Atheros Announces Its Inclusion in the NASDAQ Global Select Market

SANTA CLARA, Calif. June 30, 2006 – Atheros Communications, Inc. (NASDAQ: ATHR), a leading developer of advanced wireless solutions, today announced that it has been chosen to be included in the new NASDAQ Global Select Market.  The NASDAQ Global Select Market has the highest initial listing standards of any exchange in the world based on financial and liquidity requirements. Prior to the change, the company had been listed on the NASDAQ National Market.

Beginning July 3, NASDAQ-listed companies will be classified under three listing tiers: NASDAQ Global Select Market, NASDAQ Global Market and NASDAQ Capital Market. NASDAQ also plans to launch indexes based on these new tiers.

“When Atheros became a public company in 2004, listing on the NASDAQ was the natural choice,” said Dr. Craig Barratt, president and chief executive officer of Atheros. “Atheros is very proud to be included in the new Global Select Market alongside other technology leaders.”

“Atheros is an example of an industry leader that has achieved superior listing standards, which clearly defines the essence of the NASDAQ Global Select Market," said Bruce Aust, executive vice president, Corporate Client Group. "NASDAQ is focused on leading a race to the top in terms of listing qualifications.  In recognizing these companies, we are highlighting their achievement in meeting the requirements to be included in the market with the highest listing standards in the world,” added Mr. Aust.

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.

About NASDAQ

NASDAQ is the largest U.S. electronic stock market. With approximately 3,200 companies, it lists more companies and, on average, trades more shares per day than any other U.S. market. It is home to companies that are leaders across all areas of business including technology, retail, communications, financial services, transportation, media and biotechnology. NASDAQ is the primary market for trading NASDAQ-listed stocks. For more information about NASDAQ, visit www.nasdaq.com or the NASDAQ Newsroom at www.nasdaq.com/newsroom/.

For analyst inquires contact:
Jack Lazar, Chief Financial Officer for Atheros Communications, Inc., +1-408-773-5200 or
Deborah Stapleton of Stapleton Communications, Inc., +1-650-470-0200, for Atheros