Fujitsu Network Communications Inc.

SDN Communications Deploys Fujitsu-Powered Next-Generation Packet Optical Network in South Dakota

High-Density, High-Capacity FLASHWAVE® 9500 Packet ONP Delivers SONET and Ethernet Services to Bridge Digital Divide

Sioux Falls, S.D., April 28, 2009 — Fujitsu Network Communications, a leading supplier of innovative optical and wireless networking solutions, announced today that SDN Communications, a regional fiber optic networking provider owned by 18 South Dakota independent telephone companies, has selected the Fujitsu FLASHWAVE® 9500 Packet Optical Networking Platform (Packet ONP) for its statewide networking requirements. Packet Optical Networking is the next major evolution in optical networking. SDN is using the platform for high-capacity, SONET and Ethernet transport and cross-connecting between interexchange carriers and its member companies.

“Even in these economic times, SDN is finding great growth opportunities into new markets,” said Tom Durfee, director of network operations at SDN Communications. “We’re using the FLASHWAVE 9500 to expand our network and reach new business customers. Our experience with Fujitsu has been so good that we’re considering additional units to enhance our network delivery.”

SDN deployed its first FLASHWAVE 9500 system to take full advantage of the platform’s dramatic density improvements over competing systems. Others reasons cited for SDN’s selection of the FLASHWAVE 9500 platform include ease of turn-up and integration with its existing metro network, as well as its experience with Fujitsu and the quality of its products.

“SDN Communications has been working with Fujitsu for over 10 years, and has deployed several generations of our optical networking equipment, including our FLM 2400 SONET ADMs and FLASHWAVE 4500 Multiservice Provisioning Platforms (MSPPs),” said Doug Moore, senior vice president of marketing at Fujitsu Network Communications. “With their selection of our FLASHWAVE 9500 platform they are deploying the next generation of optical networking technology – Packet Optical Networking. Packet ONPs leverage the proven benefits of ADMs and MSPPs, but also incorporate connection-oriented Ethernet and ROADM capabilities that will allow SDN to bridge the digital divide in South Dakota with truly innovative services.”

The FLASHWAVE 9500 Packet ONP provides the modular integration of Ethernet, ROADM, and SONET transport technologies into a single addressable optical networking class element. The platform’s pluggable ROADM option and patent-pending universal switch fabric allow both SONET/SDH and Ethernet traffic to be transported in its native format to create a universal optical infrastructure. Integrated connection-oriented Ethernet transport technology delivers private-line quality packet aggregation and connectivity services with the proven operational robustness of optical networking, including transport-class software and database management, management interface functionality, and precision fault sectionalization.

SDN will continue to use the Fujitsu NETSMART® 1500 Element Management System (EMS) to manage its network of Fujitsu network elements, and reduce the time and complexity of day-to-day operations and maintenance tasks. This software allows SDN to use features such as end-to-end SONET/SDH and Ethernet service provisioning, real-time fault isolation and resolution, and distributed network element software updates to reduce operating expenses. As the SDN network continues to grow, the NETSMART 1500 EMS can grow with it, ultimately supporting hundreds of users and thousands of network elements to secure their existing investment.

About SDN Communications
SDN Communications is a regional fiber optic network owned by 18 South Dakota independent telephone companies. Its 21,000 miles of fiber touches more than 300 South Dakota communities, not to mention Minneapolis, Omaha and Fargo, moving voice, data, Internet, and video throughout the region. In addition, SDN partners with regional and national providers to carry electronic communications nationwide. SDN’s business solutions include broadband connectivity, Internet, network surveillance, networking equipment, and phone systems for businesses requiring data transfer among multiple locations, high-speed Internet, video conferencing, network surveillance, computers, routers, servers, and phone systems. For more information, please visit http://www.sdncommunications.com.

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About Fujitsu Network Communications Inc.

Fujitsu Network Communications Inc. is an innovator in Connection-oriented Ethernet, 4G/LTE wireless and optical transport technologies, and is a market-leading provider of SONET, WDM, and packet optical networking solutions. With the support of Fujitsu Limited (TSE:6702), a $53B company with approximately 160,000 professionals in 70 countries, Fujitsu enables its customers to migrate to fully converged packet optical networks that improve performance and profitability. Over 400,000 Fujitsu network elements have been deployed by all major carriers across North America. Fujitsu maintains a longstanding and highly-regarded position as a market leader by providing best-in-class data networking solutions optimized for Ethernet service delivery and transport. For more information, please visit http://us.fujitsu.com/telecom.

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