Westell Technologies Announces Its Next Generation of IPTV Residential Gateways

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Innovative UltraLine(TM) Series3 Residential Gateways Offer Service Providers Access to State of the Art Networking Technology

AURORA, Ill.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--

Westell Technologies, Inc. (NASDAQ: WSTL), a leading provider of broadband access products, gateways and conferencing services, today announces the development of the innovative new Westell UltraLine(TM) Series3 high-performance networking gateway products for IPTV and other bandwidth intensive IP services delivery.

The versatile, new line of gateway products is built around a high performance, dual-core network processor that ensures IP video streams reach their final destination within the home while assuring perfect picture quality. The UltraLine Series3's increased processing power permits the deployment of cutting edge video monitoring techniques as well as remote diagnostics and control, features crucial to providing a cost-effective IPTV offering while maximizing end consumer satisfaction.

The Westell UltraLine Series3 is among the first and only line of broadband gateways in the industry to support the most recent advances in wide area network (WAN) solutions. The UltraLine Series3 supports the highest rate VDSL2 profile (band plan 30a) capable of bidirectional 100Mbps traffic over short distances. Other VDSL2 profiles supporting longer loops are provided for Fiber-to-the-Neighborhood topologies. The higher throughput VDSL2 30a band plan is ideal for multi-dwelling unit (MDU) applications and green field scenarios.

Like its predecessor, the UltraLine II, the new Series3 will also have models configured for Fiber-to-the-Premise (FTTP) environments. This includes direct connections via 10BaseT or Gigabit Ethernet or a WAN connection over a coaxial cable link to a fiber ONT using a digital coax standard such as that offered by the Multimedia over Coax Alliance (MoCA). Westell's future models will also support HPNAv3.

For connectivity in the home, the UltraLine Series3 offers basic and enhanced Wi-Fi performance options. Integrating Westell's SmartBeam(TM) wireless technology, the new gateways typically double signal strength over traditional antenna solutions while minimizing interference between other wireless devices.

Westell's SmartBeam(TM) is a system of virtual antennas that automatically steer and direct signal strength for the best connection with every wireless device to dramatically improve coverage and connectivity within the home. Service providers are now able to consider wireless connectivity as a component in emerging service offerings because they are assured of a resilient, high-rate wireless signal throughout the home.

The UltraLine Series3 includes several "no new wires" options. By simply using a coaxial wall jack in any room within the residence, all the UltraLine Series3 gateway models can be connected directly to the consumer's existing in-home cable network.

The connected UltraLine Series3 can reliably deliver 100 Mbps+ of data and IP video traffic throughout the premise without requiring time consuming and unsightly new wires. When combined with its full suite of Quality of Service (QoS) functions, unique IGMP services, and "no CD" installation options, the UltraLine Series3 delivers on the promise of reducing service provider expense while delivering the most reliable service possible to the consumer household.

"We are incredibly excited to announce the UltraLine Series3 and the dramatic impact it will have on the digital home entertainment landscape," Scott Voegele, Westell's Product Line Director, said. "The UltraLine Series3 is the ultimate IP services solution offering broadband service providers increased performance in a smaller package at a very attractive price," he said.

About Westell

Westell Technologies, Inc., (NASDAQ:WSTL) headquartered in Aurora, Illinois, is a Broadband Access Solutions company that provides leading broadband products, service solutions, and conferencing solutions for carriers, service providers and business enterprises around the world. Westell delivers innovative, open broadband solutions that meet the market's needs for fast and seamless broadband connection. ConferencePlus, a Westell subsidiary, offers conferencing services including voice, video, and IP data conferencing, to carriers and multi-national corporations throughout the world. For more information visit: www.westell.com.

"Safe Harbor" statement under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act 1995:

Certain statements contained herein including, without limitation, statements containing the words "believe," "on track," " anticipate," "committed," "expect," "estimate," "await," "continue," "intend," "may," "will," "should," and similar expressions are forward looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. These risks include, but are not limited to, product demand and market acceptance risks, need for financing, the economic downturn in the U.S. economy and telecom market, the impact of competitive products or technologies, competitive pricing pressures, product development, excess and obsolete inventory due to new product development, commercialization and technological delays or difficulties (including delays or difficulties in developing, producing, testing and selling new products and technologies), the effect of Westell's accounting policies, the need for additional capital, the effect of economic conditions and trade, legal social and economic risks (such as import, licensing and trade restrictions) and other risks more fully described in Westell's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2006 under the section "Risk Factors." Westell undertakes no obligation to release publicly the result of any revisions to these forward looking statements that may be made to reflect events or circumstances after the date hereof or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events.

Source: Westell Technologies, Inc.

Released January 8, 2007