China Netcom Chooses Sonus Networks For Packet Voice Buildout

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Win with Beijing-based Carrier Marks Sonus' Entry in Chinese Telecommunications Market; China Netcom to Deploy Sonus Solutions for Local Access and Long Distance Voice

BEIJING, China and WESTFORD, Mass., January 8, 2002 – Sonus Networks (Nasdaq: SONS) today announced that China Netcom has selected Sonus to provide infrastructure solutions for the development of China Netcom's nationwide packet voice network. China Netcom is deploying Sonus media gateway and softswitch solutions to support the delivery of end-to-end IP voice service over the carrier's broadband network.

Sonus' deployment with China Netcom follows on Sonus' recent launch of its operations in China. Last month, Sonus established a regional office in Beijing and signed on its first Chinese distribution partner, Photonic Bridges, a systems integration company specializing in next-generation network deployments in China (see December 18, 2001 press release "Sonus Networks Establishes Operations in China").

In collaboration with Photonic Bridges, Sonus is providing Sonus' award-winning packet voice solutions to China Netcom, as well as comprehensive customer support services. China Netcom is deploying Sonus' GSX9000(TM) Open Services Switch, the Insignus(TM) Softswitch, including the ASX Access Server and PSX Policy Server modules, and the Sonus Insight(TM) Element Management System.

China Netcom will leverage the Sonus-based infrastructure to deliver a variety of IP based voice services to enterprise customers. China Netcom will be offering IP-to-PSTN and PSTN-to-IP calling for long distance access, supporting a wide range of value-added features on its IP-based infrastructure. China Netcom will also be deploying enhanced next-generation voice services on the network, beginning in Phase 1 of the project and continuing in subsequent phases.

"We are completely focused on delivering cutting-edge products and services to our customers, and required new technology that shares that commitment to innovation," said Chareleson Zheng, chief operating officer, China Netcom. "As a leader in the packet voice market, Sonus offered us the most advanced network solutions available, allowing us to gain a competitive edge in the rapidly growing Chinese telecommunications market."

China Netcom will initially install the Sonus systems in six cities throughout China: Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Dalian, Shenzhen and Nanjing. China Netcom plans to aggressively expand this network footprint over the next year to cover major cities and will support a significant number of subscribers throughout China.

"China Netcom had the unique opportunity to build its voice infrastructure from the ground up, using next-generation technologies, such as voice over IP, rather than implementing antiquated legacy equipment," said Hassan Ahmed, president and CEO. "We are thrilled to have been selected by China Netcom for the development of their new voice network, and we look forward to working closely together to help them achieve their business objectives."

About China Netcom

China Netcom (http://www.cnc.net.cn) was founded in August 1999, by the Chinese Academy of Sciences ("CAS"), the State Administration of Radio, Film and Television ("SARFT"), the Ministry of Railways ("MOR"), and the Shanghai Municipal Government. The company provides a full spectrum of services and solutions to meet the broadband telecommunications needs of businesses and individuals. It has a comprehensive collection of telecom licenses, including the license to operate international gateways out of China, and the EFTNS license in Hong Kong. To date, China Netcom has completed the first phase construction of CNCNet, a national backbone currently with 12,000km of fiber optic routes and 40G overall bandwidth. As the first company to deploy IP over DWDM on a large scale, China Netcom offers businesses and individuals the power to communicate at the speed of light.

About Photonic Bridges

Photonic Bridges Inc. designs and deploys next generation network solutions in the rapidly expanding telecommunication service provider market in China. Founded in California in August 2000, the company has offices in Beijing, Shanghai and Guangzhou, PRC, with an R&D facility in Denver, Colorado. The company focuses on the China market and has designed and deployed advanced metropolitan access networks in nine cities, optical backbone networks in two provinces and, with Sonus Networks, is deploying the first softswitch-based network in China. Photonic Bridges is located on the web at: www.photonicbridges.com.

About Sonus Networks

Sonus Networks, Inc., is a leading provider of packet voice infrastructure products for the new public network. With its Open Services Architecture (OSA), Sonus delivers end-to-end solutions addressing a full range of carrier applications, including trunking, residential access and Centrex, tandem switching, and IP voice termination, as well as enhanced services. Sonus' award-winning voice infrastructure solutions, including media gateways, softswitches and network management systems, are deployed in service provider networks worldwide. Sonus, founded in 1997, is headquartered in Westford, Massachusetts. Additional information on Sonus is available at http://www.sonusnet.com.

This release may contain projections or other forward-looking statements regarding future events or the future financial performance of Sonus that involve risks and uncertainties. Readers are cautioned that these forward-looking statements are only predictions and may differ materially from actual future events or results. Readers are referred to Sonus' Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, dated November 14, 2001, filed with the SEC, which identifies important risk factors that could cause actual results to differ from those contained in the forward-looking statements. These risk factors include, among others, the Company's ability to grow its customer base, dependence on new product offerings, market acceptance of its products, integration risks relative to its acquisition of telecom technologies, rapid technological and market change and manufacturing and sourcing risks.

GSX9000, Insignus, Sonus Insight and Open Services Architecture are trademarks of Sonus Networks. All other trademarks, service marks, registered trademarks, or registered service marks are the property of their respective owners.