For Immediate Release - October 21, 1996

REDWOOD CITY, CALIFORNIA - CALIFORNIA MICROWAVE, INC. (Nasdaq National Market:CMIC) announced that it had won a contract valued at approximately $3 million for the manufacture and installation of digital microwave radios from Washington, DC-based Associated Communications, LLC. which hold licenses for 18-GHz Digital Termination Services (DTS) in 30 of the largest Statistical Metropolitan Service Areas in the U.S. Releases against the contract are being added to California Microwaveís backlog as individual purchase orders are issued. Associated Communications, which is a majority-owned joint venture company of The Associated Group, Inc., is a competitive access provider which will use California Microwaveís 18-GHz radios operating in DTS-allocated frequencies for applications such as "last mile" broadband interconnections for private enterprises and for interconnecting base stations in Personal Communications Services (PCS) networks. Right Product; Turnkey Experience California Microwave is a major provider of millimeter wave radios in the 18, 23 and 38-GHz frequency bands. Such products provide an effective alternative to copper telephone lines or fiber optic cable in applications such as those targeted by Associated Communications. "California Microwaveís state-of-the-art 18-GHz radio and years of experience with rapid deployment of highly reliable network interconnections were key factors in our choice of supplier. We know we can count on full service and support. Relative to higher frequencies, 18 GHz has the advantage of being less susceptible to rainfall and, as a result, will provide our customers higher reliability services, particularly in high rainfall areas," commented Associated Communicationsí, Roy Mehta. In commenting on the award, Philip F. Otto, California Microwaveís chairman and chief executive officer, said, "We are pleased to have been chosen by Associated Communications as the microwave turnkey provider in this pioneering activity and believe there is significant potential for additional DTS type networks both here in the U.S. and around the globe." California Microwave, Inc. is a leader in wireless and satellite communications. It is the number one U. S. supplier of microwave radios and telecommunications satellite earth stations used in wireless communications. The company operates facilities in seven states and sells into more than 110 countries. Its strategy calls for significant expansion in the wireless area. For More Information Contact:

Stephanie M. Day Vice President Corporate Communications (415) 596-6629

Investor Information Line: (Toll-free) 1-888-225-6789 http://www.calmike.com.

Deborah Passik William Dunk Partners, Inc. (214) 960-9611

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