ADC and Nextel Improve Next-Generation Wireless Network.

Business Editors/High Tech Writers

MINNEAPOLIS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Nov. 12, 2001

Digivance(TM) Long-Range Coverage Solution

Provides Versatility and Cost Savings

for Nextel's Next-Generation All-Digital Wireless Network

ADC (Nasdaq:ADCT; www.adc.com), a leading global supplier of fiber optics, network equipment, software and integration services for broadband, multiservice networks, today announced that Nextel Communications, Inc. (Nasdaq:NXTL) will use ADC's Digivance Long-Range Coverage Solution (LRCS) to improve its next-generation all-digital wireless network. Nextel's revolutionary network enables lower power output base radio (BR) capacity to be centralized in a small enclosure for distribution within buildings, cities and beyond.

ADC and Nextel built upon an already successful relationship to develop the Digivance LRCS. As a key supplier of tower top amplifier systems for Nextel, ADC has demonstrated a clear understanding of Nextel's wireless network needs. In addition to providing numerous other products and services, ADC is the sole provider of DS-1 connectivity solutions for Nextel.

As part of its extensive testing and evaluation process, Nextel conducted field trials of the digital RF transport of Digivance LRCS. The successful trials resulted in the purchase and deployment of several Digivance LRCS systems into its network, making Nextel the first wireless carrier to validate the use of a flexible BR architecture using this technology. The digital format of the network backbone, from BRs to antenna via Digivance LRCS, enables network migration from iDEN to CDMA air modulation format as well as future capabilities, such as dynamic BR capacity via DWDM over fiber network rings.

"Centralizing BR capacity and re-using excess BR capacity were key business drivers in these deployments," said Eddie Edwards, director of special projects for Nextel. "Digivance LRCS enables us to centralize our BR capacity and distribute it to the precise locations where it is needed without having to build new stand alone cell sites. This is particularly important since physical conditions or zoning regulations often don't allow us to install a new site when or where it is most needed. The fully digital platform will allow Nextel increased versatility in the services that we can provide our customers, while minimizing our capital expenditures."

"In these tough economic times, reducing capital expenditures and operating cost is key to service providers," said Jeff Quiram, president of ADC's Connectivity business unit. "Digivance LRCS enables Nextel to use existing resources more efficiently to control costs associated with distribution of capacity and coverage extension. Plus, Digivance LRCS is designed to provide Nextel with even greater network versatility."

Digivance LRCS transports RF signals digitally from a Nextel enhanced base transceiver station (EBTS) to remote locations, inside buildings, urban canyons, or tunnels that are located up to 10 miles away from the EBTS. The digital format of Digivance LRCS enables Nextel and ADC to provide multiple features that may include free space optics links and dense wavelength division multiplexing (DWDM) to meet the growing demands of Nextel's network. Digivance LRCS can also transport RF signals to feed another distribution system, or it can provide a 50-watt RF power output for macro coverage.

"Having built the largest guaranteed all-digital wireless network in the United States, Nextel recognizes the advantages of the digital platform unique to ADC's Digivance RF transport solutions," said Quiram. "Our unique method of digitized optical RF transport maintains the signal's high dynamic range, increasing capability for data throughput and future-proofing the system for delivering broadband services. This is especially important for Nextel, whose customer base includes the highest percentage of data users of all wireless service providers."

Digivance LRCS is the second major product within ADC's Digivance family of RF transport solutions. ADC's Digivance products are the only fully digital, flexible, scalable solutions that provide wireless coverage and distribute capacity in various applications from a single building to a large city center area and beyond. The solution is designed as a cost-effective alternative to installing base stations. The compact size of Digivance LRCS enables service providers to deploy a solution within local zoning guidelines - often found to be difficult when installing new base stations.

About Nextel

Nextel Communications Inc., based in Reston, Va., is a leading provider of fully integrated wireless communications services and has built the largest guaranteed all-digital wireless network in the United States covering thousands of communities across the United States. Nextel and Nextel Partners, Inc., currently serve 191 of the top 200 U.S. markets. Through recent market launches, Nextel and Nextel Partners service is available today in areas of the U.S. where approximately 230 million people live or work. In addition, through Nextel International, Inc., Nextel has wireless operations and investments in Canada, Mexico, Argentina, Brazil, the Philippines, Peru, Chile and Japan. Learn more about Nextel at www.nextel.com

About ADC

ADC is The Broadband Company(TM). ADC tailors high-quality, custom solutions of network equipment, fiber optics, software and systems integration services that enable communications service providers to deliver high-speed Internet, data, video and voice services to consumers and businesses worldwide. ADC (Nasdaq:ADCT; www.adc.com) has sales into nearly 100 countries and is included in the Standard & Poor's 500 Index and the Nasdaq 100 Index. Learn more about ADC Telecommunications, Inc. at www.adc.com.

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Reform Act of 1995

All forward looking statements contained herein, particularly those pertaining to ADC's expectations or future operating results, reflect management's current expectations or beliefs and are made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. ADC Telecommunications cautions readers that future actual results could differ materially from those in forward-looking statements depending on the outcome of certain factors. All such forward-looking statements are subject to certain risks and uncertainties, including, but not limited to, demand for ADC's products or services, availability of materials to make products, changing market conditions and growth rates either within ADC's industry or generally within the economy, volatility in the stock market, new competition and technologies, increased costs associated with protecting intellectual property rights, the impact of customer financing activities, ADC's ability to successfully integrate the operations of acquired companies with ADC's historic operations, retention of key employees, fluctuations in ADC's operating results, pressures on the pricing of the products or services ADC offers and the mix of products and services actually sold, and other risks and uncertainties, including those identified in Exhibit 99-a to ADC's Report on Form 10-Q/A for the fiscal quarter ended April 30, 2001. ADC disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

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