Com21 Names New President; Peter Fenner to Remain as CEO; Craig Soderquist to Assume Presidency Immediately; Will Take CEO Reins in 2001.

Business Editors/High-Tech Writers

MILPITAS, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Oct. 4, 2000

Com21, Inc. (Nasdaq:CMTO), a leading global provider of system solutions for the broadband access market, announced today the appointment of Craig Soderquist as president of the company. In keeping with his plan to retire by age 65, Peter Fenner remains as the chief executive officer throughout the remainder of 2000, with Soderquist assuming CEO duties on January 1, 2001.

Soderquist joined Com21 in May 2000 as vice president of business units, responsible for directing all Com21 worldwide business units managing multiple product lines, including cable headend systems, cable modems, and wireless systems. His most recent position has been senior vice president of the Network Systems Division, where he was responsible for Com21's infrastructure products.

"I'm honored to have Craig follow me in this leadership position," said Fenner. "Craig brings an enthusiasm and energy which will help to drive our business in the new century. His 20 years' experience in the cable and telecommunications industry and his extensive knowledge of broadband technology are tremendous assets for our company."

Fenner joined Com21 in 1996, after having retired from more than 30 years at AT&T, where he was president of its $3 billion carrier transmission business. "I had no intention of going back to work after retiring," noted Fenner. "But it appeared to me that Com21 was involved in the most exciting market in history--the convergence of voice and data, changing the way people all over the world communicate. It was a compelling opportunity to work with some exceptionally bright people...and it more than met my expectations. It's been a wonderful experience, and I believe we are now very well positioned both in terms of our product line and our management team to achieve great success in the future."

Prior to joining Com21, Soderquist served as vice president and general manager of VLSI's Consumer Semiconductor Division, the leading supplier of set-top box components for Europe and a major ASIC supplier to the U.S. cable modem market. Soderquist's previous experience includes a stint as president of Utah Scientific, a telecommunications equipment provider, and as vice president of new business development for General Instrument, where he played a key role in leading GI into the cable modem market. Soderquist also served as vice president and general manager of Grass Valley Group's (former subsidiary of Tektronix) broadcast routing and telecommunications division.

"Pete's done a great job leading and shaping this company," said Soderquist. "During his tenure, we've gone from developing our first product to being a $200 million company, selling a variety of broadband access products around the globe."

Added Soderquist, "Com21 is an exciting company in an exciting industry. We have a tremendous group of highly talented individuals all over the world, and I'm thrilled to be a part of our future."

About Com21, Inc.

Com21, Inc. is a leading global supplier of system solutions for the broadband access market. The Company's DOCSIS, DVB, and ATM-based products enable cable operators and service providers to deliver high-speed, cost-effective Internet and telephony applications to corporate telecommuters, small businesses, home offices, and residential users. To date, Com21 has shipped over 700,000 cable modems worldwide, along with over 1,200 headend controllers. Com21 systems offer commercial service in cable systems passing 16 million households worldwide.

Com21 is an ISO 9001 registered company with over 400 employees worldwide. The Company's corporate headquarters is located in Milpitas, California, USA, with its European headquarters in Delft, The Netherlands. In addition, Com21 maintains research and development facilities in Ireland, Israel, Maryland, and New York, as well as sales and support offices in the United States and Canada, Europe, Asia, and Latin America.

Note to Editors: Com21(R)is a registered trademark of Com21, Inc., Milpitas, California, U.S.A. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.