6
BER) |
+2 dB |
+4 dB |
| C/I ratio improvement |
Co-channel |
+7 to +10 dB |
+7 to +10 dB |
| 1st Adjacent Channel |
+5 dB |
+5 dB |
| 2nd Adjacent Channel |
+5 dB |
+5 dB |
|
| Receiver sensitivity and system gain are
an intrinsic element in path planning. These performance improvements
indicate that network operators may use the Aprisa radios
on even longer paths whilst maintaining a predetermined error
rate, or reduce infrastructure costs by deploying smaller
antennas.
The C/I (Carrier to Interferer) ratio performance
must also be considered when planning radio links over busy
paths or co-locating in busy sites. The improved C/I ratio
means the Aprisa radios ability to reject the unwanted from
wanted signals is improved. It enables better reuse of spectrum
in situations where co-channel and adjacent-channel interference
may have been a problem.
The Aprisa radios are designed and tested
to meet the applicable ITU and ETSI standards for microwave
radio equipment. This testing confirms that the radio’s
performance meets or exceeds these requirements.
Updated literature incorporating the new figures
as typical specifications are now available for download.
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| 14 June 2004
Access Spectrum, LLC and 4RF Communications
announce new
700 MHz Private Wireless Solution
New product delivers longhaul T1 wireless
solutions for public safety, cellular and utility networks.
• Backhaul to public safety command and
control centres
• Inter-connection to cellular backbone networks and
switch locations
• Point-to-point transmission for utility remote monitoring
and control applications
BETHESDA, MD, JUNE 14, 2004:
ACCESS SPECTRUM, LLC, the premier provider of Exclusive Private
Wireless® (XPW) solutions for voice and data communications,
and 4RF Communications, a world leader in the development
of wireless access solutions will jointly showcase the Aprisa™
XE 700 MHz point-to-point digital radio at UTC Telecom 2004.
The digital radio optimises the distance capability of the
new 700 MHz private wireless spectrum to enable connectivity
between two fixed points over distances up to 100 miles for
the transmission of internet, voice and data traffic. The
radios can be deployed in a variety of linking applications
for public safety and cellular communications networks and
utility company remote monitoring and control systems.
The Aprisa XE radio transports voice and data, including IP,
for phone, mobile radio, video, SCADA, telemetry, teleprotection,
and signalling applications. Announced capacities range from
fractional T1 to four T1 configurations with QPSK to 64 QAM
modulation. The multiple T1 access capability in the guard
band reduces utility and cellular companies’ reliance
on leased T1 services from incumbent wireline carriers.
The 700 MHz band enables extremely reliable transmission over
long distances and difficult terrain, particularly over water
and partly obscured paths. As a privately managed band, 700
MHz permits exclusive frequency assignment guaranteeing carrier-class
performance and minimizing interference. The RF design of
the Aprisa radio integrates high-performance digital processing
techniques including FEC (Forward Error Correction), interleaving,
and advanced radio equalization to minimize transmission degradation
from path impairments. Sophisticated modulation techniques
in the radio platform enable highly efficient transmission
in narrow channels, enabling optimum use of available spectrum.
The radio features an in-built channel bank,
which reduces costs by eliminating the requirement for external
equipment. Advanced plug-in, customer-configurable interface
modules facilitate ease of integration with both legacy and
new generation network elements. A suite of embedded element
management applications for remote configuration and diagnostics,
and SNMP management and monitoring, minimizes field service
calls and reduces the cost of installation and ongoing management
supervision.
“The 4RF Aprisa 700 MHz microwave radio will play an
important role in helping public safety entities and utilities
such as energy companies to reduce costs and increase efficiencies,
while meeting the challenges of critical infrastructure communication,”
says Access Spectrum President, Mark E. Crosby. “Our
relationship with 4RF represents an outstanding opportunity
to capitalize on our respective organizations’ expertise
and achieve our mutual objective of offering customers improved
private wireless communications capabilities.”
Note
This device has not yet been authorized as required by the
rules of the FCC. This device may not be sold, leased, or
offered for sale or lease, until FCC authorization has been
received.
About Access Spectrum
Access Spectrum provides Exclusive Private Wireless Solutions
that enable companies to reduce operating costs, improve response
times, and increase safety by maintaining control of wireless
voice and data communications networks.
Access Spectrum and its network of Exclusive
Private Wireless® Solutions Providers deliver the equipment,
engineering and bandwidth for end-to-end implementation of
wireless voice and data communications systems. Unlike shared
or unlicensed wireless solutions, Exclusive Private Wireless
delivers the absolute control, flexibility and long-term reliability
needed by critical infrastructure providers, including utility,
petrochemical, transportation and manufacturing companies,
and public safety organizations. Visit the company online
at www.AccessSpectrum.com.
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| 03 May 2004
4RF releases Aprisa™
XE for licensed 790-960 MHz frequency range
Solution enables carriers to evolve broadband
access strategies for remote enterprises and subscribers.
WELLINGTON, NEW ZEALAND May 03, 2004. 4RF Communications,
a leading provider of digital microwave radio solutions for
rural and broadband access, and remote monitoring and control
applications, today announced the release of a licensed 790-960
MHz variant of the Aprisa XE digital microwave radio.
The new frequency ranges support capacities up to 8 Mbps (4E1)
in channel sizes from 200 kHz to 2 MHz. The first orders are
scheduled to ship in Q4, 2004.
The performance and flexibility of the Aprisa XE radio platform
enables carriers to swiftly-build wireless access networks
over long distances and difficult terrain to leverage emerging
rural broadband opportunities and evolve access strategies
for remote enterprises and subscribers.
This new variant has been developed for subscriber access,
inter-exchange linking and backhaul in rural broadband access
applications; remote monitoring and control applications;
and wireless access in utility, private and mobile radio networks.
The 790-960 MHz frequency range supports applications the
Americas, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand.
“As demand increases for wireless access solutions,
network operators require more cost-effective and flexible
high-performance solutions that may be quickly deployed and
integrated with their existing network”, said Grant
Dow, Chief Executive Officer for 4RF. “The 4RF Aprisa
XE features an in-built multiplexer managing integrated voice,
data, and IP traffic to reduce equipment and operating costs,
and our plug-in, customer-configurable interface modules enable
straightforward integration with both legacy and next generation
network elements.”
4RF Communications has also announced that development of
2.0-2.7 GHz product variants is progressing well.
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| 28 April 2004
4RF at CommunicAsia2004
4RF will present the expanded Aprisa range
and demonstrate Aprisa XE and SE radios on Stand 4JE-08 in
the New Zealand Pavilion at CommunicAsia2004 with
the support of New Zealand Trade & Enterprise.
4RF Sales Directors will be presenting Application
Overviews illustrating how the Aprisa technologies are
enabling carriers to swiftly-build wireless access networks
over long distances and difficult terrain to leverage emerging
rural broadband opportunities.
If you would like a personal invitation to
visit 4RF at CommunicAsia2004 to review our product
range and rural broadband access strategies, please contact
ian.attwood.
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| 16 March 2004
Protected Aprisa™ SE radio
links deployed
Protected Aprisa SE radio links have been deployed
for mission-critical and remote installations in North Africa,
Thailand, New Zealand and Indonesia.
In North Africa the protected
links are connecting base stations for a mobile radio security
network transporting mission-critical communications. The
sensitive nature of the network means downtime must be minimized,
and equipment redundancy and protection is essential.
In Thailand protected Aprisa
SE radio links are carrying voice and broadband data in remote
segments of a rural community telecommunications network for
TOT. Equipment redundancy is essential with the remoteness
of the deployment and the difficulty and time required to
access the terminals for maintenance. The Aprisa MHSB Switch
ensures the communities have continued service in the event
of radio outage, and enables the maintenance teams to visit
the sites at scheduled intervals.
In New Zealand the safety
authority that monitors mission-critical maritime distress
signals is deploying the protected radio links to connect
a remote satellite-receiving station to the centralized monitoring
and alarm centre.
In Indonesia protected Aprisa
SE radio links have been deployed by a railway utility to
deliver continuous communications service along very long
sections of rail track running through challenging sub-tropical
vegetation.
The protected radio terminal consists of two
standard Aprisa SE terminals interconnected by an Aprisa MHSB
Switch. The switch is housed in a 1U chassis, and is typically
mounted between the Aprisa SE terminals. It is controlled
by a CPU that monitors the condition of the Aprisa radios
and responds to a preset combination of alarm conditions that
could indicate a failure in the radio equipment.
The Aprisa
SE protected radio link is now in full production with
standard lead-times.
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| 01 March 2004
ANATEL homologates Aprisa SE point-to-point wireless access radio
The National Agency of Telecommunications of
Brazil, ANATEL, has homologated the Aprisa SE point-to-point
wireless access radio. The ratification means Aprisa SE is
compliant with the laws and regulations, and is certified
by ANATEL as an approved wireless product for integration
within communication networks in Brazil.
ANATEL was created in 1997 and is the authorized regulator
and manager of radio spectrum in Brazil. It provides licensing
and channel allocation for radio systems, paid television,
mobile communications, fixed telephony, satellite, and multimedia
communications. ANATEL’s mission is to promote modern
and efficient telecommunication infrastructures that deliver
service and value to communities across Brazil. www.anatel.gov.br
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| 1 March 2004
4RF make key announcements for Latin
America markets at
Telexpo 2004
In conjunction with the showcase of Aprisa
point-to-point wireless access solutions at Telexpo 2004,
Terry Ross, 4RF Communications Sales Manager, has made three
key announcements for territories in Latin America: |
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| WNI do Brasil Ltda, an
established, leading integrator of specialist wireless network
solutions for Brazilian telecommunications and energy utility
networks, has signed a distributor agreement with 4RF Communications
for Aprisa wireless access radios. Commercial Director for
WNI, Beatriz M. Pinheiro Machado, says the radios’ performance
enables more traffic to be carried over greater distances,
making Aprisa a superior solution for the geographical challenges
of Brazil. Aprisa joins WNI’s range of technically advanced
point-to-multipoint voice and data communication solutions
from companies including Alvarion, Trango, F-Sona, SAF Tehnika
and Conel. www.wnint.com.br |
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| Julio Ibañez has
been appointed 4RF Communications Sales Director, Americas.
Based in Florida, he is responsible for new business development
and customer support in the American markets, and principally
the emergence of wireless networks in Latin America.
“Julio brings to his customers and channels considerable
experience of the wireless market in the Americas,”
said Grant Dow, 4RF Chief Executive. “His market insight,
experience and technical expertise is invaluable to customers,
as we build upon our positioning as a respected supplier of
superior, technology-led wireless solutions within the region.”
Julio joins 4RF from his role as Sales Director, Central America
and Caribbean, SR Telecom, and regional sales positions with
Stratex Networks, MAS Technology and Tait Electronics. He
has a postgraduate Diploma in Electronics, is currently studying
towards a MBA at Phoenix University, was recently reviewing
product developments at 4RF headquarters in Wellington, New
Zealand before flying to Telexpo 2004.
Contact: julio.ibanez@4rf.com
4RF Americas office opens in Florida.
With the development of wireless access business opportunities
in Latin America and the appointment of Julio Ibanez as Sales
Director for the region, 4RF have opened a business sales
and support office in Florida. Supporting customers and their
networks throughout the region, Florida joins the network
of 4RF offices based n the UK, Dubai, Singapore, and New Zealand.
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| 28 January 2004
4RF and Emcom Africa sign distributor
agreement for Aprisa fixed wireless access solutions
Specialist African RF communications company Emcom Africa
Pty Ltd has formed a partnership with 4RF Communications to
assist their customers design and implement fixed wireless
access solutions using the 4RF Aprisa™ family of point-to-point
digital access links.
Rob Fryer, Emcom Africa Sales Director, says Emcom is committed
to achieving market leadership in Sub-Saharan Africa. He sees
fixed wireless access as the big player for the future, and
the way forward for many applications in Africa.
“Our relationship with 4RF Communications is intrinsic
to our ability to deliver wireless solutions to customers,”
he says. “We are dedicated to providing the prerequisite
product support and training for wireless-based networks,
and Emcom Africa is operating our own aircraft to ensure a
rapid response to customers, especially those situated in
areas not served by commercial airlines.”
Mr Fryer says that Emcom and 4RF are building a comprehensive
pre-sale support programme in the region, including providing
assistance with path planning, network design, the preparation
of business cases and product training.
Emcom Africa also represent Tait Electronics, another New
Zealand company who are world-leaders in the design and manufacture
of professional radio communication solutions. Tait have certified
the Aprisa radios as an Approved Network Solution for integration
with their trunked mobile products.
Emcom Africa commenced trading in 1968 and has their head
office in Durban. The company is privately owned and funded,
and is fully committed to black economic empowerment. Mpisi
Trading has recently acquired 51% of Emcom Africa, and Mpisi’s
Kennedy Memami heads Nexus Communications, the BEE partner
of the SNO.
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| 28 January 2004
New Customer Interface Cards released
for Aprisa SE
Two additional customer interface cards for the Aprisa SE
will be released in March.
CIC-007 and CIC-010 provide dual E1 interfaces and a 10/100Base-T
Ethernet interfaces. The dual E1 interfaces allow for drop
and insert capability to be included in Aprisa SE, and and
can eliminate the need for an external multiplexer in many
network applications.
CIC-007 has a synchronous / asynchronous V.24 interface, while
CIC-010 provides a high-speed synchronous interface supporting
V.35, V.36/RS 449, X.21 and EIA 530 type data interfaces.
The Ethernet and data interfaces expand the IP and data capabilities
and have been specifically designed for integration into trunked
mobile radio and telco applications,
Further details about the interfaces and how they may be integrated
are available from the Aprisa Product Manager, and the Sales
Directors.
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| 28 January 2004
4RF Communications at Telexpo 2004
4RF will join with Tait Communications and ICT Capital, a
New Zealand wireless development cluster, to showcase wireless
and mobile marketing value-added services and solutions in
the New Zealand Pavilion B09 at Telexpo 2004 in Sao Paulo,
Brazil from the 2-5 March, 2004.
4RF Sales Director Terry Ross will announce two key strategic
initiatives for the Americas at the expo, and will expand
upon the introduction of the Aprisa XE point-to-point fixed
wireless access solution in the territory.
Terry will be accompanied in Brazil by Aprisa Product Manager
Cal Iaccarino, who will conduct demonstrations of the two
Aprisa platforms, and the embedded network element management
application introduced with Aprisa XE.
Cal will also conduct customer-training programs immediately
following Telexpo, and will be available for further consultation
on recent product development, including the release of the
two new customer interface cards for Aprisa SE.
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| 5 December 2003
4RF announces NZ$8 million second round capital raising
4RF Communications have announced that they
have concluded a NZ$8 million second-round capital raising
led by Australian investment bank Carnegie
Wylie & Company. The investment will fund market expansion
and further commercialization of the company's point-to-point
wireless communication products.
Grant Dow, 4RF Chief Executive said, "Carnegie Wylie's
acumen and financing will contribute significantly to our
product development objectives and expansion plans."
4RF products are deployed in 20 countries worldwide in rural
fixed telecommunications; cellular and mobile radio transmission;
and private, emergency services, defense and utility network
applications.
As ubiquitous broadband access becomes a commercial and communications
imperative around the world, 4RF is experiencing strong demand
for its products. In environments where a wired infrastructure
is not considered economically viable, is technically infeasible
because of the terrain, or is unsustainable for a low-subscriber
base, 4RF wireless solutions enable robust high-speed broadband
transmission between fixed points up to 100 kilometers apart.
Utilities, such as electricity transmission companies who
also operate in isolated and inaccessible environments, use
4RF solutions to transport telemetry, SCADA, teleprotection,
signaling monitoring and control data from point-to-point,
before integration into their broader communication backbones.
"4RF technology and product performance is extremely
highly regarded within the telecommunications industry. With
the expected growth profile for the company's current and
future products, Carnegie Wylie is pleased to have the opportunity
to invest in 4RF at this stage of the company's evolution.
4RF has an experienced Board and management team, and an established
product development track record - two attributes we see as
pivotal to their future success," said Carnegie Wylie
principal John Wylie.
Several of the company’s senior technologists and management,
including CEO Grant Dow and Chief Technology Officer John
Yaldwyn, were previously with MAS Technology Ltd. In 1997
MAS was the first New Zealand technology company to list on
the Nasdaq, and was subsequently acquired by Silicon Valley-based
Stratex Networks for US$110 million in 1998.
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| 19 November 2003
Aprisa™ XE launched at ITU Telecom
World [UPDATE]
The launch of Aprisa™ XE
For the first time in our four-year history 4RF exhibited
at Telecom World. The exhibition drew professional acclaim
for the calibre of its presentation. It featured displays
of the Aprisa SE and Aprisa XE digital access radios, a dedicated
customer demonstration and hospitality zone, and new marketing
literature was presented on the stand.
Chief Executive Grant Dow launched the new Aprisa XE point-to-point
digital access radio and commented after the show “As
a result of our activity at ITU, 4RF are now in conversations
with prospective customers about projects in Europe, the Middle
East, Africa, Asia, North and South America. I believe customers
appreciated the opportunity to meet with us at Telecom World
and comprehensively examine our solutions.”
If you’d like an online PDF copy of the
literature please go to our
downloads page or email sales@4rf.com
to request printed copies to be mailed to you.
Customers respond to the launch
Our wireless solutions opened many eyes to the value of low–medium
capacity, long-range microwave linking. Three key attributes
of the Aprisa family struck positive chords with prospective
customers:
• Performance in the field. Aprisa utilises
16, 32 and 64 QAM technologies
to provide better data throughput than any other
comparable product in
the market.
• Ease of network integration. Customer-configurable
‘plug-and-play’ interface
cards enable a myriad of interface options to
be mixed and matched within
Aprisa XE.
• Element management. Our embedded SNMP network element
management
application, 4RF SuperVisor™, allows a range
of network elements to be
connected and managed from a Java™ enabled web
browser.
The media and 4RF
It wasn’t just on the exhibition stand that 4RF was
busy. We also met and briefed journalists throughout the show.
Our technologies and views on the future of PTP wireless were
mentioned in the Financial Times, the exhibition daily newspaper,
and in the specialist trade publications. Articles referencing
4RF are scheduled to appear in future editions of CommsMEA,
Land Mobile and Radio Resource International.
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| 16 November 2003
4RF conducts Aprisa™ training in
Brindisi, Italy
Cal Iaccarino, 4RF Product Manager returns
to the land of his forefathers in November to conduct comprehensive
Aprisa™ training programs for a valued 4RF customer
at a logistics base in Brindisi, Italy.
The customer’s radios are deployed to reliably deliver
Internet, voice and data access in environments where a wired
infrastructure is unreliable or has been destroyed.
Cal, based in Wellington New Zealand, says
the product training is an intrinsic part of the Aprisa™
support services, and was developed to assist customers gain
a thorough understanding of the performance potential of their
Aprisa links. Other value-adding customer services from 4RF
include assistance with path profiling, path engineering,
network design, and integration.
“Customers can readily appreciate the
benefits of the Aprisa product line for their specific applications.
However there’s a lot more to the Aprisa than first
meets the eye,” Cal says. “In the program, I focus
upon the configuration and management of the radios using
our Aprisa Setup™
and Aprisa View™
NMS network management system software packages. Once my customers
participate in the program, they gain a much fuller appreciation
of the flexibility of Aprisa and understand how they can best
use Setup to manage and control the quality of service that
is delivered, as well as monitor and maintain their links”.
The Aprisa View software is an extension of
Aprisa Setup, and the training program includes the integration
of Aprisa View into existing networks. View was developed
to give customers with larger Aprisa networks the ability
to provide network-wide monitoring, as well as the ability
to integrate Aprisa into larger SNMP based network management
platforms.
For information on the training programs available
for Aprisa Setup and View and other services provided by 4RF,
please contact Cal Iaccarino.
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| 01 September 2003
Offices open in UK, United Arab Emirates and Singapore
New 4RF offices have opened in Leicestershire,
Dubai and Singapore supporting the launch of the new Aprisa™
XE and expanded Aprisa™ family of advanced point-to-point
access solutions.
Experienced Sales Directors Jason Stout, Tony White and Callum
McGowan head the new offices and will be responsible for business
development and product support for customers in Europe, the
Middle East & North Africa, and South-East Asia.
Speaking at the opening of the UK office, Jason Stout said:
“The office is ideally situated with access to Birmingham
International and East Midlands Airports. It is vital to have
the presence within the region and be able to respond to customer
requirements at short notice. We are the point of contact
for Europe and will be focusing on building relationships
and providing commercial and technical support for customers,
distributors and suppliers.
Our acclaimed Aprisa SE is delivering last-mile access and
trunking solutions to utility, defense and private networks
throughout Europe, and our market is expanding with the launch
in Geneva of the new, higher-capacity Aprisa XE.”
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| 29 August 2003
Aprisa solutions provide immediate bridge in Kuwait
The Ministry of Communication in Kuwait has
deployed Aprisa™ solutions from 4RF Communications to
roll out services to new urban/suburban developments.
Valuable customers of the government-owned communications
agency urgently sought high-quality Internet, voice and fax
access, and connection to the local exchange from newly constructed
homes in locations without suitable wired infrastructure.
In applications where telecommunications service providers
expand their infrastructure with wireless solutions, a valuable
attribute of the Aprisa radio is the speed of deployment and
ease of integration.
In Kuwait, these features of the Aprisa SE enabled the provider
to quickly respond and meet customer expectations. The links
were rapidly installed and commissioned providing an immediate
bridge and reliable service connection.
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| 25 August 2003
Grant Dow appointed to Chief Executive position
The Board of 4RF Communications are pleased
to announce the appointment of Grant Dow as Chief Executive.
He is responsible for market development internationally and
leads the Company’s marketing, sales and manufacturing
initiatives.
4RF Chairman, Peter Troughton says: “Grant brings to
4RF an in depth knowledge of the international wireless markets
having spent substantial time growing this type of infrastructure
business.”
Grant has a MBA from the Australasian Graduate School of Management
at the University of Sydney and an Honours degree in Mechanical
Engineering from the Swinbourne Institute of Technology. He
joins 4RF from his role as Managing Director of Australian
technology company XRT Limited whom he joined in 2000 to transition
from a research and development spin-off to commercial enterprise.
Prior to joining XRT, Grant served five years as Vice-President
and General Manager, Global Service, with Nasdaq listed digital
microwave company Stratex Networks.
Intrinsic to his decision to join 4RF was Grant’s confidence
in the Company’s product design philosophy and the alignment
with the commercial opportunities throughout the world. He
will be attending ITU Telecom World in Geneva and will launch
the new Aprisa™ XE digital access radio and the expanded
Aprisa™ product family of point-to-point wireless solutions.
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| 12 October 2003
Aprisa™ XE launched at ITU Telecom
World
The launch of the new, advanced Aprisa XE point-to-point
digital access radio solution at ITU Telecom World 2003 sees
an expansion of 4RF Communications successful Aprisa range.
The solution provides point-to-point radio links with up to
16 Mbps of capacity over distances up to 100 kilometers –
offering performance, integration and ease of use, whatever
the distances or terrain that need to be covered.
Carrier-grade connectivity for a range
of advanced services
Applications for Aprisa XE include rural fixed telecommunications,
cellular and mobile radio transmission, private networks,
emergency services and defense networks, and transporting
telemetry data. For example, the new system will help operators
meet demand for high-quality Internet, voice and data services
in areas where fiber or cable roll-out cannot be justified.
Customer capacity can be delivered flexibly using a range
of integrated interface cards.
“Aprisa XE offers a cost-effective alternative to more
traditional ways of connecting customers and equipment, while
still providing carrier-grade connectivity suitable for a
range of advanced services,” said Grant Dow, Chief Executive
of 4RF Communications. “It expands the capacity options
and further develops the value of the Aprisa range to all
users.”
Spectrally efficient performance
Spectral efficiency is a key feature of the new Aprisa XE
solution: for example, it can carry a complete E1 (2 Mbps)
signal within just 500 kHz of radio spectrum. This reduces
operating expenditure for operators by limiting the amount
of radio spectrum they need to license.
Customer-configurable integrated interfaces
The Aprisa XE solution offers a wide choice of integrated
interfaces for connecting customer and network equipment directly,
so that there is no need for external multiplexer or converter
equipment. These ‘plug-and-play’ cards are customer-configurable,
and allow interfaces to be ‘mixed and matched’
in the same radio unit to meet the needs of complex network
requirements, for example, in trunked mobile radio and utility
applications.
Network elements management software
Another key feature of Aprisa XE is SuperVisor™, its
web-based element management system. This provides an intuitive
graphical user interface that works in conjunction with the
system’s built-in digital cross-connect (which has 8
kbps resolution) to provide straightforward software-based
configuration and management from any Internet-enabled terminal.
Ease of installation
The Aprisa XE compact 19-inch rack-mounted unit (the
1400 MHz unit measures just 2 U high) provides its own cooling
with the option of AC or DC power supply enabling it to be
easily installed in a wide variety of locations.
Aprisa XE solutions operate in the 300 MHz, 400 MHz and 1400
MHz bands. High-order QAM modulation (16–64 QAM) maximizes
spectral efficiency in 250 kHz–3.5 MHz channels. End-to-end
reliability is ensured through Forward Error Correction (FEC)
interleaving equalization and hot standby protection options.
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| 25 August 2003
New Sales Directors appointed
Europe: Jason Stout has been appointed Sales
Director Europe responsible for business development and customer
support in European markets. He is based in the East Midlands
in the UK and joins 4RF from his role as Director, Services
Business Development at Marconi Plc and managerial positions
with Stratex Networks in the UK and the United States.
“We’re very pleased that Jason has decided to
bring to 4RF his considerable experience of the wireless telecom
market and his knowledge of the market in Europe,” said
Grant Dow, 4RF Chief Executive. “His marketing and technical
expertise will be invaluable as we build on our position in
Europe as a supplier of leading-edge, wireless solutions.”
Jason graduated with a Bachelor of Engineering
(Hons) degree from Nottingham Trent University and is currently
studying for a MSc at Warwick University. Contact jason.stout@4rf.com. |
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| Middle East & North Africa: In
the United Arab Emirates, experienced telecommunications specialist
Tony White has been appointed Sales Director, Middle East
and North Africa. In his new role, White will be responsible
for new business development and customer support throughout
the region, which will be managed from 4RF’s new regional
sales office in Dubai, UAE.
“With his 30-plus years of professional experience in
the Middle East and Africa, Tony will be an extremely valuable
asset to 4RF as we expand our business in the region,”
said Grant Dow, 4RF Chief Executive. “He will play a
key role in introducing our new, higher capacity Aprisa XE
digital access radio system, and building up our regional
distributor network.”
Tony has more than thirty years professional
experience working exclusively in the Middle East and Africa,
and joins 4RF from his role as Senior Vice-President–Sales,
Middle East, Africa and Asia Pacific for Intervoice Inc based
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| Singapore: The new Asian business
development and support office is headed by Sales Director
Callum McGowan and is located in Suntec City – Asia's
vertical Silicon Valley and the single largest integrated
commercial development in Singapore.
“Callum has brought to 4RF his considerable experience
of the markets in South-East Asia and North America. His knowledge
of how customers can integrate our wireless technologies is
invaluable,” said Grant Dow, 4RF Chief Executive. “His
marketing and product expertise is highly valued in the region.”
Before joining 4RF, Callum was engaged by wireless infrastructure
company Microwave Networks Inc in senior sales and product
support roles for the Southwest of the USA and Asia. Contact
callum.mcgowan@4rf.com.
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| 28 May 2003 - Telecom
Fiji Press Release
Island resorts sign up on high-speed Internet access!
Guests on Treasure Island Resort in the Mamamuca group now
have high-speed Internet access thanks to Telecom Fiji and
Wellington based wireless communication company 4RF Communications.
The resort, which occupies the entire island and includes
67 bures, is using 4RF’s Aprisa digital radio technology
to link the island with Viti Levu for voice and data communications.
Telecom Fiji had signed a distribution agreement for advanced
performance microwave radios with 4RF and Treasure Island
was the first field trial to prove the technology. Following
the successful installation and testing of the technology,
it has been accepted by Telecom Fiji and the link purchased.
Treasure Island Resort previously had limited Internet access
via a dial-up modem, but the system was often unreliable and
staff experienced frustrating delays re-establishing lost
connections and uploading data.
The resort maintains its own network server on the island,
providing point-of-sale customer support for billing accommodation,
meals, drinks and recreational activities. The server (on
Treasure Island) is connected via the radio link to the resort’s
mainland office in Lautoka in what is termed a virtual local
area network (VLAN), where the reservations and bookings are
processed.
The Treasure Island link, which delivers Internet access at
speeds of 128 or 256 kilobits per second, together with 10
to 15 voice circuits, is helping co-ordinate booking reservations
and the logistics management of food and provisions, staff
and services.
The new 4RF technology is more robust and reliable in terms
of connectivity to the Internet with minimum dropouts since
it is unaffected by most weather and atmospheric conditions.
It provides for high-speed Internet/data and e-mail connection,
high quality telephone and fax services, and is able to provide
services over long distances on line of sight from Telecom
Fiji stations. This service is ‘always-on and available’
with a dedicated IP connection with the billing based only
on volume of traffic and not the time connected.
Eight other resorts have had high speed Internet access installed
through the 4RF-radio technology. These include Vomo and Malolo
Island Resort who have also invested in the VLAN facilities
to better improve their services. Other resorts who have had
this high speed internet access include Matamanoa, Tavarua,
Waidigi, Namotu, Sonaisali and Qamea Island Resort.
Telecom Fiji is currently installing these services in Musket
Cove, Castaway, Plantation, Tokoriki, Turtle Island, Matagi,
Kaibu, Rainbow Reef, FFI Malau, Marlin Bay and Hideaway Resort
who have had the previous low speed service. This system when
installed will offer Internet access speed ranging from 64K
to 256K. In addition another nine resorts have expressed interest
in the system.
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| 25 May 2003
4RF to exhibit at ITU Telecom World 2003:
Geneva 12 - 18 October
4RF will be exhibiting our Aprisa point-to-point
radio solutions and launching new product features at ITU.
We will be exhibiting in Stand 7078 in Hall No.7
ITU Telecom World 2003 is a four-yearly world-class
showcase for the very latest technological trends and a stimulating
forum for influential speakers. It is a completely impartial,
attendee-focused, telecommunications event for forging major
public-private sector partnerships and an event that brings
together top-level participants from both the developed and
the developing worlds.
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| 14 March 2003
Orion increases investment in 4RF Communications
Ltd
Orion New Zealand Limited has invested a further
NZ$3.6 million in innovative New Zealand microwave technology
company 4RF Communications Ltd, bringing its total investment
in the company to just over NZ$17 million.
Orion first invested in 4RF in early 2001
with an initial investment of NZ$6.5 million and an agreement
for subsequent investment. The recent investments have been
made in two tranches following 4RF achieving agreed revenue,
international distribution, and technical milestones.
4RF engineers high-performance point-to-point
radio technologies for professional mobile radio, trunking
and cellular network applications. Exports to Western and
Eastern Europe, South Africa, India, Asia, the Middle East,
Australia and the Pacific have contributed 77% to 4RF revenues
this year.
Orion New Zealand Chairman Linda Constable
said Orion had been very pleased with the performance of 4RF
and was looking forward to continuing to play an active role
in the company’s development as it expands its international
markets.
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31 January 2003
Tait Approved Network Solution
status for Aprisa™ radio
Tait Electronics, leaders in the design and
manufacture of professional wireless communication solutions,
have certified the 4RF Communications Aprisa™
point-to-point digital radio as an Approved Network Solution
for deployment with their trunked mobile network products.
Tait certified the radio after a rigorous testing programme
in their Christchurch, New Zealand laboratory.
Paul Daigneault, Tait Electronics Systems & Solutions
Manager, says, “4RF have delivered an integrated solution
for complex communications. Their Aprisa™ demonstrates
superior RF performance, it has a small physical footprint
and intelligent interfaces. We were impressed by their commitment
to develop equipment that swiftly integrates within our networks”.
“For Tait, as a New Zealand-based mobile communications
supplier, it’s a significant advantage to be able to
partner with another New Zealand company for the development
of linking equipment for our current and future technology
solutions.”
Aprisa transports voice and data, or combinations of both,
for high-speed mobile and cellular base station linking using
digital radio protocols such as MPT1327, Simulcast and Quasi-Sync™.
It has a modular design integrating the transmitter, receiver,
modem and controller, and delivers data rates of 80 kbps to
1 Mbps in the 300, 400 and 1400 MHz licensed frequency bands.
Tait Electronics and 4RF Communications have signed into a
worldwide OEM agreement for Aprisa™ and it will be featured
on the Tait Mobile Radio Stand 7051 at IWCE in Las Vegas in
March 2003.
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27 November 2002
Aprisa™ radio delivers high-speed
Internet to 37 islands throughout Fiji
Telecom Fiji have announced that 37 island
resorts throughout Fiji are to receive high-speed Internet
and data access from late 2002 with the integration of further
Aprisa™ microwave radios from 4RF Communications into
Telecom Fiji’s network.
The Fijian economy is heavily reliant upon tourism. The provision
of reliable Internet and data access in the more than US$1
million deal is pivotal to developing international tourism
and supporting the locally based tourism infrastructure.
Many of the resorts lie between 10 and 75 kilometres offshore.
They use online reservation systems and need reliable, high-speed
communications to assist the management of staffing, provisions
and fuel resources sourced from their mainland-based offices.
The New Zealand-built Aprisa radio links will also create
a virtual private network back to the mainland and will provide
each resort with between 6 and 20 voice circuits.
Sakeasi Seru, General Manager Network & Technology for
Telecom Fiji, says the deployment of the Aprisa radios is
complimentary to Telecom Fiji’s satellite service. He
says their next step will be the expansion Telecom Fiji’s
network penetration to provide Internet access to rural schools,
hospitals and government agencies using 4RF’s microwave
wireless technology.
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In South Africa
Spescom MeasureGraph (SMG) is a division of the JSE-listed company Spescom Limited.
Now in its 23rd year of operation, Spescom is a major player in the South African
communications and information technology markets and is active in two major areas,
namely: providing products and solutions to connect to the networked knowledge economy;
and providing products and solutions to manage information and knowledge. In recent years
Spescom has transformed itself from a predominantly South African company to one with a
global presence and fully fledged operations in the UK, USA and South Africa.
Rob Beckwith, who heads up the Communications
Test Division, says: "This alliance with 4RF means that significant
opportunities open up for Spescom in areas supplying voice
and data communication links, especially in Southern Africa's
rural areas, where the existing telecoms infrastructure is
unable to provide these services."
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In Canada
Cartel Communication Systems provide support for Canadian
wireless communication systems from offices in Edmonton, Toronto
and Vancouver. The company has earned a reputation inmarket
for delivering innovative solutions for challenging applications,
and provides Canadian carriers, utilities, and public service
agencies with application assessments, product support, design
and system commissioning. Vice President of Sales James Hackwood
says that: "Cartel's versatility, technical support, and commitment
to customer service helps us deliver successful solutions
for our customers. I believe the Aprisa(tm) digital access
radio is ideally suited to the Canadian wireless environment,
and I'm looking forward to making it the linking product of
choice in Canada." www.cartelsys.com
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In the Philippines
Trends and Technologies Inc., (TTI), is an established solutions
provider in the data and telecommunications fields in the
Philippines. With rapid access, connectivity and ROI now making
wireless solutions a viable alternative to wired networks
in the Philippines, TTI has a team of well-trained professionals
focussed on transmission solutions in satellite-based, terrestrial
microwave, and optical laser technologies. A subsidiary of
Trends and Technologies Holding, Inc., TTI has affiliates
offering complementary products and services to provide customers
with totally integrated communication solutions.
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In Indonesia
Formed in 1993, Nexcom provides support for trunked radio
communication and conventional two-way radio systems in Indonesia
and operates a 20-site, 3000-subscriber commercial trunked
radio network on the island of Java. Nexcom provides customers,
including IndonesiaÕs leading oil and gas energy and mining
utilities, with connection and installation support, configuration
design and planning, and 24/7 after-sale customer support.
www.nexcom.co.id
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In India
The Telecom division of Precision Electronics Limited (PEL) will distribute Aprisa
on the Indian sub-continent. Established as a joint venture with German PCB
manufacturer Wagner Schaltungstechnik, PEL installs digital transmission systems
in private and national networks throughout India. The company has been accorded
to ISO 9001 accreditation and has 120 engineers, technicians and professionals
supporting PDH multiplexing equipment, fibre optic transmission equipment, PCM
multiplexers, digital line systems and digital microwave radios.
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June 2002
MCS expands EDACS mobile radio network with Aprisa™
MCS Digital RT, a communications company operating
an EDACS wide-area mobile radio network, is expanding its
network in New Zealand’s North Island. The 18 base stations
presently use leased circuits to transport end customers'
voice and data traffic over a range of challenging terrestrial
environments.
The expansion program, developed by 4RF Communications
using its Aprisa™ point-to-point digital radio, liberates
MCS from the constraints of costly leased circuits.
Allan Cosford, MCS Digital’s Managing
Director, says, "4RF clearly demonstrated to our Board
that their solution was cost-effective and made good economic
sense. Importantly the Aprisa links are going to enable us
to expand our coverage and secure a wider customer base while
realizing significant operational savings across our network.”
Among MCS’s customers are the Auckland
Volunteer Coastguard, Deadline Express Couriers, Waste Management
and Turners & Growers.
Aprisa is an ETSI Class 3-compliant radio providing
the best of both worlds for network operators facing ever-increasing
demands and limited frequency resources. With an adaptable
multiplexing architecture embedded in the radio platform supporting
mixed voice, data and IP interfaces, the radio successfully
combines versatility with superior operational performance
in Internet and rural telephony, SCADA, and base station linking
applications.
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June 2002
4RF launches 64 QAM version of Aprisa™
digital radio
As demand increases and there is ever-greater
pressure upon the world’s finite and expensive frequency
resources, the challenge facing network operators is to deliver
efficiently more data in less spectrum. For some operators,
especially narrowband low-capacity-based networks, it is a
vital challenge as they seek to upgrade analog networks, integrate
new technologies into legacy networks, and meet the demands
of the end-user.
4RF Communications has launched a 64 QAM version
of its successful Aprisa™ point-to-point digital radio,
which is deployed by utility, telco, mobile radio and cellular
network operators throughout the world in Internet and rural
telephony, SCADA, and base station linking applications. Aprisa
delivers robust, carrier-class performance with data rates
of 80 kbps to 1 Mbps in the 300, 400 and 1400 MHz licensed
frequency bands. The 64 QAM model will deliver, for example,
a data rate of 120 kbps in a 25 kHz channel.
Transpower New Zealand has recently integrated
the radio into its SCADA and teleprotection network as part
of a comprehensive upgrade program. As both owner and system
operator of New Zealand’s national electricity grid,
Transpower maintains wireless networks to ensure the grid
meets specified quality and distribution objectives. Its radios
transport real-time monitoring information to help maintain
supply security and the operational efficiency of the grid.
Matthew Hansen, 4RF Sales & Marketing Director,
has recently managed a very successful Aprisa linking project for
an EDACS wide-area mobile radio network operator. “One feature
winning presently for operators is the multiplexing architecture
embedded in our radio platform. By providing comprehensive support
for mixed voice, data and IP interfaces, it’s giving them a
completely integrated solution in a single, space-saving unit,”
he said.
“The other benefit of an integrated design
for our network customers are the operational savings they’re
achieving through reducing third party suppliers, spares inventories
and maintenance costs. These savings are very valuable going
forward.”
Aprisa is fully supported by a worldwide distribution
network and has been certified ETSI Class 3 compliant with the CE
mark for international deployment.
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11 April 2002
Telecom Fiji signs Pacific distributorship agreement
Telecom Fiji has signed a distribution agreement
for advanced performance digital microwave radios with 4RF Communications,
an electronics manufacturer from Wellington, New Zealand.
After signing the agreement at the PITA AGM
conference, Winston Thompson, CEO of Telecom Fiji, said, "This
4RF point-to-point digital radio solution will give Fiji just
what it needs to upgrade our service for major off-shore island
resort customers. The 4RF radios will also have the potential
to 'fast track' delivery of Internet and telephone services
to many rural areas. Through our Telecom Fiji distributorship,
we hope to offer the 4RF digital wireless equipment to PITA
members throughout the Pacific Region."
Not only do the 4RF digital radios make the
best use of high-performance RF technology to cover long distances
for Internet and telephony in rural areas, they are also designed
for linking in cellular, mobile radio and utility networks.
Enhanced performance features include a variety
of analog and/or data or Ethernet interfaces; available frequencies
from 330 MHz to 1550 MHz; low (solar) powered capability;
an embedded micro cross-connect facility allowing easy drop
and insert of channels; and full ‘carrier class’
ETSI Class 3-compliant QAM to deliver exceptional spectrum
efficiency.
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February 2002
Transpower New Zealand deploys
Aprisa™ for teleprotection
Transpower New Zealand Ltd is the owner of
New Zealand’s national electricity grid that comprises
over 13,000 kms of transmission lines and 180 substations
and switchyards. The company is also the system operator with
responsibility to ensure its grid meets stakeholder-specified
quality and distribution objectives.
Transpower maintains wireless networks to help
it manage supply and security. It is progressively upgrading
equipment in its analog communications network with the high-performance
4RF Aprisa™ point-to-point digital radio.
The radios are used to transport monitoring
information in real time. This information is vital for Transpower’s
SCADA and teleprotection applications, helping it maintain
supply security and the operational efficiency of its grid.
Speaking at the launch of the new 64 QAM Aprisa
model, Matthew Hansen, 4RF Sales & Marketing Director,
said, "Utility networks are finding that our embedded
multiplexing architecture supporting mixed voice, data and
IP interfaces gives them very desirable flexibility. That
flexibility, combined with carrier-class, spectrally efficient
performance is making Aprisa an attractive, cost-effective
and fully integrated option for utilities."
Mr Hansen says a further, real benefit is the operational savings
that an integrated digital radio can deliver by reducing third party
suppliers, spares inventories and maintenance costs.
Aprisa delivers data rates of 80 kbps to 1 Mbps in the 300, 400
and 1400 MHz licensed frequency bands, and has been certified ETSI
Class 3 compliant with the CE mark for international deployment.
The 64 QAM model will deliver a data rate of 120 kbps in a 25 kHz
channel.
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10 October 2001
New frequency band gives more options to New Zealand
operators
New spectrum allocations in the New Zealand 1.5 GHz
Band make it even easier to deploy narrow-band high-efficiency digital
point-to-point fixed links for rural access, utility and mobile
network applications.
The Radio Spectrum Management Group of New Zealand's
Ministry of Economic Development has released a band plan for 1427-1429.5
MHz to 1522-1525 MHz, known as the LL
Band, allowing the use of new technology for low-capacity digital
point-to-point links.
While this frequency band has been used internationally
for narrow-band fixed services for a number of years, New Zealand
operators have traditionally been restricted to the UHF bands for
low-capacity analog links. The new LL microwave band makes better
use of the spectrum for applications where capacities of up to 768
kbps are needed.
The 1.5 GHz allocations will enable a new range of
options for local network operators. As 4RF’s New Zealand Sales
Executive, Richard Whitsed, observes: "A number of our local
customers have been needing higher capacity links for some time
now. They can see the benefits of adding new communication technologies
such as IP/Ethernet into existing mixed voice and low-speed data
networks. The new LL Band allocations give more flexibility and
open up new opportunities for applications such as IP SCADA and
rural Internet access."
To make the best use of the new spectrum, it is only
available to ETSI 300 630 Class 3-compliant equipment, using advanced
16 QAM modulation schemes. These specifications comply with that
of the 4RF Aprisa™
digital access radio. The wide range of traffic interfaces supported
by Aprisa is ideally suited for use within the 1.5 GHz LL Band and
allows New Zealand network operators to exploit the new communications
options available to them.
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September 2001
Certifications for the Aprisa™ radio
The 4RF Aprisa™ digital point-to-point
radio has successfully passed the European Telecommunications
Standards Institute (ETSI) certification tests. ETSI is a
non-profit organization uniting 912 members from 54 countries
to define telecommunications standards throughout Europe and
beyond. It develops technical standards as Europe's contribution
to achieving worldwide standardization in telecommunications,
broadcasting and information technology.
The 1400 MHz Aprisa passed all tests required
under the stringent EN 300 630 for Class 3 (16 QAM) operation
and EN 300 385 EMI/EMC testing. The radio has received EN
60950 Safety of Information Technology Equipment certification.
Aprisa complies with the essential requirements of
all relevant EC directives and carries the European quality (CE)
mark. The CE mark is the mark of conformity indicating that an electric
or electronic product complies with the requirements of the applicable
European laws or Directives with respect to safety, health, environment
and consumer protection.
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14 February 2001
Orion New Zealand and 4RF Communications announce
equity investment
New Zealand is poised to reap the benefits of massive
international growth in the wireless access market. Canterbury
electricity network company Orion
New Zealand announced today that it has made a significant
investment of NZ$6.5 million in New Zealand company 4RF Communications
Ltd, with an opportunity of further investment in the future.
The securing of a substantial New Zealand investor is expected
to create specialist job opportunities and will help ensure
that future profits are retained in New Zealand.
Wellington-based 4RF is planning a Nasdaq IPO listing
in the next three years. 4RF Managing Director John
Yaldwyn says dramatic growth in the use of digital radio links
for a range of communication applications
is occurring internationally. A key driver is consumer demand for
wireless access.
Radio bandwidth is now a scarce resource in urban
areas, according to John Yaldwyn, and its use is often carefully
controlled by government regulations. Many regulatory agencies are
now charging for spectrum bandwidth and set minimum efficiency requirements.
The technologies that 4RF is developing will deliver
industry-leading spectrum efficiencies that make the most of finite
and expensive frequency resources. The company is offering digital
microwave radio products that create opportunities for telcos,
cellular networks and competitive local exchange carriers around
the world to transport voice, data, Internet, LAN and multimedia
at lower price points with faster installation, easy turn-up and
lower ongoing costs.
”This will be even more significant in the future
as the costs of putting infrastructure in the ground continue to
escalate,” he says.
4RF has come to market with a narrowband solution
that delivers wireless network access for local exchange carriers
– ISPs, cellular companies, utilities, corporates and SOHOs.
It is conducting field trials of a 1400 MHz digital microwave radio
system and will be bidding for contracts in Africa, South America
and the Middle East where there is strong demand for low-capacity
microwave solutions.
The equity will fund the development and international
marketing of digital microwave products for the wireless access
market – a market expected to top US$4 billion per annum by
2004.
With its immediate funding needs now secured, 4RF
says it plans to increase its current 18 staff to 56 this year,
most of whom will be R&D personnel. The company is also actively
recruiting suitably qualified radio frequency and software engineers
to develop the next generation of digital microwave radio systems.
"At a time when the country as a whole is very
aware of the brain drain phenomenon, it is especially pleasing to
us that a New Zealand-based company will be providing the venture
capital and ensuring future profits and jobs remain largely in New
Zealand," says John Yaldwyn.
Chris Laurie, Managing Director of Orion New Zealand,
says Orion’s expertise in network operations and telemetry,
together with its international alliances, will be very valuable
to 4RF over the next few years. The investment will also be of huge
benefit to Canterbury in terms of wealth generation, he says. “This
investment is a win-win for both companies. We believe that the
technology being developed by the team at 4RF is world leading.
As direct investors, we stand to profit substantially from the exponential
growth expected in this market.”
4RF was established
in 1998 to develop original, high-performance wireless microwave
radio systems that quickly deliver cost-effective digital bandwidth
for network operators and end-users.
Dr Peter Troughton
chairs the 4RF Board of Directors and guides the company’s
international initiatives and corporate strategies. Both Dr Troughton
and John Yaldwyn played instrumental roles in New Zealand success
story, MAS Technology (now DMC Stratex Networks).
Orion’s core business is the management of the
Canterbury-based electricity network, servicing the greater Christchurch
urban area and the large surrounding rural area. The investment
in 4RF is part of a portfolio of investments Orion has in energy-related
service and technology companies. Other equity investment interests
include Connetics Limited, CIC Global LLC, Energetics Pty Limited,
Whisper Tech Limited, TransFlux Developments, EnerTech Capital Partners,
Scott Convertech Limited and an exploration joint venture with Westech
Energy New Zealand.
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3 July 2000
Peter Troughton appointed 4RF Communications'
Chairman
4RF Communications Ltd announced that Dr
Peter Troughton has joined its Board as Chairman.
As Chairman, Peter Troughton will guide the company's
international initiatives and direct the corporate strategy leading
towards the ultimate objective of a float on the US Nasdaq technology
stock market.
Troughton comments, "I have watched with interest
the growth of digital wireless radio links used for a range of communication
applications. The growth in this sector is accelerating dramatically.
We have a very dynamic team, with significant potential, working
in the key areas of e-business and communication technologies."
About Peter Troughton
Most recently Peter Troughton has been the driving force behind
Australia's A$28 billion energy privatization program in the state
of Victoria. In New Zealand he is better known for his work as the
Chief Executive of Telecom New Zealand, re-engineering the company
for privatization in 1990 and subsequent public float in 1991.
From 1992 to 1993 Troughton chaired the establishment
board of Transpower and was a director of the Crown Health Enterprise
Development Unit. He also worked on the State-Owned Enterprise steering
committee.
He was appointed Chairman of a New Zealand manufacturer
of microwave communication systems, MAS Technology Ltd, in 1993.
The company listed on the Nasdaq in 1997. Silicon Valley-based Digital
Microwave Corporation acquired MAS Technology in 1998.
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Launched 15 May 1999
4RF – new wireless company
The Hon Peter Dunne, MP for Ohariu-Belmont, launched
the new Wellington-based wireless company 4RF
Communications Ltd on 15 May 1999 during a reception held at
the Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa.
The function was attended by a large cross-section
of New Zealand's radio and electronics industry. Two long-established
New Zealand wireless companies were represented by their respective
General Managers — Samuel Wyman III, Digital Microwave Corporation
and David Haynes, Exicom Technologies.
Speaking to the more than 120 invited guests, 4RF
founder John Yaldwyn
explained his vision for digital radio links and outlined wireless
applications in the small office and home office (SOHO) environment.
Wireless radio links are used to extend telecommunications networks
to remote locations where a wired infrastructure is unavailable,
overloaded, or too expensive.
Before officially launching the company, Peter Dunne
commented on the valuable foreign exchange earnings and the jobs
provided by New Zealand's wireless and IT industries. In 1997 New
Zealand wireless manufacturers achieved export sales of NZ$144 million,
twice that of the highly regarded New Zealand wine industry (Ministry
of Commerce and Statistics New Zealand figures).
The Hon Peter Dunne is the Leader of United New Zealand.
As the United party's coalition representative in Cabinet, he has
held the Government portfolios of Minister of Internal Affairs and
Inland Revenue.
John Yaldwyn is the Managing Director and founder
of 4RF Communications Ltd. He was an executive at MAS Technology
Ltd, building the company towards the successful NASDAQ float in
1998 and the merger with Digital Microwave Corporation later that
year. He was previously with the Department of Scientific and Industrial
Research and is named in two patents.
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