STOCKHOLM -- PacketFront, the next generation broadband infrastructure provider, has announced that Dutch property developer Rentré Wonen has elected to build an Operator Independent Network based on PacketFront's unique Intelligent Broadband Solution. This deal builds on PacketFront´s ongoing success in the Netherlands, which includes three other significant broadband projects.

Rentré Wonen's activities include the regeneration and renovation of old neighbourhoods, turning derelict sites into modern housing developments. As part of its latest development project in the Dutch city of Deventer, Rentré Wonen is building a next generation broadband network running single-mode fibre to the homes (FTTH) of all residents.

PacketFront's Intelligent Broadband Solution will be at the heart of the Deventer network, with an independent systems integrator handling day-to-day traffic management and billing. The network will be open to all types of service providers, both commercial and non-commercial. Beyond the initial 'triple play' (TV/video, telephony and Internet) range of services, the network's superior broadband performance will enable RentréWonen to pursue its ultimate goal of providing innovative new applications that enhance the quality of living and working, recreation and education, and social and medical care for all residents.

The key component of PacketFront's Intelligent Broadband Solution is BECS, the award-winning service control and provisioning system. BECS enables operators to build and manage fully automated broadband networks with on-demand, self provisioning functionality. This gives end users the ability to increase capacity and change services themselves, cutting out the delay of waiting for a third party to make the changes.

"We aim to be an innovative pioneer in urban redevelopment, with quality of life and choice of services as our first priority - as such, it made absolute sense for us to include a next generation broadband infrastructure in our latest project," said Rinie Teuben, managing director at Rentré Wonen. "A key factor in selecting PacketFront to provide the intelligence in this infrastructure was the way that BECS enables the management of large networks, while dramatically reducing network operating costs by minimising staffing requirements and allowing optimal upgrading. Advanced broadband services in modern housing development will become commonplace in the next few years, and PacketFront's technology is purpose-built for installations such as these."

"The Dutch FTTH market is in many ways similar to our own Swedish FTTH market - it is a mature and growing market where the importance of freedom of choice in services is becoming more and more important," said Martin Thunman, CEO of PacketFront. "The Netherlands is one of our most important markets, and so we are very happy to be partnering with Rentré Wonen on this innovative project. This is our fourth deal in the Netherlands, and during 2004 we expect to intensify our presence in the Dutch market even further."

PacketFront AB