MAYOR BILL WHITE AND THE HOUSTON PUBLIC LIBRARY LAUNCH FIRST WIRELESS EMPOWERED COMMUNITY ACCESS NETWORK NEIGHBORHOOD

AS PART OF CITY'S DIGITAL INCLUSION INITIATIVE

--Public/private partnership includes Hewlett Packard, Microsoft, Tropos Networks, and Verizon Wireless--

March 24, 2008 (Houston, TX) - Mayor Bill White's Digital Inclusion Initiative is now a reality. Today, Mayor White announced the launch of the city's first Wireless Empowered Community Access Network (WeCAN) "bubble" in the Gulfton Super Neighborhood, making it the first of 10 wireless neighborhood networks planned to provide high-speed Internet access to low-income Houstonians. Through the Initiative, Houston will launch up to 150 community access locations, providing broadband Internet access, training, content, and technology to high-need neighborhoods.

Through the support of the numerous community stakeholders, Houston Public Library and partners Hewlett Packard, Microsoft, Tropos Networks, and Verizon Wireless, launched the first of 10 planned WeCAN "bubbles." As part of the pilot launch, technical and program support models are being developed, focusing on areas such as drop-out recovery and job readiness. The pilot launch in the Gulfton Super Neighborhood includes the creation of community access location models for a community-based organization (Family Road Literacy Center, launched today), an educational facility or school (planned at Sylvan Rodriguez Elementary School), and a city facility (planned at Burnett Bayland Community Center). These models will be implemented in the remaining nine neighborhoods, to be part of the initial two-and-a-half-year build-out.

"We're proud of this very important, inclusion initiative," said Mayor White. "It provides a necessary resource for our low-income neighborhoods by making digital literacy and access to technology a means to acquire the skills, education, and certifications needed to achieve real quality of life change. This in turn helps the city further develop its current and future workforce and keeps us competitive in the global marketplace."

"Free access to computer technology is an extremely important community service that has been successfully provided by the Houston Public Library since 1993," said Dr. Rhea Brown Lawson, Houston Public Library director. "We are thrilled to be a part of The Mayor's Digital Inclusion Initiative because it will extend and enhance much needed computer technology access to Houston residents through new community partners and will build upon HPL initiatives such as wireless access, HPL Express Libraries, HPL Mobile Express, computer training and the use of library computers for information and education."

"Through the Digital Inclusion Initiative we will provide broadband Internet access to residents in high-need neighborhoods across the city. We are developing partnerships with key community stakeholders to create a 'network' of access and high-value, sustainable programs and services," said Nicole Robinson, Digital Inclusion director. "As a result, everyone will have an equal opportunity at cultivating and pursuing their talents and interests, and be able to reach their full potential. Communities will be empowered so that the capacity of all of the residents, organizations, and businesses are strengthened."

About the Digital Inclusion Initiative

The Digital Inclusion Initiative began as a part of the citywide wireless project and is now being implemented by the Houston Public Library. The two-and-a-half-year build-out includes deployment of the neighborhood networks, education, training, equipment and content development for 10 high-need neighborhoods. Costs are estimated at $3.5 million for the initial implementation.

Through WeCAN, the Digital Inclusion Initiative will provide high-need neighborhoods with affordable Internet access, local content, and opportunities to receive training and equipment to ensure that Houstonians can benefit from the use of technology. These offerings will be available in designated locations including city facilities such as multi-service centers and park community centers, as well as schools and community-based organizations.

WeCAN community access pilot locations will receive community broadband access, including high-capacity wireless broadband connection equipment, free network customer support from the City of Houston, and free filtered high-speed Internet service. Technology training will be provided, including "train the trainer" sessions, free online digital literacy and educational software from Houston Public Library and Microsoft, and free Houston Public Library services and resources. In addition, future participating locations will have the opportunity to qualify for equipment grants and discounted equipment through established partnerships.

A free, trusted, and secure portal will be made available to people throughout the City where users can access important educational, quality of life, neighborhood, government, and community services information. This content will be created with input and support from Microsoft and other stakeholders that make up the portal advisory committee.

Targeted locations within neighborhoods will be identified based on location, accessibility, and services resulting in up to 150 public access locations across the 10 designated neighborhoods. The remaining nine WeCAN neighborhoods will be selected and prioritized by a Digital Inclusion Task Force, working in conjunction with the Houston City Council Committee on Human Services and Technology Access.

About the Partners

Committed pilot sponsors include Hewlett Packard, Microsoft, Tropos Networks and Verizon Wireless. Microsoft is contributing a digital literacy curriculum, Internet safety training and resources for public safety announcements, and online portal development for the entire initiative. Tropos Networks donated network equipment for the pilot network in the Gulfton Super Neighborhood. Hewlett Packard donated computer and printer equipment for the Gulfton Super Neighborhood pilot locations, and will work with the City to develop an affordable computer purchase plan. Verizon Wireless donated $10,000 in support of the initial pilot launch.

"Houston's Digital Inclusion Initiative is a great example of the innovative approach cities can take to bridge the "digital divide" of underserved communities," said Tom Ayers, President and CEO of Tropos Networks. "We are proud to provide the wireless broadband foundation for the WeCAN pilot network."

"At Microsoft our experience across the globe has taught us that technology has the power to open doors to economic opportunity, particularly through digital literacy initiatives," said Maria Wynne, Senior Director, Economic Development and Innovation, Microsoft. "We need more cities to follow Houston's leadership in coupling digital access with relevant digital literacy training. This combination is key to developing the skills necessary to compete and take advantage of the job opportunities available in today's local and global economies."

"Verizon Wireless is proud to support the WeCAN program and will help bridge the digital divide so that all Houstonians -- no matter what their economic situation -- have access to the online world," said Kay Henze, president of the Houston/Gulf Coast Region for Verizon Wireless. "WeCAN will grow the education of our current and future workforce, building a positive outlook for Houston's economic future," she said.

About the Houston Public Library

The Houston Public Library (HPL) operates 36 neighborhood libraries, one HPL Express Library, a Central Library (opening May 31, 2008), the Houston Metropolitan Research Center, the Parent Resource Library located in the Children's Museum of Houston, and the Clayton Library, Center for Genealogical Research. Serving more than 4 million customers per year, HPL is committed to excellent customer service and equitable access to information and programs by providing library patrons with free use of a diverse collection of printed materials and electronic resources, Internet, laptop and computer use, and a variety of database and reference resources with live assistance online 24/7.

For further information, visit the Houston Public Library at www.houstonlibrary.org or call 832-393-1313.

About Tropos Networks, Inc.

Tropos® Networks is the market leader in wireless IP broadband mesh networks enabling cities and other organizations worldwide to own and control smart, affordable, IP infrastructures for deploying high-value applications that improve the efficiencies of its mobile workers while reducing operational costs. These applications include mobile public safety (for police, fire and EMS vehicles), video surveillance, utility automation and industrial deployments. The patented Tropos MetroMesh(tm) system delivers the ultimate reliability, scalability, and security at low cost that is required for business critical and life saving wireless applications and is installed in over 30 countries. Founded in 2001, Tropos Networks is headquartered in Sunnyvale, California. For more information, please visit www.tropos.com, call 408-331-6800 or write to info@tropos.com. Tropos is a registered trademark and MetroMesh is a trademark of Tropos Networks, Inc.

About Verizon Wireless

Verizon Wireless operates the nation's most reliable wireless voice and data network, serving 65.7 million customers. Headquartered in Basking Ridge, N.J., with 69,000 employees nationwide, Verizon Wireless is a joint venture of Verizon Communications (NYSE: VZ) and Vodafone (NYSE and LSE: VOD). For more information, go to: www.verizonwireless.com. To preview and request broadcast-quality video footage and high-resolution stills of Verizon Wireless operations, log on to the Verizon Wireless Multimedia Library at www.verizonwireless.com/multimedia.