FX Networks Fulfills ICANN Conf. Broadband Needs

29 March 2006

News Release

Asia Netcom Partner to Meet High SpeedNetworking Requirements at ICANN Conference

Delegates from90 countries gather to discuss mission critical issuesrelated to the ISP Industry; conference supported bystate-of-the- art network connectivity through Asia Netcomand FX Networks

New Zealand, 21 March 2006 -- Asia Netcom,a wholly-owned subsidiary of China Netcom (NYSE:CN,SEHK:0906) in partnership with FX Networks, an InternetService Provider, announced today its joint sponsorship ofthe ICANN (Internet Corporation for Assigned Names andNumbers) conference in Wellington, New Zealand. Theconference held during 27-31 March will address importantissues facing the ISP industry today, including broadbandadoption debate and Internet security.

Asia Netcom,together with FX Networks, is providing direct internetconnectivity to all global participants at the conference.It is expected that more than 700 delegates from over 90countries will attend this event chaired by Vint Cerf, aninternational ambassador for Google.

"Asia Netcom is proudto participate in this major international conference. Weare taking keen interest in the development of broadbanduptake in the New Zealand market. I believe affordable andhigh-speed broadband can transform the way people work. Theconcept of 'connected anywhere no longer refers to thefuture. It is the reality that has been easily accessiblethrough broadband," said Deborah Homewood, Asia Netcom sVice President.

"It is the first ICANN conference in NewZealand and FX Networks is honoured to be able to assistICANN. Through our partnership with Asia Netcom, we wereable to participate in delivering an independenttelecommunications network that met ICANN's requirements,"said Jamie Baddeley, FX Networks General Manager, InternetServices.

"We are pleased to be involved in the conferenceas it should help confirm directions and policies bolsteringbroadband capabilities in our country and overseas, " addedBaddeley.

Asia Netcom s Internet Protocol Transitsolution, which has been popular with the Australian and NewZealand ISPs, provides global connectivity to major Internetpeering points and content providers throughout theglobe.

-More-

About Asia Netcom Winner ofFrost & Sullivan s '2005 Data Communications ServiceProvider of the Year' award, Asia Netcom is a wholly-ownedsubsidiary of China Netcom (NYSE:CN, SEHK: 0906). Thecompany operates an extensive telecommunications networkinfrastructure in the Asia Pacific region, including aprivately-owned subsea cable system, EAC, as well asextensive terrestrial backhauls and telehouses in all keyAsian markets. Leveraging these strategic assets, AsiaNetcom provides a comprehensive portfolio of city-to-cityconnectivity, data communications and IP-based solutions andservices to enterprise, ISP and carrier customers in theAsia Pacific region. The company is headquartered in HongKong with local offices in all major Asian markets, the USand Europe. For more information, please visit its Websiteat: www.asianetcom.com

About FX Networks FX Networksare a Wellington company with significant Unix and CiscoNetworking experience. The principals of FX have over 50years experience in the IT and Telecommunications industry,the bulk of which is about continuously available on-linesystems for public use. It specialises in bringinginteresting technical ideas to market. For more information,please visit its Website atwww.fx.net.nz/icann/

ENDS

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