MORRISVILLE, N.C. -- Tekelec (NASDAQ: TKLC), a leading developer of telecom switching and signaling products for fixed, mobile and next-generation networks, has moved another step ahead in its major global expansion initiative with the establishment of direct operations in India. Located in Delhi, the office supports the rapidly growing telecommunications market in India.

"India provides significant opportunities in both the fixed and mobile telecom segments," said Fred Lax, president and CEO, Tekelec. "As of November 30, 2003, Indian telecom providers served 42.5 million fixed-line and 28 million mobile users, a growth of more than 100 percent over the previous year's mobile market. We realize that the best way to support the region is by establishing direct sales and support operations. We see a strong fit for Tekelec in this dynamic market. Our signaling, switching, and application solutions will help both new and established operators build smart networks--networks that are efficient, scalable, and cost-effective. Our unique now and next-generation solutions enable operators to create flexible networks that evolve seamlessly to support new technologies and changing customer demands."

Avijit Chaliha, who has held key leadership positions during many years in the telecom industry, is overseeing the Indian operations as managing director. The company has named Sanjay Vidyarthi chief operating officer for India. Vidyarthi, an experienced telecom and networking professional, has held management positions with Santera Systems (now a part of Tekelec) and Lucent Technologies.

Chaliha added, "We are excited about our growing presence in the Indian market. We are helping leading service providers in India, such as Bharti, Reliance, and Tata, create future-proof networks, enabling them to maximize existing resources, deliver revenue-generating apps, and evolve smoothly to new technologies.

Tekelec continues to demonstrate its commitment to global growth with worldwide presence and offices in Brazil, China, Germany, Italy, London, Mexico, Russia, Singapore, and the United States. With 25 years of experience, Tekelec has deployed systems to optimize the telecommunications network performance of its clients in 30 countries. Among its leading global clients are AT&T Wireless, France Telecom, Nextel, Verizon, and Vodafone.

Tekelec Inc.