Ofcom grants Freedom4 licence variation for mobility

Freedom4, the joint investment between Daisy Group plc and Intel Capital, has been granted a licence variation by Ofcom that enables it to offer mobile wireless broadband services to its customers using its nationwide 3.6GHz spectrum.

Freedom4 has already achieved the world’s first seamless mobile WiMAX handover between base stations operating at two frequencies (2.5GHz and 3.6GHz) and architected a high capacity core network, capable of delivering wholesale services. This variation gives Freedom4 the technical and regulatory flexibility to satisfy demand for fixed and mobile internet connectivity, higher bandwidth per user and the provision of broadband in areas where existing infrastructure is either weak or lacks resilience.

Mike Read; Freedom4 CEO states, “The Company now has both the spectrum position and technical capability to implement a network and services platform ideally suited to compete in the rapidly expanding market for fixed and mobile broadband wireless access.”

The latest Digital Britain publication by the UK Government (BIS) acknowledges that WiMAX is the only 4G wireless technology commercially available today and that it is being deployed across the globe.

Ashish Patel; Managing Director Intel Capital EMEA states, “The Government’s decision highlights the contributions WiMAX can make to the digital economy and Intel is actively supporting these efforts as a member of its Digital Participation Consortium.”

Freedom4 owns the largest contiguous block of 4G compatible spectrum currently issued in the UK, together with national spectrum at both 4GHz and 28GHz ideal for delivering wireless backhaul. Freedom4 has integrated world leading wireless network equipment and has both fixed and mobile devices to connect to its network including the world’s only quad band WiMAX dongle.

Matthew Riley; Daisy Group plc CEO adds, “The assets and capabilities now within Freedom4, together with the Government’s Digital Britain activities present a great opportunity to address the fast growing market for wireless broadband.”

The company is in a state of readiness for build-out, having architected and integrated all necessary network equipment for operation.

ENDS

For further information about this release please contact:

Elizabeth West
Ascent PR
Tel: 0161 8304720
Freedom4 {at} ascentpr.co(.)uk
www.ascentpr.co.uk

About FREEDOM4

FREEDOM4, a joint venture between Daisy Group plc and Intel Capital, is a provider of personal wireless broadband services without boundaries. With a national licence to deploy mobile WiMAX services in the 3.6GHz band, FREEDOM4 is working closely with business partners and local authorities to build the necessary infrastructure to provide broadband wireless internet access across the UK.

Freedom4’s current network coverage includes Manchester, Milton Keynes and Warwick where it has acquired sites and built a radio access network. Freedom4 has partnerships with some of the leading names in wireless technologies and telecommunications, including Airspan Networks, Fujitsu, and Arqiva to provide WiMAX services to mobile workers, businesses and consumers via a scalable and resilient network.

For further information please visit www.freedom4.com

About Daisy Group

Daisy Group PLC is a leading provider of integrated voice and data services to the small-medium business market.

Daisy Group provides a combined product set including access, hosting, voice, managed services and mobile telephony. Offering business-quality communications with unrivalled and award winning customer, the Group operates from its business centres in London and Lancashire.

Daisy Group has recently acquired and now includes Daisy Communications, Freedom4 PLC, Vialtus Solutions and Redstone Telecom as well as the trading assets of AT Communications and Eurotel.

If you would like to find out more about Daisy Group PLC’s products, services and offers, please visit www.daisyplc.com