Fujitsu Telecommunications Europe Limited

Fujitsu and BT Sign Up for 21st Century Network

Fujitsu Telecommunications Europe announces today that it has formally signed contracts with BT, as a key preferred supplier in the access domain, providing Multi Service Access Node (MSAN) solutions to link BT’s existing access network to the 21CN core IP-based network.

Birmingham, 6th March 2006 — Fujitsu Telecommunications Europe announces today that it has formally signed contracts with BT, as a key preferred supplier in the access domain, providing Multi Service Access Node (MSAN) solutions to link BT’s existing access network to the 21CN core IP-based network. The contract follows on from April 2005’s announcement of Fujitsu as one of eight key preferred suppliers. It highlights Fujitsu’s ability to deliver a major component within the world’s first realisation of an IP converged network, supporting both voice and data services in a packet-based infrastructure, as BT advances its investment in world-leading next-generation network technology.

Hiroaki Kurokawa, President of Fujitsu Limited stated:
'Fujitsu is proud of being selected to participate in BT’s epoch-making 21st Century Network project. We believe that this project is an important international development, demonstrating how next-generation networks can provide support for existing features and services, alongside the ability to deliver advanced next-generation services. BT's 21CN vision is setting the pace for the global adoption of next-generation network technology. We look forward to working with BT and the other selected vendors in the successful implementation of this strategically important project."

BT Wholesale chief executive Paul Reynolds said:
"With 21CN, BT and our suppliers are leading the world in next generation networks. Where we go with 21CN, others will follow, and the experience gained and expertise developed in this transformation of BT's network will set the standard for other NGN deployments. We're moving forward strongly with world class suppliers, and the first customers in the UK will start enjoying services over 21CN within 12 months."

Commenting for Fujitsu Telecommunications Europe, Chief Executive Officer Andy Stevenson elaborates:
“Since April last year, both the Fujitsu and BT teams have been involved in an exhaustive process, ensuring the optimum fit for BT’s 21CN realisation over the coming years. We are delighted to have achieved a successful contract completion. Fujitsu has worked closely with BT on 21CN for more than two years, providing intellectual and innovative technological support that has contributed to the 21CN architecture. Our acknowledged expertise in delivering the MSAN infrastructure will be matched by our service capability over the coming months, helping to realise what will in effect be the world’s first fully transformed next generation network.”

Fujitsu’s MSAN solution is based around its award-winning GeoStream Access Gateway, which provides a common platform for the support of fibre and copper terminations across a wide range of existing and next-generation services to end-users. A key element of GeoStream Access Gateway involves the ability to deliver H.248 voice interoperability as a cost-effective platform to provide broadband alongside voice services on a common platform. Fujitsu was one of the first companies to demonstrate the successful realisation of H.248 in the UK, highlighting its commitment to network innovation and the concept of genuine interoperability and open systems. The multi-service capability of the GeoStream Access Gateway offers support for the widest breadth of service delivery, including ADSL, ADSL2, ADSL2+, SDSL, VDSL, Ethernet, Gigabit Ethernet, PON, GPON, WiMAX, SDH and PDH – all from the same platform, vastly reducing the operational cost of the Access Network. Over the past months, GeoStream Access Gateway has undergone exhaustive interoperability testing with the other 21CN vendors.

BT’s 21CN vision positions the UK as a leader on the world telecommunications stage. As legacy PSTN equipment installed 20 years ago becomes obsolete, it is anticipated that many operators will follow this approach.

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About Fujitsu’s GeoStream Access Gateway

With Fujitsu’s GeoStream Access Gateway, multiple services can be delivered simultaneously, from fast Internet access and video-on-demand, to voice telephony using VoIP. Inherently scalable, the modular technology has been designed to drive down the cost-per-line to a minimum, and to be as cost-effective as possible for an ISP or network operator, whether servicing many thousands of broadband subscribers from a busy urban exchange or delivering broadband to small, remote rural communities.

In addition to its scalability economies, the design offers further cost-saving potential through its lower energy consumption compared to previous technology, and through its support for a dynamic power management facility that can tailor power usage to traffic demands. The installed system also has a smaller footprint than previous-generation technology, allowing more efficient use of valuable exchange space. Representing Fujitsu’s next-generation Multi-Service Access Node, the GeoStream Access Gateway can support many thousands of users on a single ATM/Ethernet network interface, and is arguably the world’s most advanced DSL platform, designed to provide operators and service providers with leading-edge cost-efficient technology.

With its design and manufacture located in the UK, the product’s local focus enables Fujitsu to offer European operators considerable flexibility in design development and supply management, with the company’s Birmingham-based engineering facilities representing the global centre of Broadband product excellence for the entire Fujitsu group.

About Fujitsu

Fujitsu is a leading provider of customer-focused IT and communications solutions for the global marketplace. Pace-setting device technologies, highly reliable computing and communications products, and a worldwide corps of systems and services experts uniquely position Fujitsu to deliver comprehensive solutions that open up infinite possibilities for its customers' success. Headquartered in Tokyo, Fujitsu Limited (TSE:6702) reported consolidated revenues of 4.7 trillion yen (US$44.5 billion) for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2005. (For more information, please see: www.fujitsu.com)

About Fujitsu Telecommunications Europe

Fujitsu Telecommunications Europe Limited is a major supplier of Broadband Access equipment in Europe and is Fujitsu's worldwide design location for access network solutions - including a centre of excellence for the development of Digital Subscriber Line (DSL) technology. From its base in Birmingham, West Midlands, Fujitsu designs, develops and manufactures telecommunications technology for the European market. The company has a long-standing relationship with BT, with its technology accounting for over 3 million lines of DSL broadband in the UK. The company’s advanced technology has resulted in the Queen’s Award for Enterprise: Innovation 2005, in addition to the ISPA Best Hardware Award 2005. (For more information, please visit: uk.fujitsu.com)

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