Airspan plans double strategy

US communications equipment provider Airspan Networks plans to focus on introducing Wi-Max technology and increasing rural ISP connectivity in Mexico, a regional Airspan executive told local daily El Milenio. "Mexico is a strategic market because of its geographic location, so it should have the best connectivity. We are trying to convince the government and businesses of this, to create an [alternative internet access point] so independent ISPs don't have to depend on Telmex," Airspan's vice-president for Latin America Amit Ancikovsky told the paper. Airspan seeks to participate in the government's tenders for its e-Mexico connectivity program, viewing its technology as appropriate for the program because building a wireless network does not require a huge investment. Airspan currently sells about US$25mn a year in Mexico and counts startup telco Axtel among its clients. The company is also targeting other telcos such as Avantel, Maxcom and Spain's Telefónica (NYSE: TEF).