China Now Second Only to U.S. in iPass Wi-Fi Footprint; iPass Global Network Nears 140,000 LocationsREDWOOD SHORES, CA, Oct 26, 2009 (MARKETWIRE via COMTEX) -- iPass(R) Inc. (NASDAQ: IPAS), a leading provider of enterprise
mobility services, today announced that iPass customers now have
access to China Telecom's new 3G mobile broadband network and over
20,000 Wi-Fi(R) hotspots in China. Both connectivity options have
been integrated into the iPass Global Network and are available to
the iPass customer base today. The 3G service is based on a rapidly
expanding EV-DO Rev A network that allows iPass users to take
advantage of dramatic performance improvements. iPass' Wi-Fi
footprint in China is now exceeded only by that in the United States,
and the total iPass Global Network now encompasses nearly 140,000
locations -- the largest Wi-Fi footprint available from a single
service provider.
"iPass is expanding on its commitment to provide a simple and smart
connection experience for enterprise users all over the world by
making major inroads into the Chinese wireless market," said Evan
Kaplan, president, CEO, iPass Inc. "The world's largest workforces
rely on iPass to ensure that no matter where they are or what type of
device they're using, they can connect to the Internet and corporate
resources."
iPass' in-country customer base and multi-national travelers to China
will now benefit greatly from this significant growth in the iPass
network. Users in China will experience robust 3G connectivity in
major Chinese metropolitan areas, while travelers to China can avoid
expensive 3G roaming fees by connecting to pervasive Wi-Fi hotspots.
"Since January 2009, when China issued 3G mobile phone licenses,
China Telecom has invested heavily in building new networks," said Mr.
Zhang, director, China Telecom. "We are enthusiastic about our
partnership with iPass to provide both Wi-Fi and 3G connectivity that
address complex enterprise connectivity needs."
3G in China
To date, iPass customers have benefited from iPass' existing
relationship with China Telecom which has provided a 1xRTT mobile
broadband service with speeds of 144 Kbps across 99 percent of China.
Now, China Telecom is upgrading parts of that network to EV-DO RevA.
Where EV-DO coverage is available, users will experience average
download speeds of 600-1400 kbps, with bursts up to 3.1 Mbps; and
average upload speeds of 500-800 kbps, with bursts up to 1.8 Mbps,
with fallback to 1xRTT.
Wi-Fi in China
Through the iPass Mobile Office(TM) service, multinational companies
can give their employees based in China or traveling to the world's
most populous country affordable and simple wireless access to the
Internet and corporate applications. For iPass customers on
Enterprise Flat Rate price plans, this additional Wi-Fi footprint is
available at no additional cost per active user.
iPass' China hotspots are found in hotels, restaurants and
transportation facilities in over 227 major Chinese cities including
Shanghai, Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Nanning, Hangzhou, Chengdu, Dalian,
Kunming, Wuhan, Chongqing and Xi'an. Over the past year, iPass has
seen a tremendous uptake of wireless access in China, with use and
revenues more than doubling year-over-year despite the economic
recession. In addition, the 2008 China Business Travel Survey from
American Express revealed that travel and entertainment spending in
China by foreign-owned companies rose 59 percent in 2008, a trend
that is expected to continue in 2009 and 2010.
The China Telecom network infrastructure has completed iPass'
Enterprise Ready Certification, which ensures high levels of access
reliability and compatibility with enterprise systems.
About iPass Inc.
iPass helps enterprises and individuals unify the management of
remote and mobile connectivity. With iPass software and services,
enterprise customers can create easy-to-use wireless and broadband
solutions for their mobile workers, home offices, and branch and
retail locations, complete with web-based management, security
validation, and unified billing. Mobile Individuals get global
business-class connectivity in a simple and affordable package. iPass
offerings are powered by its leading global virtual network,
award-winning mobility manager software, and in-the-cloud platform.
The iPass global virtual network unifies hundreds of wireless,
broadband and dial-up providers in over 175 countries. Hundreds of
Global 2000 companies rely on iPass services, including Ford, Nokia,
and Proctor and Gamble. Founded in 1996, iPass is headquartered in
Redwood Shores, California, with offices throughout North America,
Europe and Asia. For more information, visit us at www.iPass.com.
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iPass(R) is a registered trademark of iPass Inc iPass Mobile
Office(TM) is a trademark of iPass Inc. Wi-Fi(R) is a registered
trademark of the Wi-Fi Alliance.
Editorial Contacts:
Paige Burgess
iPass PR Manager
Tel. +1 650 232 4134
Email: Email Contact
US: Kristofer Konietzko
Breakaway Communications
Tel: + 1 415 358 2491
Email: Email Contact
UK: Sarah Porter
AxiCom
Tel: +44 (0) 208 392 4066
Email: Email Contact
SOURCE: iPass
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