Fujitsu Network Communications Inc.

Fujitsu FLASHWAVE® 4300 Achieves “Buy American” Status from USDA Rural Utilities Service

Domestic Certification Allows Service Providers to Use Government Financing to Realize Next-Generation Optical Networking Benefits

Richardson, TX, September 24, 2003 — Fujitsu Network Communications Inc., the leader in the optical  telecommunications market, today announced that the Rural Utilities Service (RUS) branch of the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) has granted “Buy American” status upon the Fujitsu FLASHWAVE® 4300 next-generation multiservice optical transport platform.

The RUS provides independent and rural utilities and telecommunications service providers with low-interest financing to assist them in the purchase of new equipment. The financing serves to keep costs down, which can then be passed to consumers, as well as foster competition with services offered by larger regional and national carriers. Earlier this year, the USDA committed to providing $1.4 billion for loans to enhance rural telecommunications services.

The FLASHWAVE 4300 platform was granted “RUS Technical Acceptance” status in September 2001. This latest accomplishment puts the platform on the RUS list of accepted domestic materials, joining the Fujitsu FLASHWAVE 4100 multiservice optical access platform that earned both distinctions in June 2002. Manufacturing and final assembly of both products is performed in Richardson, TX.

“This accomplishment demonstrates Fujitsu’s commitment to rural telephone and utility companies,” said George Chase, group president and COO for Fujitsu Network Communications. “The FLASHWAVE 4100 access platform and the FLASHWAVE 4300 transport platform are currently being deployed by numerous carriers across North America to introduce next-generation services. Now, with both platforms on the RUS list of materials, rural service providers can purchase and deploy these platforms with funds obtained through low-interest RUS loans. Our RUS certification makes it possible for all carriers, regardless of their size or footprint, to offer advanced new services while conserving capital and expense dollars.”

The FLASHWAVE 4300 platform provides a highly scalable and flexible solution that is ideally suited for access ring aggregation, network grooming and multiservice Interoffice (IOF) transport. The systems’ standards-based architecture optimizes access traffic within the Central Office (CO). Carrier-class SONET, Ethernet, M13 multiplexing, data switching services and narrowband optics for Dense Wavelength Division Multiplexing (DWDM) connectivity offer unequalled flexibility in an optical networking platform. Built-in test access support combined with any-port-to-any-port STS and VT connectivity provides true cross-connect capabilities.

---

About Fujitsu Network Communications Inc.

Fujitsu Network Communications Inc., a subsidiary of Tokyo-based Fujitsu Limited (TSE: 6702), is a leading provider of customer-focused IT and carrier-class telecommunications solutions for the Service Provider and Cable TV market in North America. Supported by smart innovation and deep-rooted research from Fujitsu Labs, Fujitsu is uniquely positioned to deliver fully integrated IT/Telecom solutions for its customers. The company's comprehensive consulting and customer services offer support at any network design, development, deployment and maintenance stage.
For more information, please see: http://us.fujitsu.com./telecom

---

Press Contacts

---

FLASHWAVE® is a trademark of Fujitsu Network Communications Inc. (USA) All rights reserved.  All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.