Nortel Networks and IJNT.net Announce Rollout of Next-Generation Unified Network Solution - Company Business and Marketing

Cambridge Telcom Report, August 9, 1999

Nortel Networks (NYSE/TSE: NT) Tuesday announced that IJNT.net, Inc. (OTC BB: IJNT), a leading high-speed Internet access provider, has awarded Nortel Networks a contract valued at over $37 million to provide a next-generation Unified Networks solution. Nortel Networks' Unified Networks portfolio will help accelerate IJNT.net's ability to bring advanced Internet and telecommunication services to its customers.

Nortel Networks will provide IJNT.net an end-to-end unified network including Nortel Networks' 1-Meg Modem for high-speed Internet and telecommunications access. The 1-Meg Modem offers subscribers the ability to access the Internet at up to 1.3 megabits per second -- more than 20 times faster than a 56k modem, with simultaneous voice and fax service. The 1-Meg Modem is based on Digital Subscriber Line (DSL) technology but does not require costly service calls or the installation of a voice/data "splitter" and eliminates the need for in-line filters at most phone jacks.

The end-to-end network being deployed by IJNT.net is based on Nortel Networks' optical networking solutions including fiber optic rings linked with Passport 15000 VSS ATM-based multiservice edge switches, DMS-500 telecommunications switches for voice and data traffic, and Nortel Networks new Star Hub access nodes to bring traffic beyond the edge of the network. From there, the 1-Meg Modem takes the power of Internet networking and a range of telecommunications solutions to businesses and homes.

"We are confident in the capability of Nortel Networks' products and technology to realize the scalable network we have envisioned," said Jon Marple, chairman and CEO, IJNT.net. "This network will allow us to deliver exciting 1-Meg Modem DSL solutions to customers today, as well as accommodate a full range of broadband services to meet future high-speed access needs. Nortel Networks will also provide financing for the first phase of our network rollout. We are gratified to have Nortel back up its commitment with favorable financing terms."

"Nortel Networks leads the industry in providing easily deployable DSL solutions, so that service providers like IJNT.net can offer high-speed Internet and telecommunication services at an affordable price. Our plug and play design allows quick service activation and ensures customer satisfaction," said Steven Schilling, Senior Vice President, Carrier Packet Solutions, Nortel Networks. "Given other costly and complex high-speed access solutions, the 1-Meg Modem has become the choice of home users and small businesses."

IJNT's subsidiary, UrJet Backbone Network ("UBN") will initially offer 1-Meg Modem service in Los Angeles, San Francisco, San Diego, and Orange County California and Phoenix, Arizona. Shortly thereafter, the company plans to extend the service to Dallas and Houston Texas, followed by 14 additional markets within 18 months. IJNT and UBN project an October 1999 service launch for initial target markets.

IJNT.net provides high-speed, wireless Internet access, wired broadband solutions and telecommunication services to homes and businesses. The company's subscriber base is growing rapidly as the company diversifies its offerings and expands its network across the U.S. and internationally. IJNT also provides web site development, online advertising, and e-commerce services as well as dial-up Internet access throughout the U.S. and internationally. The company's rapid growth is the result of aggressive marketing and sales, internal development, acquisitions, and strategic alliances.

Nortel Networks delivers value to customers around the world through Unified Networks solutions, spanning mission-critical telephony and IP-optimized networks. Customers include public and private enterprises and institutions; Internet service providers; local, long-distance, cellular and PCS communications companies, cable television carriers, and utilities.

Nortel Networks' common shares are listed on the New York, Toronto, Montreal, and London stock exchanges. Nortel Networks had 1998 revenues of US$17.6 billion and has approximately 76,000 employees worldwide.