Corning LEAF Fiber Chosen as the Optical Backbone for TransTeleCom's Russian Network Expansion.

Business/Technology Editors

CORNING, N.Y.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--June 13, 2001

Corning Incorporated (NYSE:GLW), a world leading supplier of optical fiber, announced today that TransTeleCom has again selected Corning(R) LEAF(R) fiber, this time as the optical backbone for the next phase of its long-haul network. Corning will continue to supply LEAF optical fiber through a long-term supply agreement, extending through 2003, with the Russian telecommunications carrier and its cabler, TransVoc.

TransTeleCom (TTC) first selected LEAF fiber in 1998 for its 35,000 kilometer planned network build. The Russian telecommunications carrier, which exists under an agreement with the Russian Ministry of Railways, is currently expanding its network from 35,500 to almost 45,000 kilometers, making TTC the longest fiber-optic network in Russia and the only network in Russia deploying non-zero dispersion-shifted fiber.

TTC will deploy LEAF fiber, as well as some Corning SMF-28(TM) fiber, in the significant network backbone that spans Russia. The TransTeleCom network expansion encompasses about 10,000 route kilometers.

Alexander Misharin, First Deputy Minister of Railways, noted TransTelecom's relationship with Corning as a key consideration for the Russian carrier when they chose to expand their network backbone.

"Our decision to continue using Corning fiber in the network is a logical step after three years of successful cooperation," Misharin said. "Within this time frame Corning once again demonstrated its world leadership in product quality, high standards of business practices and professionalism of its staff."

According to Konstantin Shapovalenko, president of TransTeleCom, "Corning Incorporated continues to be the optical layer company of choice for networks worldwide and is currently making significant inroads in the Russian market. Our selection of Corning LEAF fiber solidifies our position in the world market. As a result, TransTeleCom will help develop the telecommunications infrastructure in Russia for years to come."

The TTC project has an important social significance for Russia. In many cases TransTeleCom network serves as a major step for the regional information infrastructure development, which is critical for economic growth of the region. The rich tradition and historical influence of the Russian Ministry of Railroads mirrors that of Corning Incorporated, Shapovalenko said: "Today's announcement celebrates two ever-changing companies who both celebrate their 150th anniversary this year."

Alan Eusden, senior vice president and general manager, Corning Optical Fiber, commented, "We are delighted to be working closely with the Ministry of Railroads of the Russian Federation for this advanced deployment. Their commitment to the development of a telecommunications network that will further improve the overall efficiency of the Russian railroad system is very powerful, and Corning is proud to be able to continue to offer the technology to support the project."

LEAF fiber, the world's most advanced non-zero dispersion-shifted fiber (NZ-DSF), offers networks worldwide the lowest cost-per-bit advantage. Its patented large effective area allows higher levels of power to be transmitted through the fiber than standard NZ-DSF's, minimizing the non-linear effects that degrade system performance. LEAF fiber helps drive down the cost of bandwidth for today's most advanced and economically competitive networks.

LEAF fiber continues to be deployed by carriers worldwide in advanced, high data rate networks. Key LEAF fiber customers to date include Aerie Networks, Argus Telecommunications, AT&T, Broadwing Communications, Cable & Wireless, Carrier1, COLT Telecom Group plc, Communications Authority of Thailand, Eurotunnel, Interoute (I-21 network), Impsat, KG Telecom, LD COM, Level 3 Communications, Inc., NEESCom, TransTeleCom, Williams Communications and 360Networks. Corning LEAF fiber also has been deployed in South America and China, among other parts of the world.

TransTeleCom, founded in February 1997, is one of the most dynamic telecommunications companies in Russia. Since its foundation, TTC has been constructing the unified digital fiber-optic network of tomorrow. TransTeleCom company (www.transtk.ru) was established in 1997 by 17 regional railroads for the purpose of construction and operation of trunk finer-optic network based on the railroads infrastructure. To ensure the quality of operations and technical maintenance of the network 16 regional branch regional operators have been established. As of today, TransTeleCom has deployed over 30, 000 km of fiber-optic cable. Over 17,000 km of the network are already in operation. Transtelecom company offers the high speed Internet services and leases communications channels.

Established in 1851, Corning Incorporated (www.corning.com) creates leading-edge technologies for the fastest-growing markets of the world's economy. Corning manufactures optical fiber, cable and photonic products for the telecommunications industry; and high-performance displays and components for television and other communications-related industries. The company also uses advanced materials to manufacture products for scientific, semiconductor and environmental markets. Corning's revenues in 2000 were $7.1 billion .

Editor's Note: Corning and LEAF are registered trademarks of Corning Incorporated.