Qualcomm Inc (QCOM)

[khemara_qc]

ACS Launches Wireless Broadband Access: Providing Alaska with the Next Generation Wireless Data Network

ANCHORAGE, Alaska--(BUSINESS WIRE)--June 16, 2004--
Alaska Communications Systems Group, Inc. (Nasdaq:ALSK);

Sierra Wireless (Nasdaq:SWIR)(TSX:SW) Mobile Data Service Offers Alaskans Access to Vital Information Outside the Office at Broadband Speeds

Alaska Communications Systems Group, Inc. ("ACS") (Nasdaq:ALSK) today announced the introduction of Wireless Broadband Access -- a broadband wireless data service powered by its next generation CDMA network. Beginning June 15, 2004, customers in Alaska can purchase wireless broadband access to enable connectivity to the Internet while untethered and from anywhere inside the CDMA footprint, which was recently launched on May 24, 2004..

Using a Sierra Wireless AirCard(R) 580 wireless wide area network PC card and a laptop, ACS customers can improve productivity and company performance by accessing valuable information when on the road -- at customer locations, at the job site, or even in a fishing boat -- all without wires and while traveling. With data transmission speeds capable of bursts up to 2.4 Megabits per second (Mbps), ACS' Wireless Broadband Access is the fastest available wide area wireless data service available to Alaskans today.

Sheldon Fisher, SVP Sales and Marketing for ACS, stated "Trial participants have told us that ACS' CDMA network utilizing 1xEV-DO technology has greatly improved their productivity and their ability to respond in a timely and better informed manner to their customers' needs." Fisher went on to say "ACS' launch of 1xEVDO is proof that we are committed to leading the industry in the delivery of the best wireless data technology, with superior coverage and services -- offering a combination of superior technology and value to our customers."

ACS' EV-DO service is available for a flat rate of $99 a month - all the data you can eat for one monthly price with the PC card. ACS is offering the Sierra Wireless AirCard(R) 580 PC Card for notebook computers for this service. The EV-DO card will retail for as low as $399.00. Cards are available at ACS stores and through ACS business account executives.

"We are pleased to work with ACS to deliver Wireless Broadband Access to mobile professionals in Alaska," said Jason Cohenour, Senior Vice-President, Worldwide Sales for Sierra Wireless. "With an AirCard 580 wireless PC Card and ACS' Wireless Broadband Access, customers can be as available and productive on the road as they are in the office, with fast, reliable wireless access to their e-mail and company information."

Note to editors:

To view and download images of Sierra Wireless products, please visit http://www.sierrawireless.com/news/photos.asp.

About ACS

ACS is the leading integrated communications provider in Alaska, offering local telephone service, wireless, long distance, data, entertainment and Internet services to business and residential customers throughout Alaska. Please visit us at www.acsalaska.com or investor information can be found at www.alsk.com.

About Sierra Wireless

Sierra Wireless (NASDAQ:SWIR)(TSX:SW) is a leader in delivering highly differentiated wireless solutions that enable our customers to improve their productivity and lifestyle. Sierra Wireless develops and markets the AirCard, the industry-leading wireless PC card line for portable computers; embedded modules for OEM wireless applications; the MP line of rugged vehicle-mounted connectivity solutions; and Voq, a line of mobile phones with easy-to-use, secure software solutions for mobile professionals. For more information about Sierra Wireless please visit www.sierrawireless.com.

"AirCard" and "Voq" are registered trademarks of Sierra Wireless, Inc.

http://home.businesswire.com/portal/site/altavista/index.jsp?ndmViewId=news_view&newsId=20040616...