AirCore® Platform Provides Advanced, Cost-Effective Wireless Service in the Pacific
COLUMBIA, Md., February 3, 1999 — TECORE™, a leading supplier of scalable, multi-service switching systems for converging wireless and wireline networks, announced today that it has completed the deployment of its AirCore Platform for an AMPS network in the Marshall Islands. In addition to the AirCore® Platform switching system and base stations, TECORE also provided a real-time billing system, as well as turnkey installation services that included shelters with built-in air conditioning, power, battery, and ancillary equipment.

The Marshall Islands, a self-governing democracy in free association with the United States, consists of 29 coral atolls and five low-lying islands located midway between Hawaii and Australia. The TECORE network, operated by the Marshall Islands National Telecommunications Authority (NTA), provides cellular service to the islands of Ebeye and Gugeegue, part of the Kwajalein Atoll and one of the nation's major population centers with nearly 10,000 people. The network also extends coverage 25 miles off shore.

The AirCore® Platform offers unmatched scalability from 100 to 100,000 subscribers and is capable of upgrading to the digital technology of an operator's choice. AirCore Platform's unique ability to simultaneously support multiple protocols, including AMPS, TDMA, CDMA, and GSM, provides the Marshall Islands NTA the flexibility to meet its subscriber's future needs.

"We selected TECORE after a rigorous evaluation process because the company offers the best solution for the special needs of small operators," said Alan Fowler, general manager of the Marshall Islands NTA. "We don't have the same capacity requirements or financial flexibility as larger operators, but we still need to deploy a feature-rich, reliable system in a cost-effective manner. TECORE worked closely with us to provide the best solution that meets our current and future requirements."

"The AirCore Platform was designed with operators such as the Marshall Islands NTA in mind," said Jay Salkini, TECORE president and CEO. "The platform provides the same advanced technology as much larger systems at a fraction of the cost. Operators in small-to-medium-size markets can offer high-quality, cost-effective services to customers while reducing deployment and operating costs. The ultimate result is greater profitability."

Founded in 1991 and based in Columbia, Md., TECORE develops and markets scalable multi-service switching systems for the converging wireless and wireline networks. The privately held company has the first and only switching platform on the market that can simultaneously support multiple wireless protocols AND wireline applications to give its customers unique competitive advantages in the new age of converging services. The company supplies advanced, cost-effective switching systems to carriers in small-to-medium-size, rural, and emerging markets directly and through system integrators and OEM partners. Its innovative AirCore® platform supports all major wireless technologies (including GSM, TDMA, CDMA and AMPS for cellular and PCS operators), provides an integrated prepaid package, and offers tandem switching and wireline services for IXCs and CLECs.