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MW NEWS

 

Comcast Interactive Capital Invests in BelAir Networks; McLean Watson Capital Also Contributes to Series C Financing Round


KANATA, Ontario--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Oct. 26, 2005--BelAir Networks, a leading
provider of scalable wide-area wireless broadband solutions for metro-scale deployments, announced today that it has completed a Series C financing led by Comcast Interactive Capital (CIC) and McLean Watson Capital. In addition to leading the round, CIC has joined the BelAir Networks' Board of Directors, where it will assist the company in addressing cable and service provider market opportunities.

BelAir Networks has re-defined the concept of Wireless Mesh Network (WMN) access
points by incorporating wireless access, wireless backhaul and switching into easy-toinstall, environmentally hardened outdoor nodes. A recent study by high-tech market research firm, In-Stat, estimates that from 2004 through 2009, the market for WMN wireless mesh access points is expected to grow from $33.5 million to $974.3 million.

"BelAir's modular, carrier-class architecture and scalability are well positioned to address the needs of multiple customer segments, including those of the cable market," said Deepak Sindwani, Principal, Comcast Interactive Capital and the newest member of BelAir's Board of Directors. "We have been impressed with BelAir's channel partners and customer traction."

BelAir's industry-leading technology is deployed in 100 networks worldwide, including
seven networks for Multiple System Operators (MSOs). The capital received from this
financing round will further BelAir's opportunities to deliver ubiquitous, carrier-grade
wireless broadband networks for hot zone and metropolitan deployments. Existing
investors T-Mobile Venture Fund, JPMorgan Partners, VenGrowth Capital Partners Inc., and BDC Venture Capital also participated in this round.

"We are very impressed with BelAir's technology leadership in a dynamic and fast
growing market with great potential," says Emil Savov, Partner, McLean Watson Capital."We have known and worked with several members of BelAir's management team and board of directors for many years and have confidence in their track record, integrity and ability to create value."

"Comcast Interactive Capital's and McLean Watson's investments in BelAir support our technology and go-to-market approach," said Bernard Herscovich, President and CEO of BelAir Networks. "We look forward to working with them to expand the use of mesh networks into new markets and new applications."

The Series C financing brings the total investment in BelAir Networks to US $44 million.

 

About Comcast Interactive Capital

Comcast Interactive Capital (CIC) is a venture capital fund focused on broadband,
enterprise and interactive technologies. CIC is affiliated with Comcast Corporation, a
diversified global leader in cable, broadband services, telecommunications, and
entertainment. CIC's primary goal is to generate superior financial returns from private equity investments in early-stage technology companies. To achieve this goal, CIC works to foster the success of its portfolio companies by bringing to bear the unique resources, experience, and insight of both CIC and the Comcast family of companies. Additional information is available at www.civentures.com.


About McLean Watson Capital

McLean Watson is one of Canada's leading private venture capital investors. Based in Toronto, Canada, McLean Watson also has offices in Ottawa and Singapore. Investors in McLean Watson's funds include several of Canada's largest pension funds and money managers, as well as leading members of the technology and financial services industries. McLean Watson focuses on investments in the technology sectors. For more information, visit www.mcleanwatson.com.

About BelAir Networks

BelAir Networks is the first company to offer scalable, wide-area wireless broadband
solutions with the highest quality for data, voice and video. BelAir's wireless networking solutions are built on the only multi-service architecture for wide -area wireless broadband deployments of Wi-Fi, WiMAX, and 3G Cellular networks. Built specifically for outdoor deployments, BelAir Networks' patented solution delivers the lowest cost per user and deploys in days, blending into the physical infrastructure of downtown business districts, hotels and resorts, and college campuses. Founded in 2001, BelAir Networks is a privately held company headquartered in Kanata, Ontario. For more information, visit: www.belairnetworks.com.