CopperGate Communications, Challenge Fund II portfolio company, the leading provider of standards-based technology for networking high-speed entertainment data throughout the home over existing wires, today announced that William (Bill) Simmelink has joined the company in this newly created position of President, North American Operations. Mr. Simmelink, an industry veteran with over 20 years of experience in management, sales, marketing and business development in high-tech companies, will be responsible for managing and growing the company's operations in North America.

"Bill's extensive experience at leading large and emerging technology companies will be a major asset in helping us to deliver on meeting the needs of our customers," said Gabi Hilevitz, CopperGate CEO. "This is a critical phase in CopperGate's growth as our North American customers launch major deployments of new IPTV technology and services."

"CopperGate's very successful efforts marketing HomePNA 3 technology to leading telcos has positioned the company for executing on its plan to expand in North America," observed Simmelink. "The equipment suppliers are now ramping up to deliver CopperGate-based solutions and I look forward to supporting our customers as they deploy new IP set-top box and gateway products into homes across the U.S, Canada and Mexico."