Teligent/REMEC Announce New Antenna Technology

May 3, 2000 -- Teligent and REMEC announced the joint development of a new antenna technology that the companies say can significantly extend the reach of fixed wireless networks. 

The active antenna repeater technology developed jointly by Teligent and REMEC redirects microwave signals from a network base station to customer buildings that otherwise would not be accessible because they are not directly in the base station''s ""line of sight." 

According to the companies, the new technology will let Teligent reach more than 90 percent of all buildings within range of Teligent base stations, and virtually eliminate the requirement for direct "line of sight" access. By increasing the number of buildings that may be served by individual base stations, the companies claim that their active antenna repeaters will lower network costs and expand the pool of potential customers. 

The Teligent-REMEC active antenna repeater was initially developed from a Teligent design at REMEC's San Diego headquarters. The device was subsequently tested and evaluated at Teligent's Broadband Research Laboratory in downtown Washington, DC. A patent is pending for the network application. Under the joint development agreement, Teligent has an exclusive right to deploy the first generation active antenna repeater for eight months. 

The first generation repeater operates in the 24 GHz band and features vertical and horizontal polarized antenna ports, a signal level detector for precise antenna alignment and an operational range from minus 40 to 140 degrees Fahrenheit. The repeater is designed to operate at humidity levels of up to 100 percent. 

"Today''s announcement represents a major development for Teligent and the fixed wireless industry," said Teligent Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Alex J. Mandl. ""This technology will enable Teligent to extend the reach of its SmartWave networks at a fraction of the cost associated with deploying additional base stations."