Bell West Picks Nortel

CALGARY, Alberta -- Nortel Networks (NYSE:NT)(TSX:NT) has provided Bell West Inc. a next generation optical solution to build a high-speed regional network for Alberta SuperNet, a Government of Alberta initiative designed to link 4,700 libraries, schools, hospitals and provincial government offices in 422 communities province-wide by the end of 2004. Bell has selected Nortel Networks as the exclusive supplier for the Alberta SuperNet's Base Area, 2,500-kilometer regional backbone, linking together the province's 27 largest communities. Bell will use this network infrastructure to carry Alberta SuperNet telecommunications traffic. The network will also give Bell the capability to deliver Optical Ethernet, managed wavelength services and other new services -- enabling Bell West business customers to reduce the cost and complexity of their IT networks. Deployment is currently underway. "Nortel Networks Optical Ethernet solution combines the simplicity and cost-effectiveness of Ethernet with the speed and reliability of optics," said Marco Pagani, president, Optical Ethernet, Nortel Networks. "This powerful combination is ideal for building a common infrastructure across Alberta to support next generation high-speed services and applications. Bell will also be able to leverage this network to expand its service business to include managed wavelength services and high-speed Optical Ethernet services." Nortel Networks Corp.