Central Texas Communications Selects Newbridge Networks to Implement LMDS Network and ATM Backbone.

ATLANTA--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Oct. 21, 1998--NEWBRIDGE NETWORKS (TSE:NNC.) (NYSE:NN)

Newbridge Networks Enables Central Texas

to Take LMDS Lead in United States 

Central Texas Communications, Inc., a full-service telecommunications service provider and Local Multipoint Distribution Service (LMDS) spectrum holder, today announced the selection of Newbridge Networks (NYSE: NN; TSE:NNC), industry leader in asynchronous transfer mode (ATM) and broadband wireless technology, as its strategic networking vendor for the implementation of its LMDS network. The network will enable Central Texas to deliver traditional and advanced telecommunication services throughout its basic trading areas (BTAs). LMDS is a high frequency broadband wireless system operating in the 28 GHz band, licensed for the delivery of data, Internet, voice, video and multimedia services.

This selection further establishes Newbridge as the leading provider of the industry's broadband wireless technology solutions following two multi-hundred million dollar contracts in August with Canadian nationwide 28 GHz spectrum holders, MaxLink Communications Inc. and WIC Connexus.

Central Texas was a successful bidder in the March, 1998 FCC LMDS spectrum auctions and is the first operator in the United States to announce a strategic vendor relationship for network deployment. Full-scale deployment is expected to commence in mid-1999 in San Angelo, Brownwood and Goldthwaite, Texas following extensive cell and network planning.

"We chose Newbridge to provide a turnkey solution for our LMDS spectrum and ATM backbone after extensively researching the vendor community," said Delbert Wilson, Chief Executive Officer, Central Texas Communications. "The Newbridge multi-services platform and integrated network and service management system enable us to diversify our customer service offerings and address new market opportunities."

The comprehensive Newbridge(R) broadband wireless solution is a multi-services network comprising base station and customer premise equipment. A base station, consisting of the Siemens / Newbridge MainStreetXpress(tm) 36170 MultiServices Switch, and point-to-multipoint transmitters and receivers, is the central location that collects all traffic to and from customers within a given wireless coverage area. It is also the linking point between the customer and the backbone network. Customer premise equipment includes transceivers and network interface units (NIUs), which support a full range of services. The industry-leading MainStreetXpress 46020 Network Manager will manage both the wireless and wire line portions of the Central Texas network and also provide billing, statistics and maintenance support.

"Newbridge is proud to provide the technology and support that enable Central Texas to address the needs of its residential and business customers," said Bernard Herscovich, Vice President, Wireless Networks, Newbridge Networks. "Our early entry and resulting leadership in this market enables Newbridge to secure LMDS deployment opportunities worldwide."

Newbridge Networks designs, manufactures, markets and services networking solutions to organisations in more than 100 countries. The Company leverages its relationship with a growing family of Affiliate companies and strategic alliances with Siemens and 3Com Corporation to deliver seamless, end-to-end solutions. Newbridge customers include the world's 300 largest telecommunications service providers and more than 10,000 corporations, government organisations and other institutions. Founded in 1986, the Company employs more than 6,000 people on five continents. News and information are available at www.newbridge.com.

Newbridge, logo are registered trademarks of Newbridge Networks Corporation.

MainStreetXpress is a trademark used by the Siemens / Newbridge alliance for comprehensive solutions in broadband communication. No agency relationship, partnership, or joint ownership of a legal entity is to be inferred or implied by the term alliance.