First IP-based Soft MSC Gateway System Installed in Island Capital of Majuro
COLUMBIA, MD – December 15, 2000 – TECORE™ today announced that it has successfully designed, engineered and installed a turnkey TDMA system in the Marshall Islands capital of Majuro. The system's completion expands the services provided by the Marshall Islands National Telecommunications Authority (NTA) to include both digital and analog services.

The AirCore® IP-based soft MSC gateway is at the heart of the innovative system. The new TDMA system replaces the analog system that was previously utilized on Majuro. TECORE has installed the entire turnkey system including IS-136 TDMA base stations, its AirCore wireless switching platform, antennas, power and cables to create the island's first digital system.

The AirCore platform combines all of the capabilities of multiple wireless network functions with support for IP protocols in a compact package. The switch is designed for wireless networks and offers a full complement of RF technologies as well as a smooth migration to IP and 3G systems.

The AirCore platform can be configured with all or with a specific group of interfaces that can be expanded cost-effectively. Through its flagship AirCore MSC, TECORE's solutions enable operators to offer new, revenue-producing services while reducing operating expenses and capital outlay costs.

"TECORE was selected because it had the type of equipment we were looking for and had the best price," said Alan Fowler, president and general manager of the Marshall Islands National Telecommunications Authority. "The upfront cost is considerably less and more cost-effective than larger switches, and we have found that the TECORE equipment performs well, is expandable and has a good support program."

"With TECORE's IP-based soft MSC the NTA will be able to offer its customers the latest digital wireless technology services," said Shiblie O. Shiblie, TECORE's vice president of business development. "Our successful experience in providing turnkey systems led to the NTA partnering with TECORE again. This further solidifies TECORE's position as the industry leader in markets that demand innovative, scalable and cost-effective solutions."

The Marshall Islands are comprised of a cluster of islands, atolls and reefs in the North Pacific Ocean and are located halfway between Hawaii and Papua New Guinea. The land area is 181.3 square kilometers (70 square miles), comparable to the size of Washington, D.C. The NTA provides the Marshall Islands with local calling service, long-distance service, Internet service and cellular service for the entire population, which is expected to grow from more than 68,000 to more than 91,000 in the next 10 years. TECORE's scalable system will allow the NTA to expand its services as the population expands.

In 1998, the Marshall Islands NTA selected TECORE to install a complete wireless system for the island of Ebeye, one of the two population centers in the islands. In June 2000 TECORE was selected to install a new system for the other urban center of Majuro, replacing another manufacturer's previously installed system.

TECORE, Columbia, Md., is a global leader in converging wireless, wireline, IP networks and wireless enterprise systems solutions. TECORE's wireless switching solutions support GSM, CDMA, TDMA, AMPS, GPRS, IP and next-generation technologies. For more information, please visit our Web site at http://www.tecore.com.