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June 28, 2002
Edge Wireless Selects Nortel Networks for GSM/GPRS Network Buildouts
Next Generation Infrastructure Designed to Boost Voice Capacity, Reduce Operating Costs
DALLAS – Edge Wireless, LLC has selected Nortel Networks* [NYSE/TSX: NT] as the provider of GSM (Global System for Mobile Communications) and GPRS (General Packet Radio Service) wireless infrastructure upgrades for its TDMA (time division multiple access) networks in the western United States.
Under a three-year contract estimated at approximately US$18.5 million, Nortel Networks will deploy GSM and GPRS radio access and core switching equipment for Edge Wireless – a member of the AT&T Wireless Network – in California, Oregon, Idaho and Wyoming. The upgrades will position Edge Wireless to drive new revenues through ‘always on’ data applications, and through services like Virtual Private Networks (VPNs), personalized content for subscriber communities, and personalized firewalls. “We are seeking to redefine the level of voice and data services for non-urban subscribers across the Western U.S.,” said Donnie Castleman, president, Edge Wireless. “Nortel Networks technology innovations will help us to provide more sophisticated subscriber offerings and ensure top quality voice services to our customers and roaming partners.” Nortel Networks GSM/GPRS infrastructure is designed to increase voice capacity, enable personalized ‘user aware’ services, and create networking efficiencies to help wireless service providers drive reduced operating costs. “We're delighted to have been selected by Edge Wireless as the provider of their wireless data solutions,” said Vivian Hudson, vice president, GSM/GPRS, Nortel Networks. “We believe our extensive expertise in IP, optical and wireless access technologies gives our customers an advantage in driving lower cost of network ownership, and in enabling a new world of untethered data capabilities.” Under the contract, Nortel Networks will deploy equipment for Edge Wireless from its GSM radio portfolio, which offers one of the highest sensitivities in the industry for larger cells and better in-building penetration. The Nortel Networks solution for Edge Wireless will also include Nortel Networks Shasta* 5000 Broadband Services Node and Nortel Networks Passport* Multiservice Switches. The contract with Edge Wireless continues a long relationship with Nortel Networks, which was the turnkey provider for Edge Wireless TDMA networks throughout the western United States. Nortel Networks has deployed 72 GSM/GPRS networks with operators in 41 countries. Edge Wireless, LLC, headquartered in Bend, Oregon, offers service in Oregon, California, Idaho and Wyoming. Edge Wireless is a member of the AT&T Wireless Network. All inquiries regarding Edge Wireless should be directed to Patti Widmer at 541.312.5499. Edge Wireless is a service mark of Edge Wireless, LLC. © 2002 Edge Wireless LLC Nortel Networks is an industry leader and innovator focused on transforming how the world communicates and exchanges information. The company is supplying its service provider and enterprise customers with communications technology and infrastructure to enable value-added IP data, voice and multimedia services spanning Metro and Enterprise Networks, Wireless Networks and Optical Long Haul Networks. As a global company, Nortel Networks does business in more than 150 countries. More information about Nortel Networks can be found on the Web at www.nortelnetworks.com. Certain information included in this press release is forward-looking and is subject to important risks and uncertainties. The results or events predicted in these statements may differ materially from actual results or events. Factors which could cause results or events to differ from current expectations include, among other things: the severity and duration of the industry adjustment; the sufficiency of our restructuring activities, including the potential for higher actual costs to be incurred in connection with restructuring actions compared to the estimated costs of such actions; fluctuations in operating results and general industry, economic and market conditions and growth rates; the ability to recruit and retain qualified employees; fluctuations in cash flow, the level of outstanding debt and debt ratings; the ability to meet financial covenants contained in our credit agreements; the ability to make acquisitions and/or integrate the operations and technologies of acquired businesses in an effective manner; the impact of rapid technological and market change; the impact of price and product competition; international growth and global economic conditions, particularly in emerging markets and including interest rate and currency exchange rate fluctuations; the impact of rationalization in the telecommunications industry; the dependence on new product development; the uncertainties of the Internet; the impact of the credit risks of our customers and the impact of increased provision of customer financing and commitments; stock market volatility; the entrance into an increased number of supply, turnkey, and outsourcing contracts which contain delivery, installation, and performance provisions, which, if not met, could result in the payment of substantial penalties or liquidated damages; the ability to obtain timely, adequate and reasonably priced component parts from suppliers and internal manufacturing capacity; the future success of our strategic alliances; and the adverse resolution of litigation. For additional information with respect to certain of these and other factors, see the reports filed by Nortel Networks with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission. Unless otherwise required by applicable securities laws, Nortel Networks disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. *Nortel Networks, the Nortel Networks logo, the Globemark, Shasta and Passport are trademarks of Nortel Networks. Contact for Press and Analysts:Trade media:
Jay Barta
Nortel Networks
972-685-2381
jbarta@nortel.com
Claire Cranton
Nortel Networks
+44 1628 61 7178
cranton@nortel.com
Business media:
Tina Warren
Nortel Networks
905-863-4702
tinawarr@nortel.com
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