Westfield Selects WFI to Deploy Additional Enterprise Networks In U.S. Shopping Centers
SAN DIEGO, Aug 08, 2005 /PRNewswire-FirstCall via COMTEX/ -- Wireless Facilities, Inc. (WFI) (Nasdaq: WFII), a global leader in the design, deployment, and management of wireless communication networks, technology networks and security systems, announced today that Westfield America has selected WFI to deploy IP-based wired and wireless networks in 26 of Westfield's U.S. shopping centers. The networks being installed will enable a range of security and communications services to enhance efficiencies as well as the shopping experience for retailers and customers. The installation of these networks will begin immediately in phases and is anticipated to be complete by the end of 2005.
WFI's Building Optical Network -- or BON -- will serve as the backbone to deliver wireless services via a WLAN and fixed data network for the Westfield properties. The BON is a centralized digital network designed to deliver an array of tenant services such as building automation, digital surveillance such as CCTV, access control, bandwidth aggregation, Wi-Fi Hotzone connectivity, and other building services. WFI's customers include building owners and property managers who elect to install a BON to give properties and multi-building campuses a competitive edge by reducing operational costs and providing services that can be quickly enabled. By virtue of today's announcement, Westfield is adding another high value service to their existing BON infrastructure for both mall customers and retail tenants.
"These services compliment the wireless and communications networks already being deployed by WFI to create a state-of-the-art shopping experience for our customers," said Catharine C. Dickey, Westfield's U.S. Vice President of Corporate Communications. "The decision to select WFI was driven largely by the quality of the work they had already completed for us, and because of their network and communications engineering expertise."
"Westfield is a terrific example of a leading-edge, visionary customer who understands the benefits of a converged network to deliver 4th utility data, security and building automation services," said Desmond Wheatley, President of WFI's Enterprise Network Services Division. "We have already completed the installation of LAN and WLAN services in 42 of Westfield's malls, and I'm pleased that Westfield has publicly recognized WFI for its wireless industry expertise, performance and overall service quality by selecting us to integrate these additional services."
About WFI
Headquartered in San Diego, CA, WFI is an independent provider of systems engineering, network services and technical outsourcing for the world's largest wireless carriers, enterprise customers and for government agencies. The company provides the design, deployment, integration, and the overall management of wired and wireless networks which deliver voice and data communication, and which support advanced security systems. WFI has performed work in over 100 countries since its founding in 1994. News and information are available at www.wfinet.com. (code: WFI-mb)
About The Westfield Group
The Westfield Group is an internally managed, vertically integrated, shopping center group undertaking ownership, development, design, construction, funds/asset management, property management, leasing and marketing activities and employing in excess of 4,000 staff worldwide. Westfield has investment interests in 129 shopping centers in four countries (US, Australia, New Zealand and UK), with a total value in excess of A$41 billion (US$32 billion), is the largest retail property group in the world by equity market capitalization and the eighth largest entity listed on the Australian Stock Exchange (ASX). In the U.S., the Group has a portfolio of 68 shopping centers which are home to more than 9,000 specialty stores and comprise approximately 70 million square feet of leasable space in California, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Illinois, Indiana, Maryland, Missouri, Nebraska, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio and Washington.
Notice Regarding Forward-Looking Statements
This news release contains certain forward-looking statements including, without limitation, expressed or implied statements concerning the Company's expectations regarding future financial performance and market developments that involve risks and uncertainties. Such statements are only predictions, and the Company's actual results may differ materially. Factors that may cause the Company's results to differ include, but are not limited to: changes in the scope or timing of the Company's projects; slowdowns in telecommunications infrastructure spending in the United States and globally, which could delay network deployment and reduce demand for the Company's services; the timing, rescheduling or cancellation of significant customer contracts and agreements, or consolidation by or the loss of key customers; the adoption rate of new wireless data services; financial constraints on our customers that could cause us to write off accounts receivable or terminate contracts; failure to successfully consummate acquisitions or integrate acquired operations; changes in the Company's effective income tax rate; the rate of adoption of telecom outsourcing by network carriers and equipment suppliers; the rate of growth of adoption of WLAN and wireless security systems by enterprises; and competition in the marketplace which could reduce revenues and profit margins. The Company undertakes no obligation to update any forward-looking statements. These and other risk factors are more fully discussed in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K filed on March 31, 2005 and in other filings made with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
Media Contact: Michael Baehr VP of Communications Wireless Facilities, Inc. 858.228.2799 Direct michael.baehr@wfinet.com Investor Contact: Rochelle Bold Senior VP of Corporate Development & Investor Relations Wireless Facilities, Inc. 858.228.2649 Direct rochelle.bold@wfinet.com
SOURCE Wireless Facilities, Inc.
media, Michael Baehr, VP of Communications of Wireless Facilities, Inc., +1-858-228-2799, michael.baehr@wfinet.com, or investors, Rochelle Bold, Senior VP of Corporate Development & Investor Relations of Wireless Facilities, Inc., +1-858-228-2649, rochelle.bold@wfinet.com
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