Joint EPON Solution Provides Gigabit Ethernet Speed, Redefines Broadband Access
CHICAGO, SUPERCOMM-June 22, 2004 UTStarcom, Inc. (NASDAQ: UTSI), a global leader in IP access networking and services, and Passave, a leading provider of semiconductors for Fiber-to-the-Home (FTTH) systems, today announced a partnership to develop Ethernet passive optical networking (EPON) equipment for fiber-based access networks worldwide. With the joint EPON solution, UTStarcom and Passave will enable service providers to offer FTTH broadband access at Gigabit Ethernet rates – equal to 1000 times the speed of DSL or cable modems.
Through their partnership, Passave will supply UTStarcom with advanced chips for next-generation optical access platforms, central office (CO) systems, and customer premise equipment (CPE).
“Passave is a recognized innovator in standards-compliant EPON silicon. UTStarcom is partnering with Passave because of its technology leadership and mature, field-proven product line”, said Tim Ti, technical manager of EPON solutions for UTStarcom. “Working together, UTStarcom and Passave can help service providers build affordable EPON standards- based FTTH systems that will redefine the triple play of broadband voice, data, and video services”.
The new IEEE802.3ah standard for EPON is expected to be ratified in July 2004, and volume deployments of FTTH and Fiber-to-the-Building (FTTB) networks based on this standard are expected to start later this year.
“We are delighted to partner with UTStarcom”, said Ariel Maislos, president of Passave. “UTStarcom is a world leader in access networking solutions and the largest provider of IP DSLAM equipment in the world. This cooperation will help drive the growing wave of FTTH deployments worldwide”.
About UTStarcom, Inc.
UTStarcom is a global leader in IP access networking solutions and international service and support. The company sells its wireline, wireless, optical and switching solutions to operators in both fast growth and established telecommunications markets around the world. UTStarcom enables its customers to rapidly deploy revenue-generating access services using their existing infrastructure, while providing a migration path to cost-efficient end-to-end IP networks. Founded in 1991 and headquartered in Alameda, California, the company has research and design operations in New Jersey, China, and India. UTStarcom is a FORTUNE 1000 company. For more information about UTStarcom, visit the company´s Web site at www.utstar.com.
About Passave
Passave Inc. is a fabless system-on-chip vendor offering integrated solutions for broadband fiber access. Passave delivers complete, standard-compliant and interoperable solutions for Ethernet passive optical networks (EPONs) that expedite the OEM design process and dramatically reduce product cost. Leveraging Ethernet and IP technologies, Passave offers complete chipsets for fiber-to-the-home (FTTH) systems. Founded in 2001, Passave has received strategic backing from leading venture capital firms and private investors. For
more information about Passave, visit www.passave.com.
Forward-Looking Statements
The foregoing statements regarding, without limitation, future product offerings and collaborations, are forward-looking in nature and subject to risks and factors that may cause actual results to differ materially. These risks and factors include rapidly changing technology, the rapidly changing nature of telecommunications markets, possible delays in system deployments or product introductions, possible downturns in the telecommunications markets, the termination of new contracts, partnerships or alliances, and other uncertainties, such as changes in government regulation and licensing requirements and economic and political stability. UTStarcom also refers the readers to the risk factors identified in its Annual Report on Form 10-K, its Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and its Current Reports on Form 8-K as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
Passave Contact
Dror Salee, VP Marketing
Passave Inc.
(408) 235-8790
dror.salee@passave.com
UTStarcom Contact
Chesha Kameineicki
Senior Manager of Investor Relations
510-749-1560
Passave Press Contact
Gary Good
Good Communications
(925) 691-8529
gary.good@comcast.net
UTStarcom Press Contact
Jeannette Bitz
Engage PR
(510) 748-8200, ext. 207
jbitz@engagepr.com