Mediatrix and Marconi Sign OEM Agreement to Deliver Comprehensive IP Telephony Solutions; Telecommunications Service Providers to Benefit From Phased VoIP Migration

Business Wire, March 12, 2003

Business Editors/High-Tech Writers

CeBIT 2003

HANNOVER, Germany--(BUSINESS WIRE)--March 12, 2003

Mediatrix Telecom, Inc., a leader in Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) access technology, and Marconi (MONI), through it's Broadband Systems Division, announced today that the two companies have entered into an OEM Agreement under which Marconi will integrate Mediatrix' leading IP telephony technology, access devices, gateways and management software as part of its IP Service Provider Networks solutions.

The combination of Marconi IP Softswitches and Mediatrix VoIP access devices will allow service providers to protect their legacy service revenue streams while at the same time providing the flexibility to offer profitable, next generation IP and packetized voice services.

"Our partnership with Mediatrix will enable us to leverage their IP telephony technology and experience to broaden the applications potential for our scalable IP Service Provider Networks solutions," stated Pete Nicholls, VP, Broadband Systems Product Strategy, Product Engineering, Marconi.

"Having been selected by Marconi as a partner for their next generation network solutions is further testament to the quality and interoperability that is the hallmark of our IP telephony technology development," stated Marc Shapiro, VP Marketing, Mediatrix. "Marconi's worldwide industry presence and leading edge Internet and communications technology combined with Mediatrix' innovative IP telephony access devices, gateways and software solutions allow enterprises and service providers the ability to deploy cost-effective VoIP solutions immediately."

About Mediatrix Telecom, Inc.

Mediatrix develops and markets advanced VoIP access devices, gateways and value-added software enhancements for the enterprise, SOHO, and residential markets. Its products provide an ideal migration path for end users wishing to protect their current CPE investment (analog phones, fax machines, PBX and Key Systems) while migrating to a converged IP network solution. Mediatrix products and solutions are widely interoperable and have received commercial endorsement from some of the world's leading manufacturers of telecommunications equipment. Headquartered in Sherbrooke, Canada, Mediatrix has corporate offices in Montreal, Canada and regional offices located in the United States, Europe and Asia. For more information please visit www.mediatrix.com.

About Marconi plc

Marconi plc is a global telecommunications equipment and solutions company headquartered in London. The company's core business is the provision of innovative and reliable optical networks, broadband routing and switching and broadband access technologies and services. The company's aim is to help fixed and mobile telecommunications operators worldwide reduce costs and increase revenues.

The company's customer base includes many of the world's largest telecommunications operators. The company is listed on the London Stock Exchange under the symbol MONI.

This press release may contain forward-looking statements that are subject to risks and uncertainties. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from these forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, general business conditions in the industry, changes in demand for products, the timing and cancellation of orders and other risks.