Tekelec 7000 Class 5 Packet Switch Enhancements Address Cable and Next-Generation Digital Loop Carrier Markets; Strong Customer Demand Continues for VoIP Feature-Rich 'IMS-Ready' Softswitch.

MORRISVILLE, N.C. & CHICAGO -- Tekelec (NASDAQ: TKLC), a leading developer of high-performance network applications for next-generation fixed, mobile and packet networks, is featuring two new software releases of the Tekelec 7000 Class 5 Packet Switch during GLOBALCOMM 2006. The enhancements provide softswitch capabilities for cable system operators (MSOs), additional options for broadband loop carrier (BLC) systems, and expanded DS1 trunking capacity.

Tekelec 7000 Release 5.0 has added PacketCable(TM) interfaces including network call signaling (NCS) and dynamic quality of service (DQoS) for both NCS and session initiation protocol (SIP). These enhancements enable the Tekelec 7000 to serve as a combined call management server, media gateway controller, signaling gateway and trunking gateway for PacketCable and PacketCable Multimedia cable systems. Release 5.0 also includes new voice over Internet protocol (VoIP) interfaces to enable additional deployment options with multi-service access gateways and BLC systems and features that enhance rural VoIP service delivery.

Tekelec 7000 Release 5.0 is currently in trials with operators including GCI and will be commercially available in third quarter 2006.

"We have thoroughly tested release 5.0 for NCS (cable telephony) in our lab and found it to be solid. The few issues uncovered were fixed expeditiously. SIP components (VoIP) of 5.0 are still under test, and the test program is going smoothly," said Derek Welton, director, Switched Voice, GCI. "Tekelec 7000 and Tekelec 6000 architecture form the foundation for our rollout of local services statewide in Alaska. GCI enjoys success as a CLEC in Anchorage, Fairbanks and Juneau. We are now extending that offering to the next level of communities throughout the state."

GCI (NASDAQ: GNCMA) is the largest telecommunications company in Alaska. A pioneer in bundled services, GCI provides local, wireless, and long distance telephone, cable television, Internet and data communication services throughout Alaska. More information about the company can be found at www.gci.com.

Installed since 2000, the Tekelec 7000 continues to meet high operator demand. In 2005, Tekelec shipped more then 390,000 ports, nearly doubling its installed base. As of the end of 2005, nearly 800,000 Tekelec 7000 ports have been shipped in more then 220 systems across North America.

The second software release, Tekelec 7000 Release 4.2, delivers increased DS1 trunking capacity with the introduction of a new 20 port T1 card. Release 4.2 is commercially available today.

The Tekelec 7000 is part of Tekelec's "IMS-Ready" portfolio of solutions for next-generation networks, providing a feature-rich softswitch that delivers enhanced VoIP services for smaller wireline and cable networks. Tekelec 7000 fully integrates both IP and time division multiplexing (TDM) interfaces, allowing operators to gain new revenues from both TDM and VoIP subscribers and to easily migrate to VoIP transport while reducing operational costs.

"The Tekelec 7000 softswitch enables cutting-edge VoIP and traditional residential and business services as well as IMS-ready applications that expand revenues for nearly all operators," said Jay Whitehurst, president and general manager of Tekelec's Switching Solutions Group. "The latest enhancements extend the benefits of the Tekelec 7000 to new markets, including cable, while staying ahead of customer demands for increased capacity, IPTV, BLC and VoIP features."

Tekelec is demonstrating the Tekelec 7000 Class 5 Packet Switch as well as other "IMS-Ready" solutions at its GLOBALCOMM booth # 19031, McCormick Place, Chicago, Ill., June 4-8, 2006.

About Tekelec

Tekelec is a high-performance network applications company that is accelerating the transition to IP Multimedia Subsystem (IMS) networks for service providers around the globe. With its experience at the intersection of network applications and session control, Tekelec creates highly efficient platforms for managing media and delivering network solutions. Corporate headquarters are located near Research Triangle Park in Morrisville, N.C., with research and development facilities and sales offices throughout the world. For more information, please visit www.tekelec.com.