Intermedia Communications First to Deploy Sonus Networks' Packet Telephony Solutions for Internet Traffic Offload

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Sonus Equipment Enables Intermedia to Efficiently Handle Modem-Generated Internet Traffic; Positions Intermedia to Deliver Voice over IP Services

WESTFORD, Mass., March 28, 2000 – Intermedia Communications Inc. will become one of the first communications carriers to implement converged voice, data and Internet technologies through Sonus Networks' carrier-class packet telephony solutions, the companies announced today. Intermedia selected Sonus' complete suite of products as the foundation for offloading Internet traffic from its voice network. With the Sonus systems, Intermedia is also positioned for future transport of voice traffic using packet technologies, expanding network coverage into new geographic markets, and offering new services in additional business markets. 

"Intermedia Communications offers the broadest selection of networking solutions available from any provider. With Sonus, we have identified an innovative new technology that allows Intermedia to continue its leadership in delivering world-class Internet solutions," said Dick Marchant, senior vice president of engineering, Intermedia Communications. "Moreover, Sonus' next-generation technology provides a platform for Intermedia's future development of enhanced voice and data services." 

Initially, Intermedia will deploy the Sonus equipment in select network locations, allowing Intermedia to better utilize network bandwidth and more cost-effectively deliver services to its ISP customer base. Specifically, Intermedia will be the first communications provider to deploy Sonus' award-winning GSX9000TM Open Services Switch, as well as the PSX6000TM SoftSwitch and SGX2000TM SS7 Signaling Gateway, for Internet traffic offload. In this application, modem-generated Internet traffic destined for remote access servers is diverted away from legacy circuit switches before it enters the voice infrastructure, thus freeing up expensive voice network resources. Voice traffic may be switched back to existing circuit switches, or can alternatively be handled as voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) by the GSX9000 itself. 

"Intermedia is a leading player in the communications industry, and is keenly focused on delivering technology-driven integration solutions," said Hassan Ahmed, president and CEO of Sonus Networks. "This deployment underscores the strategic importance of the Internet offload application, and we believe our collaboration will enable Intermedia to continue to provide its customers with solutions that deliver important competitive advantages." 

The Sonus Open Services ArchitectureTM (OSA) and Packet Telephony suite also provides Intermedia a migration path for the transport of voice traffic using packet technologies, paving the way for the convergence of data and voice networks and technologies. Further, the OSA will allow Intermedia to expand their network coverage into new network geographic markets and deploy new voice or data services more rapidly than with other alternative approaches. For example, Intermedia can go beyond the initial Internet traffic offload application to deliver new emerging VoIP services. The Sonus technology infrastructure also enables Intermedia to enter new business markets, such as wholesale international long distance voice services. 

Intermedia is expected to begin deploying the Sonus Packet Telephony suite in its network beginning in the second quarter of this year. Upon the successful completion of the initial deployment, Intermedia plans to rapidly expand network coverage throughout their North American network. Additional terms of the agreement were not disclosed. 

About Sonus Networks

Sonus Networks, Inc. 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 award-winning Sonus Packet Telephony suite and Open Services Architecture (OSA) 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 solutions at companies such as Cisco Systems, Lucent Technologies, and Nortel Networks. Sonus, founded in 1997, is headquartered in Westford, Massachusetts and is privately held. 

About Intermedia Communications

Intermedia Communications Inc. (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 voice, data, Internet and advanced network services to the individual needs of more than 90,000 business customers. 

Intermedia's enhanced data portfolio includes the densest frame relay network available, optical networking, a full range of business Internet connectivity and Web hosting services; it offers seamless end-to-end service virtually anywhere in the world. Internet Users: Intermedia news releases, investor contacts and other useful information are available on Intermedia's Web site at www.intermedia.com. To receive news releases by e-mail or to request that information be mailed to you, please visit the Investor Relations section of the Web site, and go to the "Request Information" link. 

GSX9000, PSX6000, SGX2000 and Open Services Architecture are trademarks of Sonus Networks. All other company and product names may be trademarks of the respective companies with which they are associated.