US : Starent Networks Corp. today announced the world's leading CDMA450 operator, Zapp, has deployed the Starent ST16 Intelligent Mobile Gateway for 3G packet data service. Zapp is the only Romanian mobile operator providing voice and high-speed data communications services, based on CDMA450 (CDMA2000 1X and 1xEV-DO in the 450 MHz band).

As one of the initial CDMA450 1xEV-DO deployments in Europe, Zapp will utilize the Starent ST16 Intelligent Mobile Gateway to provide wireless broadband Internet services to its clients. The service features data speeds up to 2.4 Megabits per second (Mbps), making it among the fastest mobile data networks in Europe. Zapp subscribers will be able to access advanced services such as high-speed e-mail access, games, ringtones, videoconferencing, video messaging, multimedia downloads and more.

"With the deployment of 1xEV-DO in the 450 MHz band, Zapp has established itself as a market innovator and leader in the region," said Ashraf Dahod, president and CEO of Starent Networks Corp. "It is clear that Zapp is dedicated to offering its subscribers the most advanced services and technologies. Our best-in-class platform, global presence and strong customer support fits well with Zapp's goals of excellence."

"The partnership of Starent Networks and Zapp is a leading example of how CDMA technologies enable 450 MHz analog operators to utilize their existing infrastructure to offer advanced wireless services," said Perry LaForge, executive director of the CDMA Development Group. "We look forward to the continued expansion of CDMA450 in Europe and across the globe."

Zapp had several key criteria in its selection of core data networking solutions, such as carrier-class availability, high throughput, advanced service delivery capabilities and strong customer support. After several months of performance and interoperability testing, Zapp determined that Starent Networks and its ST16 Intelligent Mobile Gateway is the only platform to meet these requirements.

"It is absolutely critical that Zapp deploys solutions that have exceptional performance characteristics and will provide our subscribers with a rich service experience," said Victor Stan, chief technology officer of Zapp. "Our strategy is to take a leading position in promoting and adopting state-of-the-art technologies for mobile communications. Starent Networks clearly demonstrated leadership, technical know-how and service excellence in addressing our key requirements with its ST16 Intelligent Mobile Gateway."

"We are very pleased to work closely with Zapp on their successful launch of services in Romania. This is a key milestone in the development of Starent Networks in the region and shows our clear determination to extend our global leadership and play an important role in the European market," said Eric LeCalvez, general manager EMEA of Starent Networks Corp. "We have a unique opportunity to enable a variety of next-generation services over a compelling network technology."

About the Starent ST16 Intelligent Mobile Gateway

The Starent ST16 Intelligent Mobile Gateway is designed to enhance the capabilities and experience of the mobile subscriber while increasing the carriers' profitability. The ST16 system fully addresses mobile network requirements, including multimedia service delivery, mobility, capacity and scalability, enhanced billing, carrier-class availability and a clear migration to an all-IP network.

The Starent ST16 Intelligent Mobile Gateway has become a preferred next-generation solution for mobile operators worldwide, including: China Mobile, KDDI, Rural Cellular Corp., SK Telecom, U.S. Cellular, Verizon Puerto Rico, Virgin Mobile USA, VIVO, and many others. The system uniquely integrates voice, data and multimedia to meet the service delivery requirements of mobile subscribers now and in the future.

About Zapp

Zapp is the first telecommunications company in the world using a digital wireless network based on CDMA2000 technology in the 450 MHz band. CDMA2000 enables Zapp to provide more cost-effective and best-quality voice services, along with mobile Internet and high-speed data services. Zapp mainly addresses clients who need premium communications solutions. Zapp's parent company is Inquam, Europe's leading privately owned provider of professional mobile radio solutions for businesses. The shareholders of Inquam include QUALCOMM, world leader on the market of CDMA-based mobile digital products and services, and the investment fund Omnia Holdings LTD, located in the Middle East.