FiberTower Corporation | FiberTower Press Release

03.14.2005
FiberTower Announces Groundbreaking Backhaul Services to Help Wireless Carriers Improve Mission-Critical Networks

Delivers Industry's First Service Built Expressly for Wireless Backhaul That Scales to Meet Growing Demand for Wireless Voice, Data and Video Applications

San Francisco, CA and New Orleans, LA, March 14, 2005 -- FiberTower Corporation, a nationwide provider of backhaul services for wireless carriers, today announced the industry's only backhaul service built expressly for wireless carriers, delivering the first alternative service that radically improves performance and raises service standards in the industry. The service was publicly unveiled during the CTIA Wireless conference in New Orleans.

For over a generation, wireless carriers have relied on the only technology available, copper T1 circuits, to handle their backhaul requirements, the segment of the wireless network that runs from the cell site to the switch and provides the necessary bandwidth for mobile applications. Copper is not well suited to meet the needs of today's wireless networks, resulting in frequent network outages, sub-optimal repair cycles and an inability to scale quickly to meet escalating bandwidth demands. Backhaul has become a limiting factor as wireless carriers invest to build mission-critical networks that carry increasingly vital voice, data and video applications for businesses, government and consumers.

Backed by some of the largest wireless infrastructure operators in the U.S., FiberTower was founded to address the backhaul challenge and eliminate a major weak link in today's wireless networks. The company began deployments with wireless carriers three years ago, growing into nine major U.S. wireless markets and providing services to three of the five largest U.S. wireless carriers. With FiberTower's unique combination of fiber and Digital Radio Links (DRLs) wireless carriers are solidifying a mission critical network, protecting and strengthening their brands through superior network performance. FiberTower's facilities-based services have reduced cell site outages by as much as 60%, improved mean time to repair (MTTR) by more than 65% and significantly reduced the cost of backhaul.

“With more than 170 million Americans using cell phones today and with our reliance increasing daily, FiberTower's launch occurs at a turning point for wireless carriers as they realize they must enhance their networks to meet rising demand,” said Scott Brady, FiberTower Co-founder and CEO. “It is an open secret in the industry that every wireless network is jeopardized by the same weak link—legacy copper T1 backhaul. FiberTower's proven approach creates a radically better alternative and opens a monopoly market for our wireless customers.”

“In today's wireless world, cellular performance is paramount and the need will only increase with explosive growth of 3G functionality,” said Lindsay Schroth, Yankee Group Broadband Senior Analyst. “Wireless networks need an alternative backhaul solution that provides the critical network advancements necessary to meet these demands.”

Introducing the FiberTower Approach

FiberTower's facilities-based backhaul service delivers a new technological approach using proven communications methods and a radically improved set of service standards:

Designed Exclusively for Backhaul: FiberTower's network uses a hybrid of Digital Radio Links (DRLs) and fiber-optic SONET rings. The approach includes the following:

FiberTower has worked directly with manufacturers to specify and design FCC licensed digital radios with the highest levels of performance and reliability.

FiberTower engineers its DRL paths with reserve path margins to ensure the availability of the link.

To further enhance reliability of its DRLs, FiberTower maintains rigorous configuration and maintenance standards. All critical links are fully redundant, with zero outage time in case of failure.

Higher Service Standards: FiberTower has invested in the necessary systems and resources to support its customers at the highest levels.

By organizing local field engineering and operations contacts, FiberTower provides unmatched levels of local customer responsiveness and account management.

Customers have the ability to monitor their backhaul networks through FiberTower's 24x7 real-time network visibility tool. FiberTower employs real-time monitoring systems that enable field technicians and customers to monitor cell sites around the clock, allowing instant identification of outages and proactive support responsiveness.

FiberTower cuts backhaul delivery cycles in half by automating the provisioning processes. This allows the wireless carriers to scale their networks as needed or on short notice.

About FiberTower Corporation

FiberTower Corporation (www.fibertower.com) is the first company to recognize and treat wireless backhaul as part of a mission critical network by delivering a service that eliminates legacy copper backhaul, a weak link that inhibits growth, scalability and service quality in wireless networks. FiberTower delivers groundbreaking improvements in backhaul performance and opens up former monopoly markets. Wireless carriers, who recognize that their network is the heart of their differentiation and success, now have an alternative backhaul provider that enables them to protect and enhance their brands and reputations built on a superior network experience.