OTTAWA -- Nortel Networks (NYSE:NT)(TSX:NT.) today introduced OPTera Metro Connect, a next generation SONET solution that is expected to enable service providers to drive significant expense reductions and increased speed of new services delivery. "Nortel Networks is committed to redefining the economics of metropolitan networks," said Marco Pagani, president, Metro Optical, Nortel Networks. "With the introduction of OPTera Metro Connect, Nortel Networks is addressing a very real challenge for network operators - rapid growth of central offices and inter-office facilities - by delivering a fundamentally simple solution for driving low capital and operational costs." Nortel Networks OPTera Metro Connect leverages technology from OPTera Metro 3500 Multiservice Platform and OPTera Connect DX optical switch to provide a proven, next generation SONET solution. This solution is designed to improve on others available in the industry by positioning service providers to save up to: 50 percent on operational expenses; 45 percent on capital costs; 40 percent on power consumption; 60 percent on floor space; and 30 percent on intra-office fiber use according to Nortel Networks estimates. Nortel Networks next generation SONET solutions include a portfolio of products that cost-effectively address each customer segment. This includes OPTera Metro 3400 and 3500 Multiservice Platforms, and OPTera Metro Connect with integrated optical switching. These products work seamlessly with OPTera Metro 3000 DS1 Service Module, as well as OPTera Metro 1200. Nortel Networks will demonstrate these products and capabilities at SUPERCOMM 2002, June 4-6, in Atlanta. In a separate release: Nortel Networks (NYSE:NT - News; TSX:NT.) today introduced OPTera Metro 3000 DS1 Service Module and technology innovation for its OPTera Metro 3500 next generation SONET product that collectively will position service providers and enterprises to drive reduced operational and capital expenditures, new revenue-generating services, and improved network security. OPTera Metro 3000 DS1 Service Module, available today, can be used as a service module of OPTera Metro 3400 and 3500 next generation SONET products, providing eight times the 'in-skin' density on OPTera Metro 3500 and double the density on OPTera Metro 3400. Nortel Networks is also introducing the industry's first OC-48 BLSR (bi-directional line-switched ring) with fully non-blocking VT1.5 assignment, providing an estimated 50 percent improvement in bandwidth efficiency according to Nortel Networks studies, and simplifying operation, maintenance and provisioning. This is the industry's first BLSR implementation with full available bandwidth utilization at the finest granularity, doubling the current capacity available in the market and reducing total cost of ownership. In addition, Nortel Networks has added the industry's only BLSR capability to support RPR (resilient packet ring) in protected channels for more efficient delivery of new Optical Ethernet services. In a separate release: The South Georgia Governmental Services Authority (SGGSA) has selected next generation SONET solutions from Nortel Networks (NYSE:NT)(TSX:NT.) for its network architecture to support a variety of education initiatives, and to provide advanced telecommunications services across its four-city network. SGGSA members - the municipalities of Cairo, Camilla, Moultrie and Thomasville, Ga. - currently provide cable television and Internet access via cable modem technology over hybrid fiber coax systems. Deployment of Nortel Networks OPTera Metro 3500 next generation SONET solution will allow the communities to expand their service offerings. "This technology will help to place our four rural, southwest Georgia towns on a level playing field with much larger metropolitan communities," said Jay Powell, board chairman, SGGSA. "Our goals are simply stated - to create communities where our educational systems are second to none, our new and existing businesses thrive, and our residents enjoy an outstanding quality of life. The ability to share resources among our municipalities and across our school districts while offering local business affordable, innovative services with Nortel Networks next generation SONET technology will be a tremendous step for our communities toward meeting these goals." Nortel Networks Corp. For more information on Supercomm 2002, please visit: Supercomm Special