Vodafone Lights Up UK Backbone Network To Support Next Generation Wireless Network.

Business/Technology Editors

BOSTON & LONDON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--May 31, 2001

Vodafone UK works with Sycamore Networks and Global Crossing to quickly move from concept through to deployment of underlying optical

network

Vodafone UK, the country's favourite mobile phone network, today announces the successful completion of the deployment of Phase 1 of the Company's underlying optical backbone network build out. This new network will provide Vodafone UK with the capacity needed to support its growing wireless communications needs and more easily facilitate the introduction of enhanced mobile data services. To build this next generation network, Vodafone UK has worked with Sycamore Networks, the supplier of its intelligent optical switching and transport platforms, and Global Crossing, which supplied the dark fibre.

"The flexibility of Sycamore equipment and quality of the fibre supplied by Global Crossing has allowed us to build a resilient, high bandwidth, quality network that underpins our expansion efforts in the UK," commented Mike Pinches, Networks Managing Director for Vodafone UK. "The successful Phase 1 launch of Vodafone's first wholly-owned fibre optic transmission network will enable us to realize significant cost savings and immediate access to substantially increased capacity to cope with future growth, unexpected demands and all wireless communication and emerging 3G traffic as we continue to scale our network and customer base."

With plans to Span the breadth of the United Kingdom, phase 1 is delivering services across the main London sites and the infrastructure is capable of rapid expansion to support up to five terabits of information. When complete, the network will be fully expandable to be able to support up to 62.5 terabits of capacity. Mike Pinches continued, "our network was deployed within exceptionally demanding timeframes, the successful installation and turn up of the network reflects the commitment of all three companies to work as a team to ensure that we were able to quickly realize our deployment goals."

Vodafone UK is using Sycamore's SN 3000, SN 16000, SN 8000 and SILVX(TM) network management system to build a flexible mesh infrastructure that can cost effectively scale to meet the demands of the company's rapidly growing customer base. Sycamore president and CEO Dan Smith commented, "Vodafone UK has been able to use Sycamore's intelligent optical switching and transport products to build a resilient network infrastructure from which they will have the ability to rapidly deploy additional bandwidth on as needed basis." Sycamore delivered Vodafone UK a "turn key" solution, providing the core technology used to build the network as well as various consulting services including network design and testing, installation and enhanced network management facilities.

To build the underlying network, Vodafone UK selected Global Crossing as their supplier of fibre assets which they could then turn into much needed capacity. "Vodafone's decision to place all of its network requirements with Global Crossing is a tremendous vote of confidence. This reflects both on the reach and depth of our network and the level of collaboration that went into developing a solution that matches Vodafone's network requirements in this crucial phase as it gears up for the introduction of 3G services," commented Frits Bosch, SVP Carriers Services Europe.

Vodafone UK plans to increase the capacity and footprint of their backbone network in phases over the next several years. "As the country's leading mobile telecommunications company, Vodafone UK is uniquely placed to help our customers get the most of our new technologies such as 3G and wireless internet," Mike Pinches continued. "To support these innovations, we are committed to building the underlying infrastructure to ensure that our customers can reliably and effectively take advantage of these advances with their mobile devices."

About Global Crossing

Global Crossing Ltd. (NYSE: GX) provides integrated telecommunications solutions over the world's most extensive global IP-based fiber-optic network, which will have over 100,000 route miles, reaching 27 countries and more than 200 major cities by mid-2001. Global Crossing serves many of the world's largest corporations, providing a full range of managed data and voice products and services. Global Crossing operates throughout the Americas, Europe, and the Asia/Pacific region, and provides services in Asia through its subsidiary, Asia Global Crossing. Global Crossing Solutions provides integrated telecommunications solutions, including network outsourcing, to large global enterprises. Please visit www.globalcrossing.com or www.asiaglobalcrossing.com for more information.

About Sycamore Networks

Sycamore Networks (NASDAQ: SCMR) develops and markets intelligent optical networking products that transport voice and data traffic over wavelengths of light. The Company combines significant experience in data networking with expertise in optics to develop intelligent optical networking solutions for network service providers. Sycamore's products are based on a common software foundation, enabling concentration on the delivery of services and end-to-end optical networking. Sycamore's products and product plans include optical transport, access and switching systems and end-to-end optical network management solutions. Contact Sycamore Networks at www.sycamorenet.com.

About Vodafone UK

Vodafone is the UK's most popular mobile phone network with more than 12.3 million customers, including 7.9 million customers on its successful Pay as you Talk range. Vodafone UK is part of Vodafone Group Plc, the world's largest mobile telecommunications company.

Forward Looking Statement For Sycamore Networks:

Except for the historical information contained herein, we wish to caution you that certain matters discussed in this news release constitute forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. The Company's actual results could differ materially from those stated or implied in forward-looking statements due to a number of factors, including but not limited to the rate of product purchases by current and prospective customers; the commercial success of the Company's line of intelligent optical networking products; the Company's reliance on a limited number of customers; new product introductions and enhancements by the Company and its competitors; the length and variability of the sales cycles for the Company's products; competition; manufacturing and sourcing risks; variations in the Company's quarterly results; general economic conditions including, stock market volatility and capital market conditions as well as conditions specific to the telecommunications, internet and related industries; and the other factors discussed in the Company's most recently filed Form 10-Q and the other reports filed by the Company from time to time with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The Company disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future results or otherwise.