Efficient Networks' Experiencing Significant Growth in Asian Markets; New Customers and New Positions Lead the Way for DSL Expansion in China

Business Wire, Nov 19, 1999

DALLAS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Nov. 18, 1999--

Efficient Networks, Inc. (Nasdaq:EFNT), a leading supplier of Digital Subscriber Line (DSL) customer premises equipment (CPE), today announced the continued expansion into China with the recent hiring of Albert Xiaofeng GU, sales manager for the region.

"We are seeing tremendous growth in the Asian markets as the DSL technology is gaining wide acceptance," according to Paul Couturier, vice president of International Operations for Efficient Networks, Inc. "The market is taking off and we are expanding our offices and services to meet the continuing needs and to support our new customers in China and the Asia Pac region."

Recent additions to Efficient Networks Asian customer base includes XinJiang PTA China (post and telecommunications department in XinJiang, western China). XinJiang chose Efficient Networks for an ADSL network being deployed later this year, with the initial phase to include equipping fifteen central offices. XinJiang will utilize Efficient's SpeedStream ADSL network for a variety of consumer, academic and business applications including high-speed Internet access, high-quality videoconferencing, telemedicine, tele-learning and video-on-demand.

Efficient's CPE will be paired with Siemens XpressLink Digital Subscriber Access Multiplexers (DSLAMs) as the central office equipment for XinJiang's ADSL services. CPE will enable subscriber access. XinJiang will deploy Efficient Networks' recently announced SpeedStream 3041, an internal modem that easily plugs directly into a PC and delivers a cost-effective solution for connecting Microsoft Windows users and workgroups.

"According to China Internet Network Information Center (CINIC), the number of users on the Chinese Internet reached 4 million by July 1999. Just six months ago the number from the same source was 1.5 million, which means that the local user base has almost tripled in the first half of the year. There is a huge potential demand on high speed Internet access," said Johan Kremer, director of sales, Asia & Pacific for Efficient Networks. "To cater to this tremendous growth, and the success of our customers, such as XinJiang PTA, Efficient Networks Asia Pte Ltd. has added Mr. Albert Xiaofeng GU to our sales force. As the China Sales Manager, he will support our rapid expansion in the Asian region."

Albert Xiaofeng GU can be reached via e-mail albertgu@efficient.com or albertgu@singnet.com.sg, phone 65-549-7125, fax 65-549-7001.

About Efficient Networks

Efficient Networks, Inc. is a leading independent supplier of DSL access products for the customer premises. The company furnishes service providers and small to mid sized businesses with its SpeedStream DSL CPE product line, which includes a suite of external and internal routers and modems all designed for simple, rapid installation and seamless compatibility. As a recognized worldwide leader in the DSL market, Efficient Networks is a member of the ATM Forum and the ADSL Forum. With headquarters in Dallas, Efficient Networks has sales and support offices throughout the United States, and in Amsterdam and Singapore. For more information, see Efficient's World Wide Web home page at www.efficient.com.

Note to Editors: Efficient Networks and its logos are registered trademarks and SpeedStream is a trademark of Efficient Networks, Inc. Other company, brand and product names are trademarks of their respective holders.

This press release contains forward looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Such forward-looking statements include statements concerning product availability and market acceptance. Important factors that may cause actual results to differ include: risks associated with the Digital Subscriber Line Industry and risks that may affect our ability to execute our business plans. For a further discussion of the risks facing our business, please refer to the documents filed by Efficient Networks, Inc. with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission from time to time.