i3 signs set-top box deal with TransACT

i3 signs set-top box deal with TransACT Australian broadband operator TransACT Communications to deploy i3 micro technology's set-top box, Mood(TM)Box, in its high speed network. Canberra-based broadband operator TransACT Communications and i3 micro technology, the Swedish datacom company that develops and markets products for IP-TV, video streaming and VoIP, announced today that they have signed an order for the delivery of i3's award winning set-top box, Mood(TM) Box, for use in TransACT's broadband network. For 2002/2003, the deal is worth more than USD 2.5 million, with the option for similar volumes in 2004 and beyond. Deployment will begin in December 2002. The Mood Box, a next-generation set-top box, is designed to fit into any home, hotel room, or commercial setting by providing users with IP-based real-time TV, video-on-demand, pay-per-view, music-on-demand, Internet browsing, e-mail and more. Recently rewarded with the prestigious "Excellent Swedish Design" award, The Mood Box is part of the Mood(TM) (Media options on demand) product family, which consists of set-top boxes, various streaming servers, and a management system. TransACT Communications was formed in early 2000 by electricity and water utility company ACTEW. The company is building a fibre-optic and copper network allowing high-speed data (up to 52 Mbps), digital television, video-on-demand, and telephony throughout the Australian Capital Territory (ACT). TransACT has an 'open network' philosophy, actively encouraging other companies to utilise the cable to provide their services to customers. TransACT is committed to connecting about 100,000 homes and 14,000 businesses by the end of 2003, throughout the Australian Capital Territory. The Mood Box will be used for providing IP-TV as well as video-on-demand to TransACT's existing customer base. - TransACT Communications Chief Executive Officer Michael Del Gigante said the company had chosen the i3 micro solution after a thorough evaluation of several alternatives. He said TransACT was impressed with the i3 micro's capabilities and the company's willingness and flexibility to respect TransACT's needs for future services. - We are impressed by TransACT and how professional they have been in establishing a viable business in Australia, says Hans Holmberg, President, i3 micro technology. For i3 this is a very important deal. It is a major order for Mood in the residential market and the sheer size of the agreement makes it important for us financially. In addition, the deal with TransAct proves the technological edge of our products as well as our ability to do business at the international level. About TransACT Communications TransACT Capital Communications is based in Canberra A.C.T. and is rolling out a fibre-to-the-curb architecture past all Canberra homes and businesses. The company offers state-of-the-art telephone and broadband services including Video on Demand, subscription television, digital free-to-air television, a permanent high speed connection to an Internet Service Provider and much more. TransACT is owned jointly by ACTEW Corporation Limited, TVG Transact Holdings, AGL TransACT Pty Limited , Marconi Corporation plc, Australian Capital Ventures Limited, and investors Commonwealth Bank of Australia and MTAA Superannuation Fund (TransACT) Utilities Pty Ltd. TransACT was awarded the prestigious Broadband Retail Carrier of the Year award in August 2002. For more information about TransACT, please visit: http://www.transact.com.au About i3 micro technology: i3 micro technology is a Swedish company established in 1997. With headquarters in Kista, Sweden, i3 develops and markets products and turnkey solutions for the distribution and reception of digital TV, video and telephony over IP networks. In August 2002, i3 signed a major order with the U.S. company General Dynamics Interactive, for the delivery of Mood Box for use in selected hotels around the world. i3 has Servisen Private Equity Fund I & II and Investment AB Spiltan among its investors. For more information about i3, please visit:http://www.i3micro.com/ For more information, please contact: TransACT Communications Geoff Harris, Corporate Communications Manager Tel: +61 -2 6229 8101 e-mail: geoff.harris@transact.com.au i3 micro technology Jonas Dahllöf, Marketing Director Tel: +46-8-506 388 00 e-mail: jonas.dahllof@i3micro.com ------------------------------------------------------------ This information was brought to you by Waymaker http://www.waymaker.net The following files are available for download: http://www.waymaker.net/bitonline/2002/10/11/20021010BIT01070/wkr0001.doc http://www.waymaker.net/bitonline/2002/10/11/20021010BIT01070/wkr0002.pdf