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May 28, 2003
Cincinnati Bell Wireless Selects Nortel Networks for GSM Network Expansion
DALLAS – Cincinnati Bell Wireless has selected Nortel Networks* [NYSE/TSX: NT] to plan, design and deliver a GSM (Global System for Mobile Communications) and GPRS (General Packet Radio Service) core wireless data network.
Under an agreement announced today, Nortel Networks will provide circuit and IP (Internet Protocol) core networking equipment for an overlay of Cincinnati Bell’s existing TDMA wireless network spanning Ohio, Kentucky and Indiana. The upgrades will position Cincinnati Bell Wireless to drive increased network capacity and reduced cost of transporting network traffic, and to offer new data services. “Cincinnati Bell has a very proud legacy as a leading provider of data services,” said Dennis Hinkel, senior vice president, Network Planning and Operations, Cincinnati Bell. “We are now taking our expertise in data to the next level as we role out next generation wireless capabilities that will provide new services for our customers and ensure consistent voice and data capabilities.” Nortel Networks Univity* GPRS Wireless Data Network equipment supports data services like Web browsing, streaming audio and video, multimedia messaging, location-based services, m-commerce, Virtual Private Networks (VPNs), and other high-speed wireless data services. These types of personalized service offerings can position Cincinnati Bell to attract new customers, enhance loyalty with existing customers, and drive new revenues. “We are very proud to have been selected to deploy the IP core network that will position Cincinnati Bell to meet growing subscriber demand for wireless voice and data services,” said Alan Pritchard, vice president, GSM/GPRS/EDGE Americas, Nortel Networks. “This TDMA to GSM/GPRS upgrade represents another new core IP customer and continued momentum for Nortel Networks as a leading core provider.” Nortel Networks is an industry leader in migrating TDMA wireless networks to support more efficient and higher-capacity GSM, GPRS and EDGE technologies. Earlier this year, Nortel Networks secured a contract with Eastern New Mexico Rural Telephone (ENMR), a rural provider of wireless services in eastern New Mexico and western Texas. At the end of 2002, CORR Wireless, Alabama’s first digital wireless provider; Union, a regional wireless provider servicing subscribers in Wyoming, Colorado and Utah; and Highland Cellular, a Cellular One wireless provider serving West Virginia, selected Nortel Networks to migrate their TDMA networks to GSM/GPRS technologies. In June 2002, Triton PCS, serving the southeastern United States and EDGE Wireless, serving the western United States, selected Nortel Networks for their GSM/GPRS network builds. GSM and GPRS equipment to be deployed for Cincinnati Bell includes Univity Gateway GPRS Service Node (GGSN), Univity GSM Serving GPRS Service Node (SGSN), and Univity Mobile Switching Center (MSC). Nortel Networks GSM infrastructure is designed to easily support GPRS and EDGE with only card and software upgrades, which helps minimize capital expenses and protects network investments when migrating to next generation technologies. Nortel Networks will also provide on-site network support, logistical planning, installation and support services through its “Build, Launch and Transfer” program. This program, developed to minimize the challenges of launching new wireless technology and get the most out of existing network resources, will assist Cincinnati Bell with the transition to the new GSM/GPRS wireless data network. Globally, Nortel Networks has deployed 80 GSM/GPRS networks in more than 50 countries, and is supplying GSM/GPRS systems to enable Wireless Data Network services for more than 50 operators. Nortel Networks is the industry’s only supplier with Wireless Data Networks operating in all three advanced technologies – GPRS, CDMA2000 and UMTS. Cincinnati Bell [NYSE: CBB] is one of the nation’s most respected and best performing local exchange and wireless providers with a legacy of unparalleled customer service excellence. Cincinnati Bell provides a wide range of telecommunications products and services to residential and business customers in Ohio, Kentucky and Indiana. In recent studies by J.D. Power and Associates, the company ranked highest in customer satisfaction for Wireless Telephone Service in Cincinnati, Local Residential Telephone Service and Residential Long Distance Service among Mainstream Users making it the only company to ever receive all three awards. Cincinnati Bell Wireless is an AT&T Wireless Affiliate and Joint Venture between Cincinnati Bell and AT&T Wireless. 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 Wireless Networks, Wireline Networks, Enterprise Networks, and Optical 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, respective to both companies 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 respective to both companies 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 customer financing and commitments; stock market volatility; the entrance into an increased number of supply and outsourcing contracts which contain delivery and installation 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. For Cincinnati Bell, please see the Broadwing Inc. filings with the Securities and Exchange Commissio, including its Form 10-K for the fiscal year 2002 filed on March 31, 2003. *Nortel Networks, the Nortel Networks logo, the Globemark and Univity are trademarks of Nortel Networks. Contact for Press and Analysts:Jay Barta
Nortel Networks
(972) 685-2381
jbarta@nortel.com
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