U S WEST Selects Tekelec's IP7 Sentinel For Network Monitoring and Maintenance.

Business Editors/High Tech Writers

MORRISVILLE, N.C.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Feb. 2, 2000

Tekelec (Nasdaq: TKLC) announced today that U S WEST (NYSE: USW) selected the IP7 Sentinel surveillance system in the fourth quarter of 1999 for deployment in its award-winning wireless network during the first half of 2000.

IP7 Sentinel enables service providers to monitor, maintain, and ensure the reliability of telecommunications services implemented across traditional Signaling System 7 (SS7)-based public switched telephone networks (PSTNs) and Internet protocol (IP)-based converged voice and data networks. With IP7 Sentinel, network operators can monitor and trace calls end-to-end in converged networks.

&uot;We are thrilled that U S WEST continues to rely on Tekelec products in the implementation of its industry-leading converged network,&uot; explains Danny Parker, vice president and general manager of Tekelec's Intelligent Network Diagnostics division. &uot;With IP7 Sentinel, U S WEST Wireless can monitor and maintain its nationwide SS7 and IP network from a centralized location, allowing the company to anticipate and correct potential service-affecting problems before they actually occur.&uot;

Parker says, &uot;IP7 Sentinel will closely complement the Tekelec IP7 Secure Gateway(TM) product already deployed in the U S WEST Wireless network. The combined products enable network operators to rapidly deploy leading-edge, next-generation network technology while maintaining the extremely high levels of service reliability that we all expect in telecommunications.&uot;

Joe Hannan, director of network planning and engineering at U S WEST Wireless, adds, &uot;IP7 Sentinel also will provide connectivity to our roaming partners, ensuring seamless transmission of wireless calls. And, as our network grows, we will employ IP7 Sentinel to test and verify new links. We expect IP7 Sentinel to increase network efficiency, enabling us to provide continuous, reliable service and, thus, reduce costs.&uot;

U S WEST (NYSE: USW) provides a full range of telecommunications services-including wireline, wireless PCS, data networking, directory and information services-to more than 25 million customers nationally and in 14 Western and Midwestern states. More information about U S WEST can be found on the Internet at http://www.uswest.com .

Tekelec, a leading supplier of signaling and control systems, develops innovative network switching and diagnostic solutions that enable the convergence of traditional and converged wireline, wireless, and IP voice and data communications networks. The company also provides products and solutions for call centers and other telecommunications markets. Tekelec has its headquarters in Calabasas, California, and divisions in Morrisville, North Carolina, and Richardson, Texas. For more information, please visit http://www.tekelec.com .

The Tekelec logo is a registered trademark of Tekelec, and IP7 Sentinel and IP7 Secure Gateway are trademarks of Tekelec. All other products are registered trademarks or trademarks of their respective companies.