Marconi Announces Access Test

PITTSBURGH -- Marconi (Nasdaq: MONI; London) announced today that its Deep Fiber Solutions(TM) have been selected for a pilot network in Chelan County, Washington. As part of the pilot, Marconi will provide a combination of fiber-to-the-home (FTTH) and fiber-to-the- business (FTTB) solutions that will dramatically increase bandwidth available to consumers and businesses in the area. The pilot, which is already underway, is expected to end in mid-2002 with a decision about a more widespread use of the FTTH/FTTB solutions. "We evaluated solutions from a number of vendors and chose Marconi's solution because it provided technology for today and the future," said Ron Yenney, Chelan County Public Utility District Networks business development manager. "The products are highly reliable, carrier-grade and affordable -- a key point since we are a public utility district and building infrastructure to benefit Chelan County. We are hopeful the pilot projects prove Marconi's solution will deliver fast Internet access, reliable telephone service and high-quality video to local homes, businesses, schools and hospitals."Marconi PLC