Aviat Networks Awarded Contract by MTS Allstream to Build Part of Their HSPA Network Infrastructure, Providing Access to 97 Percent of Manitoba Population

RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, N.C., Feb. 3 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Aviat Networks, Inc. (Nasdaq: AVNW), the wireless expert in advanced IP network migration, announced today that it signed a contract with MTS Allstream, Inc., one of Canada's leading communications solutions providers.  Under the agreement, MTS Allstream will use Aviat Networks' Eclipse™ Packet Node HP300 solution to aid its migration to an all-IP architecture and launch its High Speed Packet Access (HSPA) network in Manitoba.

MTS Allstream will leverage Aviat Networks' complete, end-to-end service offering by deploying the ProVision® Element Management System (NMS), which delivers advanced features for monitoring and controlling TDM and Ethernet transport, such as end-to-end circuit provisioning, Ethernet utilization reporting and RMON performance monitoring. For more information on the ProVision system, please visit http://www.aviatnetworks.com/products.

"With over 100 years of innovation under our belt, MTS Allstream remains committed to investing in our infrastructure and staying one step ahead of the needs of consumers.  Our migration to an all-IP architecture is a critical step toward increasing the capacity and flexibility of our network in Manitoba," said Paul Frizado, chief technology and Information officer, MTS Allstream. "We selected Aviat Networks based on their industry reputation, service capability, and innovative solutions.  Products such as the Eclipse Packet Node HP300 are important building blocks of our packet basked network architecture."

Capacity limitations on the existing wireless infrastructures, which relied heavily on TDM connections, now require mobile operators to migrate to all IP-based microwave backhaul.. Eclipse Packet Node simplifies this migration by supporting a hybrid mixed mode transport of native IP alongside existing TDM transport, thus creating a more evolutionary approach. Packet Node has a scalable gigabit IP wireless transport using a combination of co-channel operation, adaptive coding and modulation, link aggregation and advanced packet processing. In addition, it contains key convergence features enabling mobile operators to eventually migrate to a 4G network.

"Telecommunications companies are faced with the challenge of building a cost-effective wireless infrastructure that adequately meets today's data usage requirements, while at the same time incorporating the technology that prepares for the bandwidth capacity crunch anticipated in the future," said Michael Pangia, senior vice president, chief sales officer of Aviat Networks. "Being selected by MTS Allstream demonstrates Aviat Networks' ability to fully respond to our customers needs and provide a network migration and optimization strategy, regardless of the mixed technology state of their access network."

Evolved High-Speed Packet Access is a wireless broadband standard defined in 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP), a collaboration of telecommunication associations to make a globally applicable third generation (3G) mobile phone system specification.

About Aviat Networks, Inc.

Aviat Networks, Inc. (Nasdaq: AVNW), previously known as Harris Stratex, is the wireless expert in advanced IP network migration, building the foundation for the 4G/LTE broadband future. We offer best-of-breed transformational wireless solutions, including LTE-ready microwave backhaul, WiMAX access and a complete portfolio of essential service options that enable wireless public and private telecommunications operators to deliver advanced data, voice and video and mobility services around the world. Aviat is agile and adaptive to anticipate what's coming to help our customers make the right choices, and our products and services are designed for flexible evolution, no matter what the future brings. With global reach and local presence on the ground we work by the side of our customers, allowing them to quickly and cost effectively seize new market and service opportunities, while managing migration toward an all- IP future.  For more information, please visit www.aviatnetworks.com.

About MTS Allstream

MTS Allstream is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Manitoba Telecom Services Inc. As one of Canada's leading national communication solutions companies, MTS Allstream provides innovative communications for the way Canadians want to live and work today. The Company has more than 100 years of experience, with 6,000 employees across Canada dedicated to a mission of delivering true value as seen through the eyes of our customers.  MTS Allstream has nearly two million total customer connections spanning business customers across Canada and residential consumers throughout the province of Manitoba. The Company's extensive national broadband and fibre optic network spans almost 30,000 kilometres. MTS Allstream is a proud sponsor of Cindy Klassen, 2006 World Champion and Canada's greatest Olympian, and a proud contributor to the Canadian Museum for Human Rights. Manitoba Telecom Services Inc.'s common shares are listed on The Toronto Stock Exchange (trading symbol: MBT). Customers, stakeholders and investors who want to learn more about MTS Allstream services, markets, community commitments and record of creating shareholder value are encouraged to visit: www.mtsallstream.com.

Trademarks

Eclipse Packet Node HP300® is a registered trademark of Aviat U.S., Inc. All other trademarks are property of their respective owners.

SOURCE Aviat Networks, Inc.