Occam Networks Appoints Kenneth R. Cole to Board of Directors; Cole Brings Broad Telecommunications Expertise to Occam Board

Business Wire, Dec 16, 2004

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. -- Occam Networks Inc. (OTCBB:OCCM), a supplier of innovative Ethernet and IP-based loop carrier equipment to telecommunications companies worldwide, today announced that Kenneth R. Cole has been elected to the company's board of directors.

"Kenneth Cole knows what it takes to provide high-quality telecommunications services," said Bob Howard-Anderson, president and CEO for Occam Networks. "He is an extraordinary industry leader with a wealth of expertise and understanding of the field. His remarkable vision, passion and ingenuity, coupled with his leadership abilities, will add valuable insight and direction to Occam's board."

Cole is well known for his dedicated service and leadership within the telecommunications industry. He currently serves as vice chairman of VALOR Telecommunications, one of the largest providers of telecommunications services to rural communities in the southwestern United States. He joined VALOR as the company's president and COO at its inception in 2000 and became CEO in 2001. Through Cole's leadership, VALOR now successfully operates approximately 550,000 telephone access lines in 260 communities, primarily in rural areas of Texas, Oklahoma, New Mexico and Arkansas. Prior to VALOR, Cole spent 26 years at CenturyTel, Inc., and completed his tenure with the company as their chief operating officer.

"Occam Networks' state-of-the-art Broadband Loop Carrier technology provides truly revolutionary Ethernet- and IP-based loop carrier platforms for telecommunication providers," Cole said. "Occam represents the best of the telecommunications industry, and they are positioned for major success in the IOC market. As the newest appointed board member, I see this as an exciting time to jump aboard. I anticipate taking an active role and assisting Occam in their move to the next level."

Ernst & Young awarded Cole Entrepreneur of the Year in the networking and communications category for the Southwest Area in 2003.

About Occam Networks Inc.

Occam Networks Inc. develops and markets innovative Broadband Loop Carrier networking equipment that enables telephone companies to deliver voice, data and video services. Based on Ethernet and Internet Protocol (IP) technologies, Occam's equipment allows telecommunications service providers to profitably deliver traditional phone services, as well as advanced voice-over-IP, residential and business broadband, and digital television services through a single, all-packet access network. Occam is headquartered in Santa Barbara, Calif. Additional information can be found at www.occamnetworks.com.

Portions of this press release may contain forward-looking statements regarding future events or the future performance of Occam Networks. Forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties, which could cause actual results to differ materially from any future performance suggested in such statements. Rapidly changing technologies and market conditions may require changes to Occam's products. Occam does not undertake any obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statements as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. Please also refer to the company's most recent quarterly report on Form 10-Q, annual report on Form 10-K and other filings with the SEC. These filings contain and identify other important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statements.