Roaming Agreement with Beeline to add more than 14,000 New Wi-Fi
Hotspots to World’s Largest Enterprise-Grade
Network
iPass Inc. (NASDAQ: IPAS), a global provider of services that unify
management of enterprise mobility, today announced a substantial
expansion of its Wi-Fi network in Russia through a partnership with OJSC
VimpelCom (NYSE: VIP), a leading provider of telecommunications services
in Russia and the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) which
operates under the “Beeline”
brand. Through Beeline’s Wi-Fi footprint,
iPass users will gain access to the world’s
largest urban wireless network that includes the greater part of Moscow
and other large cities such as St. Petersburg.
With the addition of 14,000 Beeline hotspot locations in Moscow, iPass
goes further to secure seamless connectivity for business users in the
major travel hubs around the world. The Beeline Wi-Fi network locations
have been integrated into the iPass Global Broadband Roaming network,
these new locations will add to the world’s
largest active business-grade Wi-Fi network, encompassing more than
100,000 broadband venues, including over 80 of the world’s
top 100 airports and over 20,000 hotels.
Remote workers now demand reliable methods of connection, wherever their
travels may take them. Part of the largest metropolitan Wi-Fi network in
the world, Beeline hotspots can be accessed in hotels, cafés,
cinemas, shopping centers and other retail locations. iPass users will
also get access through Beeline hotspots at Moscow’s
Domodedovo International Airport, a top 100 airport handling over 15
million passengers a year.
iPass customers will be able to log onto the Internet and access
critical corporate data at Beeline hotspot locations via the iPassConnect™
mobility manager software. This helps businesses save money by avoiding
the expense of Wi-Fi hotspot vouchers or international data roaming
charges. Enterprise-grade mobility management also ensures adherence to
security policies and centralized control of remote access for IT
departments.
“Beeline’s
partnership with iPass will open up our footprint to business users
within Russia as well as international travellers who need secure and
reliable Wi-Fi access when they travel to this part of the world,”
said Diana Samoshkina, head of residential marketing at Beeline.
As with all of iPass’ roaming partner
networks, before becoming fully integrated, the Beeline hotspot network
will complete the iPass Enterprise Ready certification process. This
involves testing the hotspots for high availability as well as
interoperability with policy and security tools, including a
comprehensive range of virtual private networks, personal firewalls and
anti-virus software packages.
“Having this kind of partnership in Russia
has always been a key consideration for iPass with more and more
individuals conducting business in major Russian metropolitan areas
including Moscow and St. Petersburg,”
commented Mike Moore, vice president of business development, iPass. “We
are very pleased that we can now offer iPass users access to the Beeline
network to stay connected and productive across Russia and the CIS.”
About iPass Inc.
iPass helps enterprises unify the management of remote and mobile
connectivity and devices. With iPass software and services, customers
can create easy-to-use broadband solutions for their mobile workers,
home offices, and branch and retail locations, complete with device
management, security validation and unified billing. iPass offerings are
powered by its leading global virtual network, on-demand management
platform, and award-winning client software. The iPass global virtual
network unifies hundreds of wireless, broadband and dial-up providers in
over 160 countries. Hundreds of Global 2000 companies rely on iPass
services, including General Motors, Nokia, and Reuters. Founded in 1996,
iPass is headquartered in Redwood Shores, Calif., with offices
throughout North America, Europe and Asia. iPass®
is a registered trademark of iPass Inc.
About VimpelCom Group.
The VimpelCom Group consists of telecommunications operators providing
voice and data services through a range of wireless, fixed and broadband
technologies. The Group includes companies operating in Russia,
Kazakhstan, Ukraine, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Georgia and Armenia. The
VimpelCom Group has licenses to operate in territories with a total
population of about 340 million. The Group companies provide services
under the "Beeline" brand. VimpelCom was the first Russian company to
list its shares on the New York Stock Exchange ("NYSE"). VimpelCom's
ADSs are listed on the NYSE under the symbol "VIP". More information
about the Beeline WiFi network can be found at http://msk.wifi.beeline.ru/index.wbp
Beeline is a registered trademark of OJSC “Vimpel-Communications.”
Breakaway Communications for iPass
Kristofer Konietzko, 415-358-2491
krisk@breakawaycom.com