Ericsson and Zhone sign broadband access agreement to shape the VoDSL market

Ericsson and Zhone sign broadband access agreement to shape the VoDSL market This strategic collaboration on multi-service broadband access will include OEM agreement as well as worldwide sales and will offer customers comprehensive Voice over DSL (VoDSL) end-to-end solutions. Ericsson and Zhone Technologies Inc. have entered a strategic, long-term collaboration in the field of multi-service broadband access for telecom carriers. In the framework of the agreement, Ericsson will strengthen its ENGINE solution portfolio through Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) agreement of Zhone's broadband access product line. Ericsson will provide Zhone's products through their global market channels and becomes preferred prime contractor in large- scale carrier projects. "When it comes to multi-service broadband access, Zhone and Ericsson share a common vision: we both see this area, and in particular multi- service DSL deployment, as one of the key factors for modern carriers today," said Mory Ejabat, CEO of Zhone Technologies. "With this worldwide agreement, Ericsson and Zhone form a leading force in the broadband access market," said Einar Lindquist, President of Ericsson Division Multi-Service Networks. "The capability to offer complete solutions based on leading edge technology and global support capabilities is a concept that has been proven successful with the roll- out of ENGINE. With the introduction of VoDSL and SHDSL on a large scale, such capabilities will make a difference to access providers." The agreement enables the assembly of the ultimate multi-service broadband access portfolio. The full line of current and future multi-service broadband access products developed by Zhone Technologies will be combined with Ericsson products in the ENGINE solutions portfolio. In EMEA, the Asia-Pacific rim and Latin America, the relationship also involves a "preferred partner" status for Ericsson, which becomes exclusive prime contractor in large-scale carrier projects. The two companies will promote their combined solutions through joint marketing and sales activities worldwide. Ericsson is the leading communications supplier, combining innovation in mobility and Internet in creating the new era of mobile Internet. Ericsson provides total solutions covering everything from systems and applications to mobile phones and other communications tools. With more than 100,000 employees in 140 countries, Ericsson simplifies communications for customers all over the world. Read more at http://www.ericsson.com/pressroom FOR FURTHER INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT Peter Olofsson, Public Relations Manager, Ericsson Division Multi-Service Networks Phone: + 46 8 719 1880, + 46 70 267 3445 E-mail: peter.olofsson@etx.ericsson.se Ove Anebygd, Vice President Access Networks, Ericsson Division Multi-Service Networks Phone: + 46 8 719 5798, + 46 70 5195798 E-mail: ove.anebygd@etx.ericsson.se Zhone Technologies Shaun Wootton, Herald Communications Phone: +44 20 7340 6300, E-mail: SWootton@heraldcommunications.com Lorenzo Micheletti, Marketing Manager Phone: +39 348 1201529, E-mail: lmicheletti@zhone.com Cesare Sironi, VP Europe E-mail: csironi@zhone.com About Zhone Technologies, Inc. Zhone's strategy combines existing solutions with Zhone's intellectual property to create a portfolio of scalable next-generation network products supporting a rich array of voice, video, Internet, and entertainment services. The company was founded by the senior management team that grew telecommunications pioneer Ascend Communications, Inc., from its startup roots to the multi-billion-dollar company acquired by Lucent Technologies (NYSE: LU) in September 1999. Zhone's advanced networking solutions include the Single Line Multi-Service architecture (SLMS ), Zhone Management System (ZMS ), Broadband Access Node (BAN ), Sechtor universal voice gateway, and Z-Edge access products. For more information about Zhone and its products, please visit the Zhone Web site at http://www.Zhone.com or e-mail: info@Zhone.com