Verizon Wireless Selects Agilent Technologies' Network Monitoring Solution

Business Wire, Jan 17, 2001

Business Editors/Technology Writers

PALO ALTO, Calif. & BEDMINSTER, N.J.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Jan. 17, 2001

Largest U.S. Wireless Communications Provider Will Use Agilent

acceSS7 to Deliver High-Quality Service Throughout Its Network

Agilent Technologies Inc. (NYSE:A), a leading provider of innovative technologies for communications and life sciences, and Verizon Wireless (NYSE:VZ), the nation's largest wireless provider, today announced the carrier has selected Agilent acceSS7 for monitoring and troubleshooting its coast-to-coast digital wireless network. Verizon Wireless provides wireless voice and data services to over 27 million customers, with a service area that covers almost 90 percent of the country's population.

Verizon Wireless was formed recently by combining five U.S. wireless businesses -- Bell Atlantic Mobile, AirTouch Cellular, GTE Wireless, PrimeCo Personal Communications and AirTouch Paging -- each with its own network monitoring system. The company selected acceSS7 to consolidate monitoring functions into a single system and to deliver superior network coverage, service and quality.

The Agilent acceSS7 solution provides Verizon Wireless with surveillance, diagnostic and troubleshooting tools that deliver real-time alerts about potential problems. This allows Verizon Wireless to quickly correct any network, service, or quality issue before they effect customers.

"I am delighted that the largest U.S. wireless communications provider has decided to work with Agilent in monitoring its SS7 network," said Andy Belcher, vice president and general manager of Agilent's Telecommunication Systems Division. "Agilent acceSS7 will monitor all call, service and customer activity taking place on Verizon Wireless' network. The information collected by acceSS7 will enable Verizon Wireless to deliver excellent and measurable service quality."

"We are dedicated to maintaining the best wireless network in the U.S.," said Tony Melone, vice president of network operations for Verizon Wireless. "In order to deliver high-quality wireless calls for our customers we continually monitor the network. Agilent's surveillance system plays a key role in providing our exceptional service."

About Agilent acceSS7

Agilent acceSS7 collects and analyzes SS7 messages flowing on an SS7 network to provide network operators with insights to dramatically improve the efficiency of their network, boost profitability and increase customer satisfaction. The system is deployed by many of the world's leading wireline and wireless operators.

Information about acceSS7 can be found on the Web at www.access7.com.

About Verizon Wireless

Verizon Wireless is the largest wireless communications provider in the U.S. with 27.5 million wireless voice and data customers. The new coast-to-coast wireless provider was formed by the combination of the U.S. wireless businesses of Bell Atlantic Corp. and GTE Corp -- now Verizon Communications (NYSE:VZ) -- and Vodafone (NYSE and LSE: VOD). The new company includes the assets of Bell Atlantic Mobile, AirTouch Cellular, GTE Wireless, PrimeCo Personal Communications and AirTouch Paging. The company has a footprint covering nearly 90 percent of the U.S. population, 49 of the top 50 and 96 of the top 100 U.S. markets. Verizon Wireless, headquartered in Bedminster, NJ, is 38,000 employees strong. Reporters and editors can find more information about the company on the Web at http://www.verizonwireless.com.

About Agilent Technologies

Agilent Technologies Inc. (NYSE:A) is a diversified technology company with approximately 47,000 employees serving customers in more than 120 countries. Agilent is a global leader in designing and manufacturing test, measurement and monitoring instruments, systems and solutions, and semiconductor and optical components. In fiscal year 2000, Agilent had net revenue of $10.8 billion. The company serves markets that include communications, electronics, life sciences and healthcare.

Information about Agilent Technologies can be found on the Web at www.agilent.com.