Intermedia Communications Deploying Next Generation Sonus Networks' Equipment in Eight Markets

Packet Telephony Solutions Allow Intermedia to Deliver Voice over IP Services and Efficiently Handle Internet Traffic

TAMPA, FL and WESTFORD, MA - August 21, 2000 – Intermedia Communications (Nasdaq: ICIX), an integrated communications provider that is leading the industry in the provisioning of next-generation technologies, is deploying Sonus Networks’ carrier-class packet telephony solutions in eight major markets across the nation.

Intermedia is implementing Sonus’ complete suite of products, allowing the company to transport voice traffic using packet technologies, expand network coverage into new geographic markets, handle IP-based long distance traffic from international carriers, and offload modem-generated Internet traffic from the company’s voice network. The new architecture will provide Intermedia’s business customers with a network that is scalable, fast to provision, cost-effective and able to support advanced applications as they are developed.

Intermedia has completed the first link in this next-generation architecture, deploying a 50,000 port Sonus GSX9000TM Open Services Switch and PSX6000 TM SoftSwitch in Miami. The company is installing additional Sonus telephony equipment in Tampa, Atlanta, Charlotte, Raleigh, Indianapolis, Chicago, and St. Louis over the next few months. The Sonus architecture will enable Intermedia to sell wholesale voice-over-IP services to a variety of customers.

"Sonus’ innovative technology allows Intermedia to do today what other carriers are planning for tomorrow," said Dick Marchant, senior vice president of engineering at Intermedia Communications. "With these Sonus products, Intermedia is creating voice-over-IP capabilities across the nation."

Earlier this year, Intermedia became one of the first communications carriers to deploy Sonus’ award-winning network equipment for Internet traffic offload. The Sonus system allows Intermedia to better utilize network bandwidth and more cost-effectively deliver services to its ISP customer base. 

Additionally, the Sonus-based infrastructure provides Intermedia a platform upon which it can converge its data, voice and Internet traffic. Integrating these networks shortens provisioning time for customers, allows for greater scalability and reduces the time to market. All of the Sonus switches Intermedia is deploying will be configured to handle VoIP, data traffic and ISP offload.

"Intermedia has a reputation for recognizing the best in new technology and being among the first to take advantage of it," said Hassan Ahmed, president and CEO of Sonus Networks. "By deploying our complete Packet Telephony suite for a range of applications, Intermedia is positioning itself to be a leader in IP-based communications. We believe our collaboration will enable Intermedia to explore new markets and provide its customers with new competitive advantages."

This network buildout features the deployment of GSX9000 Open Service Switches and SGX2000 SS7 Signaling Gateways in all eight cities, with PSX6000 SoftSwitches centralized in Tampa and Chicago. Intermedia plans to continue the installation of Sonus architecture throughout its U.S. network after this deployment.

About Intermedia Communications

Intermedia Communications (Nasdaq: ICIX) is one of the nation’s fastest growing communications companies and is focused on the next generation of integrated, data-centric solutions for business customers. Intermedia’s unique perspective on the dynamic business communications marketplace allows it to tailor a suite of data, Internet, voice and advanced network services to the individual needs of approximately 90,000 small and medium-sized business customers. Intermedia leads as the largest independent Competitive Local Exchange Carrier (CLEC); the fourth largest frame relay provider, with the densest nationwide network; a top five systems integration provider; a tier-one Internet Service Provider (ISP); and the largest multi-tenant services provider.

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About Sonus Networks

Sonus Networks Inc. (Nasdaq:SONS) is a leading provider of voice infrastructure products for the new public network. Sonus’ solutions enable service providers to deploy an integrated network capable of carrying both voice and data traffic, and to deliver a range of innovative, new services. The Sonus Open Services Architecture (OSA) and award-winning Packet Telephony suite cut the time-to-market for competitive new service products, allowing carriers and third-party developers to sustain and expand marketshare, and build important new revenue streams. Its highly scalable products fully interoperate with and extend the life and utility of today’s public network. Sonus embodies in its management and staff decades of experience in developing carrier-class voice, data, and multimedia solutions for implementation in the world’s largest networks. Sonus, founded in 1997, is headquartered in Westford, Massachusetts. Additional information on Sonus is available at www.sonusnet.com.