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2004

THUS Invests in Softswitch Technology to Meet Increased Demand for Voice, Enhance Converged Services, and Support Future, Advanced, Multi-media Customer Solutions

THUS plc today announced that it is extending the service reach of its advanced national network with the latest Softswitch technology from Nortel Networks* allowing it to deliver richer IP based services. By deploying Nortel Networks softswitch technology across its state of the art MPLS (Multi-Protocol Label Switching) network THUS will enable further convergence of voice, data and Internet traffic on its core network. This will increase the network's voice capacity, strengthen THUS's managed solutions offering and enhance the delivery of value-added services such as VoIP and enhanced multi-media solutions. It is also expected to reduce the cost of delivering services to new customers, allowing THUS to more competitively target a wider pool of businesses across the UK.

Businesses are looking to derive greater value from their service provider through the delivery of services over a shared medium. The softswitch technology being deployed by THUS will allow it to deliver customers' voice, data and Internet services over one network as well as providing the flexibility for customers to incorporate a rich suite of next generation voice applications with their more traditional telephony and data services. The enhanced capability will enable THUS to deliver innovative value-added services such as VoIP services and presence, which allow users to route all calls to their current location, mobility and softclient. THUS will also be in a position to manage service delivery for its customers, reducing the administrative burden for businesses while increasing flexibility.

THUS has seen demand for voice services grow significantly over the past 18 months. Softswitch technology will increase the voice capacity of its network and offers scalability, ensuring THUS can meet future growth in demand.

"We successfully completed the build of our state of the art MPLS network in 2002. Since then we've monitored technology developments to ensure that our network uses best of breed technology to deliver outstanding quality of service to our customers. The time is right for further evolution of the network through Softswitch technology. By converging voice traffic onto our core network, Nortel Networks softswitch offers improved flexibility, functionality, manageability and scalability," said Phil Male, Chief Operating Officer, THUS plc.

Phil Male added: "Softswitch technology ensures that we can continue to develop innovative services well into the future, including converged services such as VoIP and extends our multi-media solutions capability. Customers will also benefit from cost efficiencies of the integrated services."

Darryl Edwards, president, northern region Europe, Middle East and Africa, Nortel Networks commented: "Nortel Networks softswitch technology is mature and has been proven globally. By enhancing its network with Nortel Networks softswitch, THUS will be able to meet the demands of growth, develop new services and rationalise its network. Nortel Networks softswitches are efficient, have small footprint and are cost effective while offering the same reliability as TDM."

Nortel Networks solution for THUS will include Nortel Networks Succession* Communication Server 2000-Compact superclass softswitches and Multimedia Communication Server 5200. Using open, standards-based software and commercially available hardware, the switches help service providers deliver a rich suite of voice applications that can be seamlessly integrated with customers existing telephone services.