US : AirLink Communications, Verizon Wireless and Ecast, Inc. were honored with a 2006 3G A-List Award presented by QUALCOMM at the CTIA Wireless I.T. Entertainment(R) conference on September 12, 2006. Winning in the Small Company category, Ecast, Inc., a leading service and content provider for digital jukeboxes, was singled out for its successful deployment of wireless broadband-enabled digital jukeboxes, aided by AirLink Communications' intelligent modems operating on the Verizon Wireless BroadbandAccess (EV-DO) network. The 3G A-List Awards recognize the leading builders of successful wireless data solutions based on 3G wireless technology including CDMA2000 1X, EV-DO, and WCDMA/UMTS, and were awarded to solutions demonstrating creativity and exceeding business objectives by introducing higher ROI, lowering operating expenses, or increasing user satisfaction.

The wireless data collaboration between the three companies allows Ecast's digital jukebox customers to access its online music network through AirLink's Raven Ethernet (Raven-E) EV-DO modems. Previously employing cable and DSL connections, Ecast's network of service providers -- who own and operate 7,500 digital jukeboxes bars and restaurants across the United States -- have seen an immediate increase in their revenue stream within two to three weeks of deploying the new wireless broadband-enabled jukeboxes. End customers are able to easily purchase and download premium music selections found on Ecast's extensive music database of 18,000 songs through Verizon Wireless' reliable high-speed EV-DO network.

"Ecast has looked at the way people listen to music and shifted its business model to better service its customers' needs," remarked Justin Schmid, Senior Vice President of Marketing and Business Development for AirLink Communications. "With wireless broadband access, provided by AirLink's Raven-E modems and the Verizon Wireless BroadbandAccess network, Ecast can now reach more locations and customers than before. They've also simplified their management and deployment structure significantly, which will result in scalability not possible with a traditional wireline broadband paradigm. We are very pleased to see this innovative use of wireless technology acknowledged by this prestigious 3G A-List Award."

In addition to increased revenues and accelerated deployment time, the Ecast digital jukebox owners/operators have gained significant flexibility in being able to move jukebox locations as needed; consolidate broadband vendor agreements by standardizing on Verizon Wireless' nationwide EV-DO network; and benefit from the remote monitoring and management capabilities enabled by the intelligent wireless modems and associated tools and utilities from AirLink. These improvements have allowed Ecast's customers to significantly streamline operations and increase bottom-line profits.

"Using AirLink's Raven-E wireless modems with the Verizon Wireless BroadbandAccess network allows us to be completely wireless, 24/7," remarked Bruce Guerra, director of operations for Ecast. "Our patrons -- music lovers across the country -- now have immediate access to our immense online catalog of music, while our network of owners/operators have greater solution flexibility and revenue potential."

This is the second year in a row that AirLink has been in the 3G A-List Awards' winners circle. Last year, the company was awarded with Verizon Wireless and Lasercraft for its successful deployment of Maryland's laser speed detection, red light and speed enforcement cameras.

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