Atheros Supports “Jumpstart Broadband Act”

Senate Bill Advocates Increasing Capacity of Advanced WLANs by Allocating Additional 255 MHz of Spectrum in the 5-GHz Band

SUNNYVALE, Calif., January 17, 2003 - Atheros Communications, the leading developer of advanced wireless LAN (WLAN) chipsets, today announced its full support of the Jumpstart Broadband Act recently introduced by Senators George Allen (R-Va.) and Barbara Boxer (D-Calif.). The bill addresses the nation’s need for increased capacity and scalability to support the rapidly growing wireless networking market and various applications including computer networking, home video distribution, public hot spot Internet access, and broadband services.

Wireless products based on the IEEE802.11b standard have become increasingly popular worldwide. However, these products operate in the 2.4-GHz band, where there’s only 83.5 MHz of unlicensed spectrum shared by often incompatible wireless devices. In contrast, WLAN products based on the more advanced IEEE802.11a standard today operate in the less crowded 5-GHz band, which provides 325 MHz of spectrum. The new bill calls for the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to allocate an additional 255 MHz of continuous spectrum in the 5-GHz band for unlicensed wireless use, thus nearly doubling the available spectrum for high-performance 5-GHz devices.

“By taking action now, Congress is showing that it understands the need for scalability in ensuring the long-term growth of WLAN applications across many types of devices,” said Rich Redelfs, president and chief executive officer of Atheros. “The proposed increase in available spectrum will accelerate the trend towards eliminating wires by providing substantially more non-interfering channels. Across the globe, the 5-GHz band is rapidly being used for expanding in-building and outdoor broadband wireless connectivity. We commend senators Allen and Boxer for their support of the WLAN industry in ensuring the continued advancement of this important technology.”

802.11a products are now available in many countries throughout the world, although operating in different parts of the 5-GHz band. The proposed additional 255 MHz of spectrum for the U.S. (5.470-5.725 GHz) has already been allocated in Europe for unlicensed applications. About one million 802.11a devices have already been sold, with the latest products having the capability to automatically adjust to local-country regulations. Most of the 5-GHz unlicensed spectrum has been reserved worldwide for high-performance devices, avoiding the interference found in the 2.4-GHz band from microwave ovens, and low-performance cordless phones, baby monitors and security systems.

The Jumpstart Broadband Act validates Atheros’ belief that 5-GHz-based WLAN technology in addition to legacy 2.4-GHz technology will be required for the future of wireless communications across the globe.

For more details about the Jumpstart Broadband Act visit: http://www.techlawjournal.com/cong108/boxerallenwifi/20021119.asp.

About Atheros Communications, Inc.

Atheros Communications is the leading developer of networking technologies for secure, high-performance wireless local area networks. As the industry innovator and market-share leader in wireless OFDM technology compliant with the IEEE 802.11 specifications, Atheros is driving transparent connections among electronic devices in the office, home and on the road. Atheros technology is being used by many of the world's leading wireless equipment manufacturers including Accton, Actiontec, Acrowave Systems, AIRAYA, AirVast Technology, ALPS, Ambit, Askey, ASUS, BenQ, Contec, CyberTAN, Delta Networks, D-Link, Gemtek, Gigabyte Technology, Global Sun Tech, ICOM, Intel, Intermec, I-O Data, Linksys, NEC, NETGEAR, Philips, Proxim, Samsung, Senao, SMC Networks, Sony, Symbol, TDK, TECOM, USI, W2 Networks, Wistron NeWeb, Z-Com and others. For more information, visit www.atheros.com or send email to info@atheros.com.

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For press and analyst inquiries contact: Cheryl Patstone, 408-773-5344, cheryl@atheros.com or Greg Wood, A&R Partners, 650-762-2838, gwood@arpartners.com.