Cricket Deploys GENBAND's G9 Converged Media Gateway

Focus on Enhanced Voice Quality and Seamless Migration to All-IP Architecture

April 29, 2008, Plano, TX - GENBAND Inc., a market-leading developer of next-generation IP gateways and application solutions, today announced that Cricket Communications, Inc., an operating subsidiary of Leap Wireless International, and a leading provider of unlimited wireless services, is deploying the G9 Converged Media GatewayTM, controlled by GENBAND’s C3 Signaling ControllerTM, to deliver enhanced voice quality and advanced IP services as they continue to evolve to an all-IP architecture.  The deployment of the G9 platform complements existing GENBAND products, the GENBAND 8000 Media GatewayTM and the GENBAND C3 platform, already operational in Cricket’s network.

“GENBAND’s G9 platform fits nicely into our strategy of enhanced quality, cost leadership, and the graceful evolution of our wireless network,” said John Saboe, vice president of engineering of Leap Wireless, Inc. 

In addition to a wide range of features to provide voice quality enhancements (VQE), GENBAND is adding Enhanced Variable Rate Codec (EVRC) support over IP.   The G9’s ability to support EVRC over IP allows Remote Transcoder Operation (RTO) throughout the Cricket network.  An added advantage is that the G9 gateway can now interface with a wider range of MSCs, providing added flexibility for future Cricket network growth. 

“Cricket is a truly innovative, forward-thinking wireless company that stands behind its commitment to continuously improve the quality of service for its customers by implementing smart technical advances within its network," said Keith Landau, executive vice president of research and development at GENBAND. "The all-in-one voice server technology and enhanced functionality of the G9 platform support Cricket’s evolving business needs and allow them to deploy the most cost effective IP network possible.  The innovative C3 architecture provides extremely high capacity, carrier-grade media gateway control for TDM, VoIP and IMS networks.” 

GENBAND’s G9 Converged Media Gateway is a high-density, feature-rich, multi-fabric media gateway that allows services to be switched in native modes and between IP and TDM via provisionable features, functions, modules and cards.  Evolved from field-proven technology globally deployed since 2001 across over 30 million ports in mobile, fixed line and converged networks, the G9 platform scales up to tens of thousands of ports and supports a wide range of interfaces and features for Unlicensed Mobile Access (UMA)/Generic Access Network (GAN), Femtocells, UMTS, GSM and CDMA wireless networks.  The flexible architecture of the G9 platform provides deployment options for access (BSC, RNC), core (R4 MSC), wireline, and converged wireless/wireline network operators. The G9 platform’s open H.248 interface and extensive feature set support 3GPP Release 4/5/6 and all major wireless and wireline IP, ATM and TDM network protocols. Optimized for IP network deployment, the G9 platform is an ideal solution for operators transitioning to IMS networks without requiring the costly replacement of existing network equipment.

The GENBAND C3 Signaling Controller is a media gateway controller with an integrated signaling gateway providing advanced routing for voice calls across a service provider's legacy or broadband networks. The architecture of the C3 platform ensures that it is protocol independent of incoming and outgoing facilities and signaling types. Using commercially available, carrier-grade hardware, the C3 platform is a highly scalable product that supports a wide range of advanced routing, signaling, and services as well as required regulatory capabilities.

About GENBAND
GENBAND is a leading supplier of next generation IP gateway and application solutions. These high-performance gateway and application platforms enable fixed wireline, mobile, and cable network service providers to rapidly deploy new multimedia services.  Headquartered in Plano, Texas, GENBAND has research and development facilities in Texas, China, India and Brazil.  Additional information is available at www.genband.com.

GENBAND Contacts:

Kim Lee
+1.972.265.3766
kim.lee@genband.com

Frank Puglia
+1.972.265.3612
frank.puglia@genband.com