Symmetricom Launches TimeSource 3500 NEBS compliant, 'In-the-Window' GPS Network Timing System.

SAN JOSE, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Dec. 6, 1999--

Cost-Effective GPS timing system allows installation costs to be

cut in half by allowing operation with window-mounted antenna as

opposed to traditional on-the-roof antennas

Network operators can now easily and cost-effectively improve the quality of their network service using timing technology, thanks to an innovative new global positioning system (GPS) network timing solution provided by Symmetricom (Nasdaq: SYMM). By installing Symmetricom's newest Primary Reference Source (PRS) product, the TimeSource 3500, operators can take timing solutions "to the edge," installing the benefits of timing solutions throughout their networks and thus nearly eliminating problems due to lost or jumbled data.

The TimeSource 3500 provides the industry's smallest, most cost-effective "through-the-window" GPS solution by integrating the company's BesTime(TM) clock algorithm with its new GPS technology, XR7. While current GPS solutions require antennas to be placed on a roof, in direct line of site with GPS satellites -- a costly and time-consuming process that often results in ongoing rental and maintenance fees -- Symmetricom's breakthrough TimeSource timing system allows the GPS antennas to be placed in windows. This breakthrough not only can cut service providers' installation and maintenance costs in half, it also means that timing solutions are now cost-effective enough to be integrated throughout an operator's entire network, which in turn, helps the operator significantly improve network quality and reduce maintenance costs.

The TimeSource 3500 provides PRS timing outputs with a single GPS satellite in view for as little as 40 percent of the time -- or about 10 hours a day. The system produces outputs that meet network and office PRS standards. It provides up to 10 T1 outputs plus a time-of-day, one pulse per second and 10 MHz output. Optional outputs include composite clock and IRIG-B. Should additional outputs be required, the TimeXpander clock and distribution system allows up to 20 additional timing outputs with optional holdover clock.

"The TimeSource 3500 Primary Reference Source (PRS) meets a previously unaddressed need within the network infrastructure market the need for timing solutions to be installed throughout an operator's network," said John Ehrig, product manager for Symmetricom's TimeSource products. "GPS rooftop antenna systems or Cesium clocks are not affordable in the telephone company's smaller switching centers and transport nodes. Thus prior to the availability of Symmetricom's TimeSource 3500 product, operators could only afford to place timing technology in the central parts of the network and therefore were unable to take full advantage of improved network quality and reduced operational costs associated with timing technology."

Key attributes of the new TimeSource 3500 system include:

1- Installation in any window or through-the-wall option for windowless buildings;

2- NEBS compliance;

3- Equipment and installation cost of less than $10,000;

4- Stratum 1 performance with GPS in view as few as 10 hours per day;

5- Stratum 1 holdover performance for 72 hours during long-term GPS outages.

Murli Thirumale, vice president of marketing and business development, adds, "Symmetricom's mission is to introduce innovative timing solutions that make PRS affordable everywhere. Our NEBS compliant solutions augment our earlier TimeSource 2000 series timing solutions that offer in-the-window and in-the-building operation. Now, traditional carriers such as the Regional Bell Operating Companies (RBOCs) and long distance companies can install GPS timing solutions where previously it was impossible or impractical. In addition, emerging applications such as digital video, cable telephony, voice over IP, and ATM can economically be timed with the TimeSource products."

The TimeSource 3500 is managed through TL1 messages and/or optional network management systems such as Symmetricom's TimeScan and OSMF products. Installation requirements include coaxial cable from the equipment shelf to a small GPS antenna - about the size of a deck of cards - mounted directly to any window.

A limited number of TimeSource 3500 units will be available for field trial evaluation in early 2000. A similar unit packaged in a modem type package - TimeSource 2500 - is available now. As part of the TimeSource platform family of products, the TimeSource 3500 joins a product family that has been audited and found compliant to the GR-2830 PRS synchronization requirements by Telcordia (formerly Bellcore) and NEBS certified by Met Labs.

About Symmetricom, Inc.

The Heartbeat of the Net(TM), Symmetricom, Inc. (Nasdaq: SYMM) is the worldwide market leader in providing synchronization and timing solutions to service providers, including ILECs, CLECs, ISPs, cable operators and wireless carriers. With atomic clock, quartz and GPS synchronization solutions installed in more than 1,000 communications networks in more than 60 countries, Symmetricom provides traditional wireline and wireless carriers and IP-based network operators with solutions that help them improve service quality while reducing operational costs. For more information, see Symmetricom on the Web at www.symmetricom.com.

This press release contains forward-looking information within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and is subject to the safe harbor created by those Sections. These forward-looking statements include statements concerning the Company's expectations regarding future product availability, demand and shipments. The Company's actual results could differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking information. Some factors which could cause future actual results to differ materially from the Company's projected results in the forward-looking information are timing, cancellation or delay of customer orders, delays in new product development, reduced rates of growth of telecommunications services, introduction and production startup, increased competition, customer acceptance of new products, customer delays in qualification of key new products, and the risk factors listed from time to time in the Company's reports, on file with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including but not limited to, the report on Form 10-K for the year ended June 30, 1999, and the report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 1999.