PRESS RELEASE FROM LUCENT TECHNOLOGIES
Atlanta - (Editor's Note: This release was issued by Home Wireless Networks) Home Wireless Networks (HWN) today introduced a wireless communications distribution system that makes it easy for homeowners and small businesses to add and move data and voice connections in a home or small business. The system features digital wireless technology that provides clear and secure voice and data communications.
HWN's breakthrough technology eliminates the costly and time-consuming job of rewiring to add new phone lines and jacks inside a home or office. The HWN wireless system allows full use of all lines in the home or business for voice or data anywhere on the premises through its powerful switching and router technology. The network makes Internet connections easy to install and use, without the need to have permanent fixed wiring or wall jacks.
"We wanted to improve people's lives at home and the way in which they do business," said John Taylor, CEO of Home Wireless Networks, Inc. "We believe we are doing just that with the products we have developed. Small businesses, home offices, telecommuters and busy families will discover that our products will help them succeed or just make life simpler in the next century. The ability to integrate voice and data communications into one, easy-to-use and easy-to-install wireless system, will be extremely beneficial. Above all else, in the Information Age, people need to be tied in. Not tied down."
Here's how Home Wireless Networks' "hassle-free" digital communications system works for customers needing additional phone or data lines:
The HWN communications system is comprised of the Controller - which provides all voice and data communications throughout the home or small business; a Handset, which serves as both a wireless telephone and as an interface to the Controller; plus several varieties of access units with Phone Jacks for voice and Data Jacks for use as required by the customer.
The heart of the entire system is the HWN Controller. It provides wireless distribution of up to 5 telephone lines and can communicate via wireless digital technology to and from multiple peripherals, including Handsets, Phone Jacks and Data Jacks. The Controller is a digital voice switch and a router for all TCP/IP data within the home and to / from the Internet. It also contains three expansion slots for future services.
Wireless access units provide the functionality of a permanent, wired telephone jack. With Wireless Phone Jacks, customers merely attach a phone, fax machine, digital satellite system or computer to the access unit and instantaneously have access via a wireless communications link to one of the telephone lines coming to the home or business. PC-to-PC data networking can be installed anywhere within the home or office in minutes, and Internet access is provided for all computing devices. Moreover, the digital wireless signals are encrypted to provide for a very high degree of information security.
Need to work at another location? Simply unplug the wireless access unit and move it to a new location -- the telephone/data network connectivity moves right along with it. Or unplug the whole network and move it to your new building.
The multi-line wireless Handset provides advanced voice features normally found only as part of "big business" voice systems and possesses an easy and intuitive user-interface utilizing a large display screen. The Handset not only functions as a featured telephone but also enables control and management of the entire HWN home or business distribution system. The Handset features multiple-line call handling with full capabilities for Caller ID, conference calling and station-to-station calling.
The HWN system currently supports ISDN service and will be enhanced to support the ADSL high-speed transmission format later this year. The system will also be capable of providing users with voice, data and video over Internet Protocol (IP) technology.
"Home networking represents one of the most potentially explosive new market opportunities in communications," said Boyd Peterson, director of Consumer Market Convergence for the Yankee Group. "The advent of in-home networks will change the way communications services are delivered. Enabling connectivity between devices in the home means increased utility of traditional services - but also can be viewed as a foundation for a wealth of new applications and services. Home Wireless Networks stands poised to take full advantage of the burgeoning market."
The first HWN digital wireless systems will be available in January for both home and small office use - with an immediate sales channel being HWN's Cyberstore on its Internet web site at homewireless.com.
"It's estimated that between 30 and 40 million homes will have a need for multiple lines by 2001," said Ramesh Barasia, Vice President of Marketing for Home Wireless Networks. "Whether it's a telecommuter, Internet surfer or a growing business, the HWN wireless system enables customers to meet all their communications needs without any hassle -- and the system will continue to grow right along with their needs."
For small businesses, the HWN system provides a cost-effective way to upgrade telephone systems as a business grows. The system transforms a small business telephone system into a PBX with standard PBX features. Plus, the system is portable. When a company expands into new space, the system can go right along - the investment never gets left behind.
HWN's systems can be upgraded through the simple installation of new cards and the addition of new software.
Home Wireless Networks, Inc. is headquartered in the Atlanta suburb of Norcross, Ga. Backed by financial investment from Lucent Technologies (NYSE: LU), Grotech Capital Group and Alliance Technology Ventures, Home Wireless Networks, Inc., will be introducing its first products in January 1999. For more information on Home Wireless Networks' communications systems, please visit our Web site at: http://www.homewireless.com.
