Fujitsu and GDC Enable First Fiber Network Linking Gulf of Mexico Petroleum Platforms.

ANAHEIM, Calif. and MIDDLEBURY, Conn.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--August 2, 1999--

To advance communications, safety, and efficiency for offshore oil and gas production platforms, the Gulf of Mexico's first fiber-optic communications system is using GDC APEX(R) multiservice switches from General DataComm Industries, Inc., (NYSE:GDC) and SONET (Synchronous Optical Network) equipment from Fujitsu Business Communication Systems, Inc.

The SONET ring runs from Houston to New Orleans on land and continues offshore to production platforms throughout the Gulf. At the shore landing points, the cable will be pulled into decommissioned pipelines to protect it. The cable will be buried more than three feet deep in water depths of less than 200 feet. Petroleum Communications, Inc., (PetroCom(R)) of New Orleans developed the system, FiberWeb(TM). PetroCom is the leading cellular and satellite service provider for the Gulf of Mexico.

The system will initially connect several key offshore production platforms on the edge of the deepwater areas of the Gulf. FiberWeb will eventually cover many more platforms, with a total of 1,200 miles of cable. The system will work in conjunction with PetroCom's other network solutions, providing the infrastructure for high-volume, high-speed voice, data, and video capabilities.

Currently, most communications in the Gulf are over more expensive, limited-bandwidth satellite connections or point-to-multipoint microwave, which are less reliable and versatile than the new broadband SONET ATM fiber-optic network.

"For these offshore operations, the FiberWeb network opens a new world of capabilities we take for granted on-shore, like video conferencing and high-speed Internet access," said Keith A. Mumford, vice president and general manager of GDC's Broadband Division. "With our APEX switches optimizing this network's performance, offshore petroleum operations will gain more immediate and reliable scientific data communications for more efficient and productive operations with the added plus of bringing cable TV to workers on the isolated rigs and platforms."

FiberWeb will enable generation of real-time data from seismic work, wireline operations, and drilling measurement. Offshore workers, in addition to receiving cable TV, can expand their personal and professional skills through distance learning opportunities.

The network also is expected to improve compliance with regulatory agencies such as the Environmental Protection Agency, Occupational Safety Health Administration, U.S. Coast Guard, and Federal Aviation Administration air traffic control.

Using Fujitsu SONET multiplexers at a rate of OC-48, or 2.5 gigabits per second (Gbps), FiberWeb will triple the current network capacity in the Gulf. PetroCom expects strong demand for the fiber-optic system, as some 20,000 people work in the Gulf at more than 3,700 fixed locations - all potential network connections. An OC-48 transmission ring can carry the equivalent of more than 32,000 simultaneous telephone calls.

"This enhanced technology, built on the flexibility of the GDC switches and the capacity and reliability of the SONET equipment from Fujitsu, will keep up with the growing communications needs of the energy industry as it aggressively expands into the Gulf's deep waters," said John Payne, president and CEO of PetroCom. "The oil platform of the 21st century will be highly affected by fiber-optic technology. In the future, the work of several offshore workers could be performed by automatic techniques monitored remotely from a location on land."

A major benefit of the network setup is its scalability. With SONET, PetroCom has the ability to install higher-capacity transmission equipment as network usage expands, so that it can transmit up to 10 Gbps and beyond over the same fiber. The GDC APEX system also offers future expandability to PetroCom with the option of increased port density and more efficient ATM bandwidth usage.

"A SONET-based fiber-optic network was clearly the best choice to fill PetroCom's bandwidth needs," said Bill Miller, vice president of data connectivity and broadband services for Fujitsu Business Communication Systems. "It offers massive capacity for all of PetroCom's data, video, and voice services. Also, the SONET architecture guarantees PetroCom an extremely reliable communications network."

In the initial phase of the FiberWeb project, Fujitsu, serving as system integrator for the network, is installing the GDC APEX NPX and IMX switches on each of the offshore platforms and at six relay sites on land. The switches will connect at 155 Mbps in a ring configuration using OC-3c tributaries off the Fujitsu OC-48 SONET backbone. Flexible traffic adaptation modules within the GDC APEX switches will provide services such as voice, frame relay, Ethernet, LAN extension, circuit emulation, and high-quality video between land-based carriers and the platforms, in addition to native ATM services.

The network's ring structure is a key component of its reliability. If a fiber is cut or a piece of equipment fails, the SONET architecture guarantees that the traffic is rerouted so that the network continues to provide service.

About Fujitsu

Fujitsu Business Communication Systems, Inc., headquartered in Anaheim, Calif., is the North American business information technology unit of Fujitsu Limited (TSE:6702), a leading provider of comprehensive information technology and networking solutions for the global marketplace with revenues of $43.3 billion in the fiscal year ended March 31, 1999. Fujitsu Business Communication Systems analyzes, designs, implements, and manages intelligently integrated voice and data network solutions that help our customers optimize communications with their customers, employees, and suppliers. Combining solutions-oriented technology with a nationwide service and support network, Fujitsu is dedicated to continuing its 60-year tradition of quality products and a commitment to excellence. Fujitsu Business Communication Systems, an ISO 9001 certified company, can be reached on the World Wide Web at www.fbcs.fujitsu.com or call 800-553-3263.

About General DataComm

GDC [www.gdc.com] is a leader in the design, development and manufacture of multiservice communications systems for service providers and enterprise businesses. The GDC APEX(R) multiservice switching platforms are used extensively within the world's largest public ATM Wide Area Networks. A broad range of Advanced Network Access products provide universal access system DSL solutions; integrated analog, DDS and T1/E1/T3 access products; all managed under a distributed, open network management framework, ProSphereTM. GDC is headquartered in Middlebury, CT, USA, and has an extensive network of subsidiaries and partners located throughout North America, South America, Europe, the Middle East, Asia and the Pacific Rim.

All GDC products mentioned in this document are trademarks or registered trademarks of General DataComm, Inc., a wholly-owned operating subsidiary of General DataComm Industries, Inc.

About PetroCom

Petroleum Communications, Inc., known as "PetroCom", is a wholly owned subsidiary of S&P Cellular Holding, Inc. PetroCom was founded in 1983 to construct, develop and operate the first cellular/satellite communications network. The system has grown to include a satellite hub station in New Orleans. PetroCom's FiberWeb is the first fiber optic communications transport system available in the Gulf. The system is a fiber optical SONET ring connecting Houston to New Orleans via a land and offshore network. The company's primary customers are major corporations in the oil and gas industry, certain government bodies and other marine users. A location map outlining where FiberWeb will be installed along with the press release can be downloaded from www.petrocom.com/fiberweb.

PetroCom information can be found at www.petrocom.com.