City of Bellevue, Iowa Selects Trident7 Optical Access Platform from Wave7 Optics for New Municipal FTTP Network.

Bellevue Retiring 450 MHZ Coaxial Cable TV Plant in Favor of Next-Gen FTTP Network

LAS VEGAS -- Wave7 Optics Inc. and Black & Veatch today announced here at the FTTH (Fiber to the Home) Conference that the city of Bellevue, Iowa, will install the Trident7[TM] Optical Access Platform from Wave7 Optics for a new fiber-to-the-premises (FTTP) network that will provide triple play voice, video and data services to more than 1,500 homes in the area. Wave7 Optics is a leading supplier of FTTH or FTTP equipment for residential and business services. Black & Veatch, a leading global engineering, consulting and construction company, is providing engineering, system design and construction management for the project.

This new network, which replaces the city's existing 450 MHZ coaxial cable TV system, is also part of the city's plan to have unified billing for utility and telecommunications services. Bellevue will offer services such as the option of more than 200 video and music channels, including HDTV-delivered via IPTV, high-speed Internet and a future offering of telephone service. Businesses in the city will receive the same services, with the addition of 10/100 Ethernet Base-T and similar "business class" connections.

"When it came to the decision between upgrading our system or installing FTTP, Black & Veatch presented some very compelling figures in favor of FTTP, in terms of capital expenditure, total cost of ownership and services capability now and in the future," said Loras Herrig, Bellevue City Administrator. "Furthermore, with regards to our video offering and convenience for our customers, we found that the combination of Wave7 FTTP platform and Scientific Atlanta/Cisco's set top boxes could not be beat."

"After a thorough analysis of Bellevue's needs and objectives, replacing their existing analog system with a passive optical network proved the best option to meet the demand of advanced services desired at the necessary price point per subscriber," said Dean Siegrist, Project Manager for Black & Veatch.

"Bellevue is another example of how the tide is turning in favor of FTTP for new and overbuild deployment situations," said Emmanuel Vella, Chief Marketing Officer of Wave7 Optics. "We are now seeing frequently that deploying state-of-the-art FTTP networks compares favorably or exceeds other forms of broadband networks. The Trident7 system will meet Bellevue's needs for many years to come."

The Trident7 is the industry's most advanced and flexible FTTP platform, as it delivers standards-based EPON and GPON technologies in the same platform, which allows service providers to cost-effectively deliver a much broader array of services, as compared to other access network technologies.

Wave7 Optics is exhibiting the Trident7 and its Last Mile Link [TM] here through October 4th at The Venetian Resort (booth 121). In addition, Wave7 Optics CTO, Jim Farmer, is participating in the panel discussion and presentation, "FTTH Success Stories - Municipal Networks," on October 3rd, 11 am - 12 pm and is giving a paper, "Optical Considerations in FTTH Networks," on October 4th, 10:30 - 11:00 am. Stephen Thomas, Chief Architect for Wave7 Optics, will present his paper, "OAM&P in Passive Optical Networks," on October 4th, 1:45 - 2:15 pm.

Black & Veatch will also have an exhibit at the FTTH Conference Expo 2006 (booth 520). Black & Veatch's Project Manager, Dean Siegrist, will be presenting a paper, "Understanding Permitting Issues and Best Practices" on October 3rd, 1:45 - 2:15 p.m.

About Wave7 Optics

Wave7 Optics (www.wave7optics.com) has established itself as an industry leader in optical broadband access systems with an expanding FTTP product portfolio featuring a variety of architectural options, based on IP and Ethernet or ATM standards, for "triple play" voice, video and data services. The company's patented Last Mile Link[TM] and Trident7 systems are gaining market share rapidly around the world with service providers in the IOC, CLEC, MSO, municipal, utility and real estate development categories.

About Black & Veatch

Black & Veatch is a leading global engineering, consulting, construction, design build, and program management company specializing in infrastructure development in energy, water, information and government market sectors. Founded in 1915, Black & Veatch develops tailored infrastructure solutions that meet clients' needs and provide sustainable benefits. Solutions include conceptual and preliminary engineering services, engineering design, procurement, construction, financial management, asset management, information technology, environmental, security design and consulting, and management consulting services. The employee-owned company has more than 90 offices worldwide. Black & Veatch is ranked on the Forbes "500 Largest Private Companies in the United States" listing. The company's Web site address is www.bv.com.