KazakhTelecom Selects Lucent Technologies' Multi-Vendor Operations Support System and New Network Operations Center

19 May 2006

TeleManagement World -- KazakhTelecom, Kazakhstan's national carrier, Lucent Technologies (NYSE: LU) and Winncom Technologies (OTC Bulletin Board: ARCS) today announced that they are working together to install a multi-vendor operations support system (OSS) for a next-generation network operations center (NOC) Lucent and Winncom are building for KazakhTelecom in Astana, the nation's capital.

Leveraging the new Operations Support Systems (OSS) solution, KazakhTelecom will be able to operate its network infrastructure more efficiently and better manage new IP-based services the operator plans to introduce on its next-generation network.

The multi-vendor OSS, including the award-winning VitalSuite(R) software portfolio and its integration with tools from other vendors already existing in the operator's network, will enable KazakhTelecom to rapidly troubleshoot the network and further enhance the quality of the services delivered to its customers in the Astana region. Lucent Worldwide Services is also providing consulting services to provide KazakhTelecom more efficient network processes and operations.

Later this year, the new OSS solution will be installed in a regional Network Operations Center being built by Lucent and Winncom in Astana. It will be operated by KazakhTelecom. The OSS deployment is part of a broadband next- generation network that Lucent and Winncom are building for KazakhTelecom in Astana, featuring an IP/MPLS core, broadband access solutions and an applications platform.

"The new OSS solution will make KazakhTelecom's network in Astana ready for the most advanced IP services," said Dmitry Kamensky, managing director, Lucent Technologies Russia and CIS. "Lucent's VitalSuite software enables the operator to have the security, service delivery, and quality of service customers are demanding for IP networks. Comprehensive operational support is critical to developing IP-based network services. The investments for the advanced network operations center Lucent and Winncom are building for KazakhTelecom will help the carrier significantly reduce its operations costs and offer its subscribers a much broader range of integrated telecommunication services."

Lucent is delivering several components from its VitalSuite(R) product family, including VitalSuite(R) Integrated Service Assurance and VitalSuite Network Performance Management for fault and performance management, VitalSuite(R) AAA for authentication management, and VitalQIP(R) IP Address Management software.

In addition, Lucent's services group is providing strategic consulting and OSS transformation. Lucent and Winncom professional services include systems integration and operational processes and metrics for the new Network Operations Center.

This announcement is an extension of the KazakhTelecom NGN project announced at CeBIT in March 2006 (http://www.lucent.com/press/0306/060308.cob.html). The KazakhTelecom network incorporates key network elements from across Lucent's Broadband Solutions, Applications Solutions and Converged Core portfolios, and also will incorporate network infrastructure from Lucent's global partner Juniper Networks, including a full portfolio of routing platforms. Last summer, Lucent also announced that KazakhTelecom was deploying a converged Lucent Ethernet router solution (http://www.lucent.com/press/0605/050622.cob.html).

About KazakhTelecom

KazakhTelecom is the largest Kazakhstan carrier, leader of the national telecommunication market. KazakhTelecom's extensive network of the service-providing centers offers its business and residential customers a wide range of telecommunication services, such as traditional telephony and telegraph, data and Internet access, intelligent network and satellite communications, etc. KazakhTelecom connects its more than two and a half million business and residential customers with 230 countries around the world.

During the last years, KazakhTelecom develops large-scale projects that are fundamental for the national telecommunication infrastructure. The optical network that connects all the major cities of the country and the availability of digital interfaces with the networks of neighbouring countries allows Kazakhstan to become a largest Eurasian transit center. Today, KazakhTelecom already operates a communication line that provides the shortest telecommunication path between Europe and Asia.

KazakhTelecom actively participates in the development of the uniform informational and communicational landscape of the Eurasian continent and is open to mutually beneficial cooperation with new business partners. Additional information on Kazakhtelecom can be found on a web-site: http://www.telecom.kz.

About Lucent Technologies

Lucent Technologies designs and delivers the systems, services and software that drive next-generation communications networks. Backed by Bell Labs research and development, Lucent uses its strengths in mobility, optical, software, data and voice networking technologies, as well as services, to create new revenue-generating opportunities for its customers, while enabling them to quickly deploy and better manage their networks. Lucent's customer base includes communications service providers, governments and enterprises worldwide. For more information on Lucent Technologies, which has headquarters in Murray Hill, N.J., USA, visit http://www.lucent.com.

About Winncom Technologies

Winncom Technologies Corp., a subsidiary of ARC Wireless Solutions Inc. (OTC Bulletin Board: ARCS), is a value-added distributor supplying products, systems, solutions and services for a variety of networking applications including wireless and WiMAX. Winncom is one of the first companies offering products and solutions for New Generation Networks for carriers and large enterprises, with customers located throughout North America, Eastern Europe, CIS and Central Asian countries. Winncom has established a reputation as a leader in providing networking products and solutions with a highly qualified sales professionals, as well as engineering and technical support personnel. For more information on Winncom visit http://www.winncom.com or call 888-WINNCOM (1-888-946-6266) or +1-440-498-9510.

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Source: prnewswire