HELSINKI, Finland, September 24, 2002 - Cisco Systems today announced that Sonera, Finland's leading provider of mobile and telecommunications services, is deploying a combination of Cisco Catalyst® 2950 switches and metropolitan optical fiber to provide next-generation Ethernet-based broadband. Initially, 15,000 existing residential customers in the apartments of the Helsinki Area Student Villages (HOAS) will be able to receive high speed Internet access via 10/100 Ethernet ports so that each user has an initial reserved capacity of 256 kbps. This initial network will provide a foundation to address Helsinki's increasing demand for high speed Internet access.

The Cisco technology will help provide Ethernet access through an optical fiber network running right to the basement of apartment blocks. Subscribers will be able to access the service using a simple Ethernet socket in the apartment together with a network card, which will eliminate the need for a modem.

"The combination of Ethernet, optical fiber and IP provides Sonera with a solid foundation for future offering of services such as voice over IP and video on demand down the line," said Mr. Jari Hakalin, Director, for Sonera. "We were particularly impressed by the level of support we received from Cisco's Metro Ethernet access team and the advanced features in Cisco's switching products."

Sonera is deploying Cisco Catalyst 2950 switches in the basement of apartment blocks and Points of Presence (PoPs) to effectively provide local area network access for subscribers. Sonera will take advantage of its existing investment in optical fiber, together with existing category 5 in-building cabling to deliver these services to end customers.

"Sonera has recognised the advanced nature of the broadband market in Finland, and is providing consumers with residential Ethernet-based broadband connectivity which can scale to 10 or 100 Mbps access speeds for a compelling price," said Mark de Simone, VP technology & solutions marketing for Cisco in EMEA. "Many European providers are recognising that the next-generation Ethernet broadband model now makes rolling out advanced broadband services to consumers and businesses a viable prospect."