SINGAPORE - July 25, 2002 - SingTel is building its new international wholesale voice service, VoicePlus, around a "soft switching" Voice over IP solution from Cisco Systems. Cisco's carrier-class international switching solution, which was tailored specially to SingTel's needs, provides SingTel with a scalable and reliable platform that is open and standards-based. SingTel Aeradio, a systems integrator in Singapore, project-managed and undertook the network build-out for the VoicePlus service.

SingTel's VoicePlus provides premium quality voice termination in nine countries in Asia Pacific as well as in the UK and in the US. Cisco's international switching solution enables the VoicePlus network to interconnect seamlessly with existing PSTN networks as well as VoIP networks of other telecom carriers by supporting rich signaling protocols including SS7. Quality of Service technologies permit high quality voice to be carried over a packet network.

Cisco's VoIP solution provides intelligent routing, automatic call rerouting, flexible announcement and powerful number translation capabilities that improves on the functionalities of traditional voice switches today. This enables SingTel to develop new and attractive retail and wholesale service offerings, improve network efficiency and resiliency, and enhance quality of service. Additional services such as pre-paid and post-paid calling card, IP-based audio conferencing, and voice mail services can be delivered from the same network using applications developed by companies in Cisco's Service Provider Solutions Ecosystem Partner Program.

"VoicePlus is an important service for SingTel because it enables us to push the envelope of packet-based technologies to deliver both traditional voice services as well as new value-added voice services. More importantly, the solution provides us with investment protection, as it is capable of performing the key functionalities of a traditional voice gateway or international switching center. Cisco's proven track record in providing solutions for reliable VoIP networks for not just SingTel but carriers around the world was a key factor in our decision to work with them on this VoicePlus service," said Mr Masagos Zulkifli, a senior director in SingTel's International Carrier Services Group.

The Cisco international switching solution used by SingTel comprises the Cisco AS5300, AS5350 and AS5400 voice gateways, the Cisco 3660 gatekeeper, the Cisco PGW2200 PSTN Gateway and Cisco's network management systems. The latter includes components such as Cisco Media Gateway Controller Node Manager (CMNM), CiscoWorks2000, Cisco Dial Plan Manager, Cisco Information Center, and CiscoSecure ACS. The solution enables Singtel to adopt modular building blocks to reduce the initial and overall costs of ownership, while providing a network that offers investment protection.

"As an early adopter of Cisco's VoIP solutions, SingTel is at the forefront in driving new services using IP networking technologies. The ability of our products to meet the carrier-class requirements of SingTel's existing VoIP services has provided SingTel with the confidence to offer a premium international voice service also built on Cisco's solutions. More importantly, SingTel's VoicePlus network shows how VoIP can provide a viable option for leading telecom operators to build carrier-class voice networks," said Mr Bill Chang, Regional Managing Director, ASEAN, Cisco Systems.

About SingTel

SingTel is Asia's leading communications company with a comprehensive portfolio of services that include voice and data services over fixed, wireless and Internet platforms. Serving both the corporate and residential markets, SingTel is committed to bringing the best of global communications to its customers in the Asia Pacific and beyond. SingTel has extensive interests in submarine cable and satellite systems, including its co-owned ST-1 satellite and the pan-Asian C2C cable network. Its infrastructure development strategy is to ensure that its networks remain modern and efficient, and continue to meet the needs of its customers.

The SingTel Group has expanded into overseas markets, with investments in many countries and territories. In Australia, its wholly-owned subsidiary, SingTel Optus is a leader in integrated communications - serving more than five million customers. The Group's major investments include Advanced Info Service of Thailand, the Bharti Telecom Group of India, Globe Telecom of the Philippines and Telkomsel of Indonesia. SingTel has been recognised Best Asian Telecom Operator by industry publication, TelecomAsia, for five consecutive years since 1998. The Group's turnover for the year ended 31 March 2002 was S$7.34 billion (US$4.02 billion). More information can be found @ www.singtel.com.