CLEAR and Walker Wireless join forces

Media release

7 November

CLEAR and Walker Wireless join forces to Regions Benefit as CLEAR extends Broadband Internet services throughout New Zealand Network

CLEAR Communications and Walker Wireless have joined forces to further improve broadband Internet access to ten major metropolitan areas throughout New Zealand.

The two companies have signed a deal providing CLEAR with wholesale access to Walker Wireless's state of the art IP (Internet Protocol) wireless network to reach businesses the length and breadth of New Zealand. More businesses will have access to CLEAR Net's fast growing Tempest high speed Internet access service. Product and service announcements will be made shortly.

Walker Wireless Managing Director, Bob Smith, said "He's very pleased the partnership is yet another move forward to bring cost effective broadband solutions to the New Zealand market. Walker Wireless is committed to this, and has been in operation for the last two years delivering wireless fast Internet and data services to NZ. We're pleased to partner with CLEAR who also have the same vision."

CLEAR's manager of Internet access, Lindsay Cowley, says working with Walker Wireless is a practical way to quickly offer improved broadband access to more businesses throughout New Zealand without the need for capital intensive network build. This means more businesses throughout New Zealand will be able to access CLEAR's innovative high-speed Internet service Tempest.

In addition to World Wide Web surfing and email connectivity, Tempest allows businesses to take advantage of software hosted by Application Service Providers such as CLEAR Net's Envision service for Microsoft Exchange, Mail and Outlook. It enables real cost and performance advantages ultimately enhancing businesses bottom line says Mr Cowley.

The new deal will provide improved access to high speed Internet for businesses in Whangarei, Auckland, Hamilton, Tauranga, Palmerston North, Napier, Wanganui, Wellington, Christchurch and Dunedin.

Response to CLEAR's roll-out of broadband services to seven new regional centres last month has been exceptional says Mr. Cowley - now even more small to medium businesses will be able to take advantage of CLEAR's Tempest high speed Internet access service.

"Because CLEAR Net Tempest is quickly and easily deployed, able to transmit and receive large volumes of data and offers real value to customers, thanks to our flat rate pricing option, we have seen significant uptake in the regional centres," he says.

"CLEAR is committed to delivering a full spectrum of broadband services, from access to applications, to as many business customers as possible throughout New Zealand - we deliver world class business solutions that enable customers to realise efficiencies of both time and money, - and at the end of the day that is what the Internet is all about," says Mr. Cowley.

Earlier this month CLEAR Net increased the availability of its $24.95 monthly flat rate pricing plan by establishing 68 new local calling numbers across New Zealand. This takes the number of regions with local phone number access to CLEAR Net to 88 regional centres - up from 20.

About CLEAR: CLEAR is the leading alternative information communications supplier in New Zealand and the country's second-largest Internet Service Provider. The rollout of broadband, e-business, wireless access, mobile services, convergent solutions and Internet solutions is CLEAR's focus.

CLEAR provides competitive services to nearly half a million New Zealand customers and has invested over three quarters of a billion dollars in rolling out advanced networks, including broadband and business access for small and medium businesses in over 30 CBD and regional New Zealand centres. The company is investing $150 million this year to improve access to its broadband networks and leading range of products and services.

About Walker Wireless: Walker Wireless is the leading wireless broadband supplier in NZ and began operation in December 1999.

Walker Wireless delivers fast Internet and data services using fixed wireless networks that are deployed in Auckland, Whangarei, Hamilton, Tauranga, Napier, Palmerston North, Wanganui, Wellington, Christchurch and Dunedin.

Walker Wireless is privately owned and has key shareholders such as Todd Capital, Stephan Tindall, Craig Heatley and Rod Inglis.

ENDS For further information contact either:

Bob Smith Managing Director Walker Wireless (09) 522 3699 Office (025) 933 827 Mobile

Lindsay Cowley Manager - Internet Access and eMarketing CLEAR Communications (09) 912 5852 Office (021) 335 543 Mobile

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