Gateway Communications Deploys Veraz's Next Generation Network to Link Mobile Networks Across 30 African Countries and into Europe; Replaces Nortel's TDM Switch to Deliver Satellite VoIP Traffic.

SAN JOSE, Calif. -- Veraz Networks, Inc. announced that Gateway Communications has completed its deployment of Veraz's VoIP solution to upgrade and expand its existing international long distance network. Veraz's ability to enable customers to migrate from existing networks without compromising existing infrastructure allowed Gateway to replace its Nortel TDM switch with the Veraz solution.

The Veraz solution has enabled Gateway Communications to link mobile networks cost-effectively across over 30 countries throughout Africa and to connect with their European gateway network. Gateway Communications can now efficiently expand its global VoIP footprint in new markets by carrying traffic from mobile networks, locally converting it to VoIP, transmitting it over satellite between mobile networks and its Belgium gateway location for global connectivity. With a next-generation network in place, Gateway Communications is able to use VoIP to deliver new IP services over a converged IP network.

Gateway Communications selected Veraz's solution for its rapid deployment capabilities, its carrier-grade voice quality and bandwidth optimization, and its operational efficiency when deployed across multi-national networks. The solution consists of a centrally deployed Veraz Controlswitch(TM), a programmable softswitch and service delivery platform, and I-Gate(TM) 4000 PRO media gateways deployed in Gateway Communications' own or customer networks throughout Africa. Veraz's solution overcomes the problem of delays inherent in satellite transmission, by using highly compressed VoIP to optimize costly satellite transmission.

"Gateway now has the largest and most advanced network in Africa, delivering significant savings to our customers through intelligent switching and compression technology supplied by Veraz. Gateway is the only provider to take full advantage of this powerful technology in Africa switching minutes in the sky, without backhauling calls through Europe, and better leveraging Africa's legacy networks. This has been critical in facilitating rapid growth in mobile traffic across the continent," said Peter Gbedemah, CEO of Gateway Communications. "Veraz's packet telephony solution proved to be the most flexible and open solution with superior voice quality, robust SS7 signal handling, interoperability, and bandwidth optimization characteristics, making it the best choice for servicing our customers."

Veraz's unique distributed architecture enables rapid multi-national deployments due to its ability to program complex call routing policies and adapt to global SS7 protocols. With its media gateways, Veraz provides superior voice quality and high compression rates, and with its softswitch, Veraz offers centralized control and intelligence for a highly efficient network.

"Gateway Communications' network required a reliable next-generation platform that could meet their challenges while increasing their competitive edge for the rapid delivery of new services," said Doug Sabella, CEO of Veraz Networks. "This is an important win for us in Europe and Africa that proves Veraz's abilities to meet the challenges of carrying international traffic to multiple destinations regardless of network type."

About Gateway Communications

Gateway Communications is the leading provider of communications services to telecommunications operators and corporations in Africa. Gateway delivers the highest quality, most comprehensive and affordable international communications services on the continent.

With operators dating back to 1991, Gateway Communications is one of the most established operators in Africa and has been responsible for pioneering the delivery of cost effective voice, data and e-commerce services throughout the region.

Gateway Communications has developed the local presence, skills and expertise combined with the global infrastructure and relationships to uniquely meet the voice and data communications needs of local telecommunications operators and businesses operating within Africa.

Core services include:

For Telephone Companies and Service Providers

--Voice Services: High-Quality, cost effective international voice services

--Satellite Networking: Design, implementation and management of regional networks

--Management Services: A host of support & consulting services 

For Businesses

--Network Services: Integrated voice and data networking

--Electronic Commerce: Business solutions and systems

www.gatewaycomms.com

About Veraz Networks, Inc.

Veraz (www.veraznetworks.com) is a leading global provider of voice over IP (VoIP) softswitches, media gateways and digital compression products to wireline, broadband and wireless service providers. Veraz compression and switching solutions optimize voice quality and network efficiency. When combined with Veraz programmable service platforms the result is a service infrastructure responsive to changing demands of end users, regulators and competitors. Veraz solutions enable service providers to profitably migrate from traditional voice networks to all-IP fixed-mobile and multi-media networks consistent with the emerging IMS standards. Veraz is a trusted supplier to 700 service providers in 140 countries including VOIP deployments in over 50 countries.