Atheros Communications Named One of the Fastest Growing Companies in North America on Deloitte’s 2006 Technology Fast 500

SANTA CLARA, Calif., Oct. 19, 2006—Atheros Communications, Inc. (NASDAQ: ATHR), a leading developer of advanced wireless solutions, today announced that it ranks No. 26 on Deloitte’s 2006 Technology Fast 500 – a ranking of the 500 fastest growing technology, media, telecommunications and life sciences companies in North America. Rankings are based on percentage revenue growth over five years, from 2001–2005. Atheros grew an impressive 9,921 percent during this period, with revenue jumping from $1.83 million to $183.5 million.

“To be successful in today’s increasingly competitive landscape, companies have to be better, smarter and more innovative than in the past, and the Technology Fast 500 companies are doing exactly that,” said Tony Kern, deputy managing principal of Deloitte’s Technology, Media & Telecommunications industry practice. “We applaud Atheros Communications for being among the fastest growing companies in North America.”

Atheros’ engineering team is recognized for its unmatched technical expertise in designing and delivering highly-integrated, robust wireless solutions on silicon. As a result, the company’s market-leading wireless chipsets are featured in products from many of the world’s top PC OEMs, SOHO and enterprise network equipment vendors, service providers and mobile handheld device makers.

“Atheros has cultivated an organization committed to delivering the most innovative, yet cost-effective wireless products,” said Craig Barratt, president and chief executive officer of Atheros Communications. “Being ranked on Deloitte’s 2006 Technology Fast 500 is an accomplishment that highlights Atheros’ success in helping our customers deliver competitive, differentiated products that provide end users with the best wireless experience.”

Overall, companies that ranked on the 2006 Technology Fast 500 had growth rates ranging from 209 to 48,948 percent over five years, with an average growth rate of 2,145 percent.

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About Atheros Communications, Inc.

Atheros Communications is a leading developer of semiconductor system solutions for wireless communications products. Atheros combines its wireless systems expertise with high-performance radio frequency (RF), mixed signal and digital semiconductor design skills to provide highly integrated chipsets that are manufacturable on low-cost, standard complementary metal-oxide semiconductor (CMOS) processes. Atheros technology is being used by a broad base of leading customers, including personal computer, networking equipment and handset manufacturers. For more information, visit www.atheros.com or send email to info@atheros.com.

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Atheros and the Atheros logo are trademarks of Atheros Communications, Inc. All other trademarks mentioned in this document are the sole property of their respective owners.

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENT:

Except for the historical information contained herein, the matters set forth in this press release, including statements regarding Atheros’ anticipated growth and its plans to continue Atheros’ leadership in wireless solutions markets, are forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially, including, but not limited to, Atheros’ ability to execute its growth strategy; the effects of competition in the wireless markets; general economic conditions; and other risks detailed in Atheros’ Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2005 and its Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2006 as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, and in other reports filed with the SEC by Atheros from time to time. These forward-looking statements speak only as of the date hereof. Atheros disclaims any obligation to update these forward-looking statements.