Ascom signs a strategic alliance agreement with the US company Comarco Inc.

Ascom signs a strategic alliance agreement with the US company Comarco Inc. Ascom’s Mobile Test Solutions business unit will join forces with the Wireless Testing division of Comarco to become the world’s leading provider of cellular network testing systems for 3G and 4G wireless networks.

In accordance with the Ascom’s strategy to grow it’s Mission-Critical Communication Business with organic expansion combined with alliances and acquisition, Ascom has today taken a significant step in forming an alliance with the company Comarco Inc., Lake Forest, CA.

The Ascom business unit Mobile Test Solutions is a leader in providing QVoice / Symphony to cellular networks for radio technology tests and mobile services tests. Comarco wireless test systems and solutions are also well represented in major cellular networks around the world with North- and South-America as a major focus. The two companies’ combined product portfolio supports every major air interface worldwide. Serving a total installed base of 1500 systems in more than 100 countries, these systems are used to improve wireless Quality of Service.

This expansion step brings together the technical strengths, worldwide presence, long experience and excellent reputation of the two companies. With the considerable synergies that exist within companies’ technology and intellectual property portfolios, Comarco and Ascom will co-develop advanced test and measurement systems and solutions for 3G and 4G wireless standards, accelerating the availability of upgrades to existing systems while enabling the rapid deployment of new products. The Companies will also share sales and support resources on a global basis.

“This alliance will enable us to globally expand the business significantly” says Beat Gerber, General Manager of Ascom’s Mobile Test Solutions “and we are excited about the enhanced capabilities we can provide to our growing installed base of customers by working with Comarco. Network operators can expect more powerful products, solutions and support from us in order to improve their mission of having top service quality for mobile phone users”.

“Each successive generation of wireless technology has brought increased complexity to the process of measuring and improving a network’s quality of service,” said Tom Franza, CEO of Comarco. “This alliance with Ascom will allow us better serve our installed base by improving our ability to bring new technologies and upgrades to market more rapidly.”

About Comarco
Based in Lake Forest, CA, Comarco is a leading provider of wireless test solutions for field test applications, ChargeSource® universal mobile power products and wireless emergency call box systems.

Comarco’s WTS division is an industry-leading supplier of wireless test systems for field test applications. Comarco systems allow cellular network operators to improve the quality of their service through voice, video and data benchmarking and system optimization using integrated QoS algorithms and a unique multi-technology interfaces and RF scanners. Comarco’s open architecture supports both current cellular operating system technologies, new 3G systems being implemented worldwide and is extensible to 4G technologies as they become available.

More information about Comarco’s product lines can be found at www.Comarco.com and www.chargesource.com.

About Ascom
Ascom is an international solution provider with comprehensive technological know-how in Mission-Critical Communication. The company concentrates on the core areas of Wireless Solutions (high-value, customer-specific on-site communications solutions) and Security Solutions (applications for security, communication, automation and control systems for infrastructure operators, public security institutions and the army). With a wealth of experience in implementing complex projects for discerning customers, Ascom has established itself in important key markets.

Offerings range from analysis and consulting to system design and system integration, project management, engineering and implementation, right through to maintenance and support. The company has subsidiaries in 18 countries and a workforce of some 2,400 employees worldwide. Ascom registered shares (ASCN) are listed on the SWX Swiss Exchange in Zurich.

More information about Ascom’s product lines can be found at www.ascom.com and www.qvoice.com.

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