Telos Wins in Nigeria

RICHMOND, British Columbia -- TELOS Technology, Inc. (“TELOS”), a leading provider of Softswitch distributed mobile switching solutions, ip based CDMA1X base stations for voice and data communication networks, and Cell Communications Nigeria, Ltd. (“Cellcom”) announced today that they are expanding Cellcom’s wireless network with CDMA 2000 1X technology in the main cities of Lagos and Abuja using TELOS’ next generation wireless network solution, the Sonata SE.

Scheduled to be fully operational in Summer 2003, Cellcom’s network expansion plans will increase its subscriber capacity in Lagos to over 40,000 users and in Abuja to over 10,000 users while providing superior improvements in network coverage as well as voice and data transmission quality.

“The key to our success as an emerging telecommunications service provider in a region where less than 2 percent of our population have telephone access is to ensure that we offer high-quality, affordable telephony service,” says Chris Osondu, General Manager of Cellcom. “Our strategy is to match the expansion rate of our network capacity with subscriber base. This way, we pace our upfront infrastructure investments and allow ourselves the opportunity to offer price plans that attract subscribers. The Sonata SE solution from TELOS gives us the most cost-effective and scalable solution to meet our business and technical requirements for today and for the future.”

The Sonata SE is a full-featured wireless Softswitch solution that offers wireless data services such as SMS and Internet access as well as full mobility features, including voicemail and prepaid. As part of a system consisting of distributed mobile switching centers (MSC), media gateways, and CDMA iCell IP base station, the Sonata SE enables an operator to centralize network control and distribute the switching endpoints (base stations and gateways) where required. As a result, capital costs are minimized and operating costs associated with backhauling are effectively eliminated.

“Nigeria represents one of the fastest growing rural and emerging wireless markets in the world,” says Jack Mar, CEO of TELOS. “The TELOS wireless solution is designed to ensure that our customers receive the greatest return on their investment and for them to be strong incumbents in their licensed region. Cellcom’s success is our success. We look forward to providing the infrastructure needed to accommodate their continued expansion.”

Telos Technology Inc.