MUNICH -- Telefonica Deutschland GmbH is upgrading its network into one of the largest alternative broadband infrastructures in the German market. To this end, Telefonica has awarded Siemens Communications a contract to expand its inner-core backbone. Siemens has supplied M- and T-series routers from Juniper Networks (NASDAQ: JNPR) and Metro Ethernet switches from Extreme Networks and integrated them in the carrier's backbone network at the locations Frankfurt, Berlin and D|sseldorf. Siemens will also maintain a service organization to support Telefonica's network operation in ensuring the constant availability of the network. With the expanded network, Telefonica is equipping itself in Germany to serve growing numbers of users with a highly resilient infrastructure, offering internet providers high-quality broadband services such as Voice over IP, and in the future also IPTV and video on demand.

Siemens and Juniper Networks integrated the new components into the network of Telefonica Deutschland GmbH, a specialist for internet-based data and telecommunication services, with Siemens guaranteeing the security and availability of the expanded network through its technical service. The backbone network services have initially been contracted for three years.

Juniper supplied the routing platforms and will be a partner to Siemens in the area of service. The new Metro Ethernet switches come from Siemens' partner Extreme Networks.

Siemens AG (NYSE: SI; Frankfurt: SIE)

Juniper Networks Inc. (NYSE: JNPR)

Extreme Networks Inc. (Nasdaq: EXTR)