Softbank BB Picks Sonus for VOIP

SWINDON, U.K. -- Sonus Networks, a leading provider of carrier packet voice infrastructure solutions and SOFTBANK BB Corp. (SBB), one of Japan's largest broadband communication carriers, today announced that SBB is deploying Sonus infrastructure as part of a multi-million dollar contract to build out a new packet-based, next-generation voice network. Under terms of the agreement, Sonus is providing its Open Services Architecture (OSA), as well as associated SonusCARESM professional services and support.

"SBB has taken a visionary approach in deploying new technologies, and this has given them a distinct competitive advantage," said Hassan Ahmed, president and CEO, Sonus Networks. "SBB has had considerable success in delivering broadband communications services across Japan, and we are extremely pleased to be working with them to expand their next-generation voice network."

SBB launched "Yahoo! BB" jointly with Yahoo Japan Corporation in June 2001 to provide low-cost broadband services, such as high-speed data and video, to the Japanese market. SBB has implemented a nationwide ADSL (asymmetric digital subscriber loop) network to support the delivery of broadband services, and now has approximately 3.9 million ADSL subscribers. In April 2002, SBB introduced its broadband voice services, "BB Phone", and has more than 3 million telephone customers to date.

SBB was awarded 5.78 million of 8.95 million new IP-based telephone numbers to be issued in Japan, and is expanding its network to accommodate the continued growth in subscribers. SBB is deploying Sonus' GSX9000 Open Services Switch, the Insignus Softswitch and the Sonus Insight Management System. Using the network built on Sonus equipment, SBB will provide long distance voice services first for residential subscribers and then for enterprise customers in later deployment phases.

"In building out our network, we were seeking a robust, stable packet voice solution that is proven in the market," said Junichi Miyakawa, General Manager, BB Phone Division, and Director of the board, SBB. "Sonus' voice infrastructure solutions address our requirements for toll-quality voice, system redundancy and the capacity to handle extremely large call volumes. Moreover, Sonus has significant experience in deploying large-scale packet voice networks with the world's leading carriers. No other vendor in the market could offer all of these capabilities in a single package."

Softbank

Sonus Networks Inc.