ATLANTA - June 2, 2003 - In its largest SONET decision in nearly 10 years, BellSouth Corporation (NYSE: BLS) is evolving its SONET infrastructure to a next-generation Multiservice Provisioning Platform (MSPP) designed to improve network efficiencies and better support new optical solutions.
As part of this evolution, BellSouth announced today it has selected technologies from Cisco Systems (NasdaqNM: CSCO) and Lucent Technologies (NYSE: LU) that will deliver expanded service options for customers throughout its nine-state region. The investments fall within the company's previously announced guidance on capital expenditures and will enable next-generation services to customers throughout its nine-state region.
Today's upgrades are significant milestones in BellSouth's data platform evolution plan, articulated in June 2002, for becoming the preferred integrated data solutions provider to businesses by taking advantage of its network strength, product leadership and best-in-class customer support. Also as part of this plan, BellSouth last month integrated MPLS (Multi-Protocol Label Switching) into its network core and edge, enabling enhanced IP capabilities.
"MSPP will enable BellSouth to cost-effectively manage both traditional time division multiplexed (TDM) and new packet-based services over a common, fully redundant infrastructure," said Bill Smith, BellSouth's chief product development and technology officer. "MSPP will also enable BellSouth to offer additional cutting-edge solutions over a next-generation SONET infrastructure while adding protected carrier-class reliability to Ethernet and other emerging transport options."
BellSouth will utilize the Lucent Metropolis DMX Access Multiplexer that is currently being deployed for use in interoffice networks and end customer high bandwidth ring applications. Later this year it will be deployed for high-bandwidth loop applications.
"The DMX is a quantum step in price performance for BellSouth and will provide a full range of Ethernet applications and a seamless migration to meet future market needs," said Janet Davidson, president, Lucent Integrated Network Solutions. "We are pleased with the trust shown by BellSouth in selecting Lucent as a MSPP provider."
BellSouth will also utilize Cisco Systems' ONS 15454 MSPP, a product in the Cisco Complete Optical Multiservice Edge and Transport (COMET) portfolio, to deliver carrier-class functionality and reliability as well as operations support system interoperability.
"The deployment of Cisco's MSPP technology greatly increases BellSouth's ability to quickly deploy a new breed of products, including Gigabit Ethernet (GigE) and high-bandwidth information services," said Jayshree Ullal, senior vice president for Cisco's Optical Technology Group. "All this will be supported with carrier-class reliability, while improving the economics of BellSouth's core infrastructure."
BellSouth is answering today's expanding communications requirements by bringing together all its assets and industry resources to deliver complete, affordable local and long-distance data and communications services to customers.
About BellSouth Corporation
BellSouth Corporation is a Fortune 100 communications services company headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia, serving more than 44 million customers in the United States and 14 other countries.
Consistently recognized for customer satisfaction, BellSouth provides a full array of broadband data solutions to large, medium and small businesses. In the residential market, BellSouth offers DSL high-speed Internet access, advanced voice features and other services. BellSouth also offers long distance service throughout its markets, serving both business and residential customers. The company's BellSouth AnswersSM package combines local and long distance service with an array of calling features; wireless data, voice and e-mail services; and high-speed DSL or dial-up Internet service. BellSouth also provides online and directory advertising services through BellSouth® Real Pages.comSM and The Real Yellow Pages®.
BellSouth owns 40 percent of Cingular Wireless, the nation's second largest wireless company, which provides innovative data and voice services.
About Lucent Technologies
Lucent Technologies, headquartered in Murray Hill, N.J., USA, designs and delivers networks for the world's largest communications service providers. Backed by Bell Labs research and development, Lucent relies on its strengths in mobility, optical, data and voice networking technologies as well as software and services to develop next-generation networks. The company's systems, services and software are designed to help customers quickly deploy and better manage their networks and create new, revenue-generating services that help businesses and consumers. For more information on Lucent Technologies, visit its Web site at http://www.lucent.com.
