Narad Networks, Inc., a provider of high performance switched broadband access solutions, today announced its role in the market roll out of high capacity data and IP Centrex applications. Hargray will use Narad Network's Ethernet-over-Coax solution to provide high capacity data services and to provide IP capacity to Nortel's* Centrex IP application. The Narad solution will allow Hargray to leverage its existing coax plant to cost-efficiently provide small and medium-sized businesses with high capacity/high performance data and a large number of voice ports. Hargray, which serves areas of southeastern South Carolina and Georgia, will begin rolling out the Narad solution starting next month.

Narad's Ethernet-over-Coax solution together with Nortel's Communication Server 2000 utilizes existing cable infrastructure and takes advantage of Metro Ethernet to deliver increased port count to support the voice needs of SMBs. The Narad solution will initially support the delivery of data and Centrex IP applications over MSO's currently deployed coax networks.

"The Narad and Nortel solutions have performed solidly through all of our rigorous testing and we feel confident in their ability to support the expanding voice and data needs of our business class customers," said Ed Heuck, Chief Technology Officer, Hargray Communications. "The Nortel and Narad solutions have culminated in the best coax-based middle market business solution that we've seen which will help us to significantly expand our revenue potential in the business services market."

"We're proud to work in tandem with Nortel and Hargray on our new solution for Hargray's customers. Hargray has done a great job proving in a much needed service that will exponentially strengthen business class data and voice service offerings for operators," said Michael Collette, CEO, Narad Networks. "Everyone knows that the middle market business opportunity is large. Now, it's easily accessible."

Narad's application for IP services uniquely utilizes existing cable infrastructure to deliver throughput of up to 100 Mbps x 100 Mbps of additional bandwidth over each coaxial cable span. In combination with Narad Ethernet switches, these 100 Mbps symmetrical links can be switched onto the coax plant at multiple points to provide Gigabits of symmetric bandwidth per node. Narad's switched Ethernet-over-Fiber solution provides Gigabit fiber capacity while making optimal and efficient use of existing fiber plant. Narad's Ethernet-based outdoor switches support fiber, coax and wireless inputs and outputs.

"The Nortel solution interworking with Narad's solution is an innovative way to solve a real technological challenge faced by owners of cable access facilities, "said Tom Buttermore, vice president and general manager, Global Cable Solutions, Nortel. "It enables Hargray to generate new revenue opportunities by offering Centrex IP and other full featured converged services to business customers, using existing coax facilities. This is a creative way to fulfill a practical need in the market."

About Hargray Communications Founded in 1949, Hargray is an independent operating company (IOC) that provides voice, video, data, wireless, high-speed Internet, and directory publishing services to the residents and businesses of southeastern S.C. and Ga. Hargray serves cities within a 100-mile radius of Hilton Head, S.C., including Hilton Head Island, Beaufort, Bluffton, Savannah, Statesboro, and others. The company is the country's 22 largest independent operating company. Hargray is headquartered in Hilton Head, S.C. Additional information can be found at www.hargray.com. About Nortel Nortel is a recognized leader in delivering communications capabilities that enhance the human experience, ignite and power global commerce, and secure and protect the world's most critical information. Serving both service provider and enterprise customers, Nortel delivers innovative technology solutions encompassing end-to-end broadband, Voice over IP, multimedia services and applications, and wireless broadband designed to help people solve the world's greatest challenges. Nortel does business in more than 150 countries. For more information, visit Nortel on the Web at www.nortel.com. For the latest Nortel news, visit www.nortel.com/news. *Nortel is a trademark of Nortel Networks.

About Narad Networks Narad Networks is a provider of switched broadband access solutions that enable cable operators to leverage existing coaxial cable and flexibly use fiber and wireless media to deliver high capacity, high performance IP services, including voice, data, video, and enterprise networks. The company's QoS switches and service management software, along with its broad spectrum fiber and coax transmission technologies, support multi-gigabit transport for both commercial and residential customers. Narad's patented Ethernet-over-Coax solution meets the needs of coax-based users that have voice or data needs beyond that which cable modems can offer, while Narad's switched Ethernet-over-Fiber solution provides unprecedented IP capacity to fiber-based customers. Narad is currently deployed with North American and European cable operators.

Based in Westford, Massachusetts, Narad is a privately held company with venture funding from Argo Global Capital, Polaris Venture Partners and other leading venture capital firms. For more information, visit www.naradnetworks.com.