Acterna Launches Industry's First and Only All-in-One DSL Copper and Services Tester.

Business Editors/Hi-Tech Writers

SUPERCOMM 2002

GERMANTOWN, Md.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--May 23, 2002

Handheld Tester Drives Process Improvement by Providing All Tools

Needed to Install, Maintain and Troubleshoot DSL and Copper-Based

Services

Acterna (Nasdaq:ACTR) today announced the launch of the Acterna HST-3000 Handheld Services Tester, the industry's first and only all-in-one tester that qualifies the circuit, verifies the service and improves the process for installing, maintaining and troubleshooting DSL service.

With the launch of the HST-3000, Acterna directly addresses service providers' need for a complete, cost-effective solution that streamlines mass deployment of DSL technology to millions of homes and businesses.

The Acterna HST-3000 platform will be showcased with a variety of broadband access solutions, including the Acterna FST-2000 TestPad User Interface Module, at Supercomm in Atlanta, June 4-6, Acterna booth 23246.

"Traditionally, two or more testers have been required to perform copper POTS qualification and DSL services testing, which makes the launch of the all-in-one Acterna HST-3000 significant," said John Goehrke, general manager, Acterna Access Division. "With the launch of the HST-3000, Acterna demonstrates its continued commitment to providing solutions that drive process improvement at a price point considerably lower than available from other communications test companies."

All-in-One Tool Assures Faster and More Accurate DSL Service Turn Up

The Acterna HST allows technicians to both qualify the copper line and verify that the DSL service is up and running. For line qualification, the Acterna HST-3000 can detect the most common sources of physical-layer problems, while an advanced time domain reflectometer (TDR) determines the precise location of faults, load coils and bridged taps.

For service verification, the Acterna HST tests ADSL data rates, noise margin and line capacity, and can ensure the ability of the connection to support network and user traffic.

Wireless and Automated Capabilities Drive Cost Savings Via Process Improvement

The Acterna HST streamlines DSL installation and reduces repeat service visits by efficiently integrating field and back-office systems. Work orders can be sent directly to the tester, which automatically sends close-out tests and time-stamped results to centralized servers.

These results can then be incorporated into a central database for an up-to-date profile of the copper network to further reduce unnecessary truck rolls. The first DSL tester to utilize 10/100 Ethernet USB (universal serial bus) and Bluetooth interfaces, the Acterna HST-3000 alleviates the need to physically connect wires to laptops in order to access various applications.

Modular and Handheld Solution for the Field

Equipped with a menu-driven GUI, the Acterna HST-3000 allows less experienced technicians to successfully turn up and troubleshoot DSL services with custom or standard pre-scripted tests. Weighing less than three pounds, the rugged Acterna HST withstands extensive use in climatic extremes. The tester's modular platform accommodates new applications as the users' broadband service requirements evolve.

Upgrades are easy and cost effective via hardware plug-in modules.

About Acterna Access Network Solutions

Acterna is the global market leader in access network test and management equipment, systems, software and services. With an unmatched product portfolio, Acterna provides more than 100 solutions for testing access networks and services that help carriers bridge the "last mile" to businesses and residential customers.

Acterna's solutions are used to manufacture, deploy, manage and optimize networks to carry high-speed broadband services, including DSL. An industry pioneer, Acterna was the first to introduce a portable ADSL test solution.

About Acterna

Acterna is the world's largest provider of test and management solutions for optical transport, access and cable networks, and the second largest communications test company overall. Focused entirely on providing equipment, software, systems and services, Acterna helps customers develop, install, manufacture and maintain their optical transport, access, cable, data/IP and wireless networks.

The company serves customers in more than 80 countries. Acterna is a subsidiary of Acterna Corporation (NASDAQ:ACTR). Information about Acterna can be found on the Web at www.acterna.com.

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