Aperto Networks, Milpitas, CA, a builder of WiMAX base stations and subscriber units, announced that it has been selected by Egypt’s Ministry of Interior to provide equipment for that nation’s first wireless WiMAX network. The equipment will be used to connect Egyptian police stations and offices nationwide. Barkotel, a distributor based in Egypt, will provide engineering services for the deployment.


“We are pleased with Aperto's solution," said General Mohammed Sadek, General Director of Police Communication with the Ministry of the Interior. "Our deployment is now moving into high gear. We plan on using Aperto's WiMAX solutions for many applications in the future, including our Tetra application, video surveillance, voice communications between police stations, and then expanding these applications into other geographical areas in Egypt. We also would like to be the first to adopt Aperto's 802.16e solutions as they become available in the near future."

“We are extremely proud to be selected by the Ministry of the Interior for such a massive project,” said Manish Gupta, Vice President of Marketing & Alliances for Aperto Networks and WiMAX Forum Board Member. “Egypt is taking a strong leadership position in adopting WiMAX technology to protect its citizenry and promote economic growth. We are excited to be working with the Egyptian government to deploy one of the largest WiMAX networks in Middle East to date.”

The deployment of Aperto's PacketMAX solution will take place in two phases. Phase I is currently underway and will connect all major cities and towns in Northern Egypt. Phase II will connect smaller towns and remaining rural regions. Both phases will involve PacketMAX base stations and subscriber units to provide integrated voice, data and video services.

"The selection of Aperto's PacketMAX solution to connect Egyptian police stations and offices nationwide allows the Ministry of Interior to deploy Egypt’s first carrier-grade WiMAX network," said Berge Ayvazian, Chief Strategy Officer for Yankee Group. “It positions Aperto to support other advanced applications such as video surveillance and VoIP communications between police stations in Egypt."