Airspan Networks, ArelNet to merge

MANHASSET, N.Y. — Broadband wireless solutions provider Airspan Networks Inc. has signed a definitive purchase agreement to acquire ArelNet, a supplier of network infrastructure equipment for Voice over IP, for $8.7 million.

The $8.7 million purchase price will comprise $4.0 million of cash and $4.7 million of the common stock of Airspan.

Airspan Networks (Boca Raton, Fla.) expects the transaction to strengthen its offerings in wireless VoIP solutions, enabling it to develop carrier-grade voice telephony solutions for WiMAX systems. Airspan's wireless access product portfolio supports VoIP as well as the IEEE 802.16-2004 (WiMAX) standard.

ArelNet (Yavne, Israel) supplies a full range of VoIP equipment and solutions including soft switches and gateways supporting all major VoIP standards.

"We strongly believe that voice services will be a significant part of the overall WiMAX business case for operators and by making this acquisition we will be able to offer the strongest voice-enabled product portfolio in the industry," said Eric Stonestrom, Airspan's president and chief executive, in a statement.