Intel Communications Fund Invests In Four Wi-Fi Companies

SANTA CLARA, Calif., March 10, 2003 - Intel Corporation has invested in four companies involved in Wi-Fi technology since the beginning of the year, the company announced today. The investments support Intel's initiatives to expand the use of and create new capabilities for high-speed wireless networks.

The Intel Communications Fund today disclosed that it provided funding for rovingIP.net, a clearinghouse for Wi-Fi service providers, and Vivato, a Wi-Fi switch manufacturer. Broadreach Networks Limited, a broadband Internet access provider, and Pronto Networks, a provider of carrier-class OSS solutions for large hot spot networks, announced they received investments from the Fund earlier.

The Intel Communications Fund now has completed seven investments in Wi-Fi companies since October when Intel announced plans to invest $150 million in companies pursuing Wi-Fi technology. Since making its first investment in a wireless networking company in 1999, the Intel Communications Fund has invested in more than 15 wireless networking companies.

"These investments are part of Intel's efforts to help accelerate the deployment of high-speed wireless networks worldwide," said Mark Christensen, Intel vice president and director of Intel Capital's Communications Sector. "The products and services these companies provide will complement Intel® Centrino™ mobile technology, which debuts March 12. These companies represent the ecosystem of Wi-Fi companies that will make widespread adoption of wireless broadband a reality."

Broadreach Networks Limited, based in London, provides "pay-as-you-go" public wired and wireless broadband Internet access. The company, operating under the brand name ReadytoSurf™, has a network of more than 350 terminals in 41 locations, making it the largest operator of managed public Internet terminals in the United Kingdom. For more information about Broadreach Networks, visit www.broadreachnet.com.

Pronto Networks provides carrier-class Operations Support Systems (OSS) that enables Wi-Fi service providers to deploy and manage public WLAN hotspots. The Pleasanton, Calif., company's software handles provisioning, configuration, authentication, access control, security, pre-paid and post-paid billing, and roaming settlement for large public WLAN networks, in addition to remotely managing and updating intelligent access points. For more information about Pronto Networks, visit www.prontonetworks.com.

rovingIP.net, based in Bellevue, Wash., provides inter-network services to broadband wireless service providers and operators of public and private 802.11 wireless networks. Founded by individuals who were instrumental in developing the North American Cellular Network, rovingIP.net offers scaleable Wi-Fi roaming solutions. For more information about rovingIP.net, visit www.rovingIP.net.

Vivato manufactures Wi-Fi switches that offer a new way to deploy high-bandwidth Wi-Fi networks for enterprises and service providers. The San Francisco company's switches extend the range of Wi-Fi from meters to kilometers using phased array antenna techniques, enabling large areas of indoor and outdoor coverage for Wi-Fi clients. For more information about Vivato, visit www.vivato.net.

Financial terms of the investments were not disclosed.

The Intel Communications Fund, managed by Intel Capital, was established in September 1999, and focuses on accelerating Intel voice and data communications initiatives. The $500 million fund will devote $150 million specifically for investment in Wi-Fi companies worldwide.

The Intel Communications Fund has made more than 80 investments in 17 countries on five continents. For more information about the fund, visit www.intel.com/capital/portfolio/funds/icf.htm.

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Note: Wireless connectivity and some features may require you to purchase additional software, services or external hardware. Availability of public wireless LAN access points limited. System performance measured by MobileMark* 2002. System performance, battery life, wireless performance and functionality will vary depending on your specific hardware and software configurations. See http://www.intel.com/products/centrino/more_info for more information.