MAINZ, Germany, November 12, 2002 - Cisco Systems today announced that PrimaCom AG, one of Germany's leading cable operators, is deploying a Metro Optical backbone network from Cisco to support the delivery of a new generation of digital interactive TV, video and internet services to residential customers.

In order to optimise its operational expenditure, PrimaCom injects video from a centralised digital headend and video play out centre and is deploying a Metro Optical backbone using the Cisco ONS 15454 Multiservice Provisioning Platform (MSPP) to distribute traditional broadcast TV, interactive digital TV, video on demand, voice and Internet access services. The Cisco ONS 15454 MSPP is being implemented to help enable the Metro transport of these services from PrimaCom's central data centre to its regional cable networks. PrimaCom will gradually migrate its existing optical backbone installation in favour of the Cisco technology.

"The ability to integrate SDH/SONET, Ethernet and Video services - together with the overall scalability of the Cisco solution - was a key factor behind our selection," said Thomas Eibeck, technical director at PrimaCom. "In addition, Cisco Transport Manager offers us seamless manageability of these services."

Eibeck added: "Having 'drop and continue' functionality on the ONS 15454 MSPP Video distribution services has also enabled us to deploy an entry-level solution using a single pair of fibres. Overall, the Cisco solution has provided PrimaCom with an excellent return on investment."

PrimaCom's latest Cisco implementation forms part of the cable operator's overall strategy to help provide customers with advanced interactive TV and multimedia services. PrimaCom recently became the first cable network operator in Germany to roll out a European Data Over Cable Service Interface Specification (EuroDOCSIS 1.1) multiservice network. The network was built with EuroDOCSIS 1.1-qualified equipment from Cisco, including the Cisco ONS 15454 MSPP, Cisco Transport Manager, Cisco 12000 Series Routers and Cisco uBR7246VXR with MC-16E EuroDOCSIS cable modem cards.

"This implementation cements the already-strong working relationship between Cisco and PrimaCom," said Mark de Simone, VP technology, solutions and corporate marketing EMEA for Cisco. "PrimaCom has a track record of deploying the very latest network technologies - which is helping the company to roll out advanced services on an ongoing basis."

About PrimaCom AG

PrimaCom AG (Neuer Markt Frankfurt: "PRC" or ID No. "625910" and NASDAQ "PCAG", www.primacom.de) is the fourth largest private network operator in Germany, with approximately 1 million customers. PrimaCom provides customers with multi-media services via its own broadband cable network. PrimaCom currently passes approximately 2.0 million households and has approximately 1.3 million customers in Europe. With the introduction of digital television PrimaCom has introduced a range of interactive services that use a set-top box as a platform. The upgraded customers are being served with more than 100 TV and Radio programs, pay-per-view- and high speed internet services. PrimaCom continues to develop as a multi-media communications company.