Central Telegraph Selects Veraz Networks' Solution for Deployment in its VoIP Network.

Business Editors/High-Tech Writers

SAN JOSE, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Aug. 28, 2003

Veraz Networks

Solution - based on the open softswitch - media gateway system for

multi-vendor, multi-service support - enables Central Telegraph to

deploy a new NGN access node for the provision of multiple services

in Russia in the framework of the Multitel project

Veraz Networks, a global provider of carrier-grade next-generation telephony solutions, announced today that Central Telegraph (CNT), a leading telecommunication services provider based in Russia, has selected Veraz Networks' Packet Telephony solution for deployment in the CNT VoIP Network. This solution is comprised of the Veraz ControlSwitch and the high-density I-Gate 4000 Media Gateway in addition to two application server solutions for calling card and public call centers. The Veraz Packet Telephony solution enables CNT to deploy a next generation network in the framework of its Multitel project implementation. The Multitel project supports the setup of a multi-service system for the provision of multiple services, including VoIP services, operating all over Russia.

As the Veraz Packet Telephony solution successfully supports a multi-vendor platform, it was chosen to replace existing equipment that was not multi-vendor compatible. CNT can now accommodate traffic from multiple local VoIP providers with multi-vendor equipment without compromising toll quality or stability. The openness and flexibility that characterizes the Veraz platform enables CNT to quickly carry live voice traffic over its VoIP network.

"By using the Veraz ControlSwitch and Media Gateways, we're able to quickly turn up new services and speed up deployment of our Multitel project," said Vaagn Martirosian, CEO at CNT. "Due to the stability of the platform, we can build out the network with confidence."

Providing carrier-class voice quality and stability, the Veraz softswitch is a call control platform that offers traditional toll, tandem and local voice services, as well as new, converged voice-data services. The I-4000 Media Gateway delivers true wireline voice quality for packet telephony, while preserving end-to-end service transparency for voice, fax and data calls. This Packet Telephony solution delivers carrier-class stability leading to simpler operations and lower operating costs.

Dr. Tal Simchony, CEO, Veraz Networks commented, "We are very pleased to be working with CNT and assisting them with the deployment of their VoIP network. Our unique Packet Telephony Solution enables CNT to address its need today for a fully stable and flexible platform to engage high-quality voice services like calling card and public call centers. As telecom service providers all over the world are in the process of evolving their traditional circuit-switched voice networks to converged, packet-based networks, we are their preferred choice to enable a smooth migration with an open, flexible, next-generation network."

About Central Telegraph

Open Joint Stock Company (JSC) Central Telegraph is the oldest telecommunications operator in Russia. Initially a provider of telegraph and telex services, Central Telegraph has become a provider of telephone services and has recently entered the data transmission market as well.

JSC Central Telegraph is one of the largest telecommunication companies offering the full range of communication services to individual and corporate customers in the Moscow region. At present the company provides all types of modern telecommunication services: access to the Internet via dedicated and switched channels (Central Telegraph is "The Best Internet Provider in 2002"), data transfer, local, national and international telephone services, connection of ATMs and POS terminals to X.25 network, installation of telephone numbers in Moscow and in the Moscow region on the basis of its own fiber-optic network Centel. The digital overlay network, Centel, being created by JSC Central Telegraph is poised to become the third telephone network in the Moscow Region in terms of its volume and the most up-to-date one among the major networks in the region in terms of the equipment and technologies used and the range of services provided.

About Veraz Networks

Veraz Networks (www.veraznetworks.com) is the leading global provider of softswitch-based, toll-quality packet telephony solutions for traditional and next-generation communications networks. Built on a rich heritage of delivering carrier-class products to over 700 customers in 140 countries, Veraz offers complete solutions to both established and greenfield carriers worldwide through its softswitch, media gateway, and digital compression products. Leveraging open, best-of-breed components and a global support and service infrastructure, Veraz partners with carriers to design and deploy carrier-class next-generation networks tailored to meet their business objectives. By combining industry-leading, standards-based softswitch and media gateway platforms with robust management systems, Veraz offers unmatched flexibility to carriers - a best-in-class integrated packet telephony solution as well as the freedom to choose best-of-breed individual products to match their unique network needs. Veraz solutions address a wide range of carrier applications such as tandem switching, domestic & international long distance, IP trunking, IP Centrex, as well as new voice-data services.

Veraz Networks is privately funded by ECI Telecom, Argonaut Private Equity, Battery Ventures, Kleiner Perkins Caufield & Byers, Levensohn Venture Partners and Norwest Venture Partners. The company is headquartered in San Jose, CA, with offices throughout the world.