Ericsson Australia to distribute Alloptic EPON equipment in Asia-Pacific region

24 November 2003 Livermore, CA Lightwave -- Ericsson Australia and Alloptic, a pioneer in the development of Ethernet passive optical network (EPON) equipment, today announce a distribution agreement, under which Ericsson will market Alloptic's products to telecommunications carriers throughout the Asia-Pacific region.

Alloptic's GigaForce system products deliver the "triple-play" of telephony, TV/video and Internet services over a single high density, high-speed platform. Using fiber-optic and Ethernet technologies, the system provides Gigabit data rates to business and residential users, with support for all digital services and traditional voice telephony.

"Ericsson is a driving force in the worldwide communications market, and we're very excited about joining with them in the Asia-Pacific region, where demand for EPON solutions is increasing," says Michael Moone, president and chief executive officer of Alloptic.

"We've been able to demonstrate the inherent advantages of Alloptic's technology, including the cost-effectiveness of the technology and adherence to Ethernet standards," says Mitch Lewis, Ericsson's Asia-Pacific vice president of sales and marketing for fixed line products. "They are a perfect complement to our existing Ethernet based wireline products. This then presents a compelling solution for Ericsson's customers."

Alloptic's EPON products provide a point-to-multipoint, passive fiber-optic solution that is well matched to market requirements across the Asia-Pacific region. Ericsson will be responsible for both sales and support of Alloptic products to telecommunications carriers around the Asia-Pacific region.

Financial terms of the distribution agreement were not disclosed.