AFS Picks Nortel for Optical Ethernet

ROCHESTER, N.Y. – American Fiber Systems (AFS), a leading nationwide provider of metropolitanoptical solutions, has reached an agreement with Nortel Networks* [NYSE/TSX: NT] that will enableAFS to deliver end-to-end Optical Ethernet solutions to customers in several cities throughout theUnited States.

These solutions will combine AFS’ advanced metropolitan full-spectrum fiber communication networksand services with products from Nortel Networks Optical Networks portfolio and Nortel NetworksPassport* 8600 Routing Switch. Together these products will provide the simplicity, flexibility and cost-effectivenessof Ethernet with the high reliability, speed and reach of optics, and will include NortelNetworks real-time customer service and support.

“AFS has chosen Nortel Networks OPTera* Metro and Passport solutions to cost-effectively scale ourexisting fiber network infrastructure in order to quickly respond to our customers’ service andbandwidth demands at flat rate prices,” said Bill Ciminelli, vice president, Network Development andServices, American Fiber Systems. “Our networks will enable bandwidth hungry applications, includingIP (Internet Protocol) VPNs (Virtual Private Networks) and LAN (local area network) extension, whilegiving each enterprise control over their network operation and cost.”

“Using these products, customers can reap the benefits of a secure, simple and scalable solution with thespeed and simplicity of Ethernet to create an optimal foundation for delivery of IP services,” said BrianMcFadden, president, Optical Networks, Nortel Networks. “Nortel Networks is committed to workingclosely with AFS to offer customers a comprehensive, cost-effective solution that includes consistenthigh-reliability and eliminates any single point of failure.”

AFS will offer Ethernet point-to-point, point-to-multipoint and Internet access (EIA) services withbandwidth rates from 10 megabits per second (Mbps) to Gigabit Ethernet. AFS customers will be ableto choose specific, custom bandwidth rates.

“Our services will respond to the lack of real fiber based access for a significant percentage of non-residentialreal estate locations in many metropolitan areas,” Ciminelli said. “We are particularly pleased to work with Nortel Networks to support our customers in achieving their goals of delivering mission-critical,network-based services and Internet access at unsurpassed speeds, reliability and value for theirend-users.”

American Fiber Systems Inc. (AFS)

Nortel Networks Corp.