Aurora Networks Announces Partnership with NCTC; Aurora Offers NCTC Members Advanced Options for Upgrading, Rebuilding and Expanding Broadband Networks.

Business Editors/High-Tech Writers

SANTA CLARA, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--April 30, 2003

Aurora Networks, a leading developer and manufacturer of advanced optical transport and distribution systems for broadband networks, announces approval by the National Cable Television Cooperative (NCTC) to become the newest "Platinum Level" vendor authorized to provide optical network solutions to its members. The NCTC is an organization of independent cable television companies working together, on behalf of its members, to purchase programming, hardware and services. As an approved vendor, Aurora will provide the latest optical product solutions for hybrid fiber/coax (HFC) and fiber deep architectures to NCTC members.

"We are very pleased to have Aurora Networks join our list of high-quality cable television equipment vendors," said Mark Bishop, Senior Vice President of Hardware Sales for the NCTC. "Aurora will bring our members a strong resource for upgrading systems for operational ease and advanced services deployment."

"Aurora Networks is eager to assist NCTC members in defining the network upgrade strategy that best fits their budget and service offering plans," said Guy Sucharczuk, President and CEO of Aurora Networks. "Using the most advanced technology, Aurora has developed many operationally focused features that help operators run a more efficient and reliable network."

Aurora's product suite was developed with system operations in mind. As a result:

-- The Aurora Networks Digital Return path system is easy to

install, activate, maintain, and troubleshoot. Through the use

of digital technology and software tools, return path

activation and troubleshooting have never been simpler.

-- To address the cost of headend space and cooling, Aurora

Networks has designed products that are the most space and

power efficient in the industry.

All modules fit into one simple three rack unit chassis with 16 universal slots and no requirement for spacing between chassis.

-- Aurora Networks has integrated Ethernet transport capabilities

into their products, allowing for a cost-effective Ethernet

transport solution for small and medium-sized businesses

(SMBs).

"Regardless of system size, operating a cable television network today requires a proper strategy for engineering, operation, maintenance, and training. Operators must be prepared to meet the demand for high-speed data and interactive services, and therefore must activate their return plant to capitalize on the revenue potential of these services," says Doug Combs, Vice President of Network Architecture and Field Services for Aurora Networks. "Aurora is ready to help NCTC members to define and implement the right strategy to serve existing customers and add new revenue streams from the largely untapped small to medium-sized business (SMB) market."

In order to assist NCTC members in determining the right network strategy, Aurora Networks offers consultation through their Sales and Field Services departments to help define the most cost-effective strategy for implementing new service offerings or plant upgrades. Once an architecture strategy has been defined, the Aurora Network Architecture team will develop an optical design and bill of materials specifically for the project at hand. Aurora Networks also provides on-site assistance, installation, activation, and training support.

Product offerings from Aurora include: a full line of high performance 1310 and 1550 nm transmitters; a fully segmentable scalable node; dual channel digital transceivers and receivers that allow operators to double available bandwidth per user while conserving fiber resources; optical amplifiers for dense wave division multiplexing (DWDM) and 1550 nm distribution applications; and an Ethernet transport solution that offers the lowest cost-of-entry and fastest return on investment for operators looking to increase revenue by serving business customers passed by their networks.

About NCTC

A programming and hardware buying cooperative, NCTC represents more than 1,000 independent cable operators, their 6,500 individual systems and more than 14 million subscribers nationwide. Michael L. Pandzik has served as the Co-op's President and CEO since NCTC's incorporation in 1985. NCTC is located in Lenexa, Kan., a Kansas City suburb. For more information, please contact NCTC at 913/599-5900 or visit www.cabletvcoop.org.

About Aurora Networks

Founded in November 1999, Aurora Networks designs, develops, manufactures, and markets advanced optical communications systems for traditional hybrid fiber/coax (HFC) networks and advanced, fiber-deep broadband networks. The company's advanced technology delivers significant increases in bandwidth and functionality while providing substantial cost savings when compared to traditional network technology. Aurora Networks is privately held, with headquarters at 2803 Mission College Blvd, Santa Clara, CA 95054-1838. For more information on Aurora Networks or its products, e-mail [e-mail], phone [phone] or visit www.aurora.com.