Nokia Broadband Solution Chosen by TESS Communications for Remote DSL Deployments in the USA

Nokia, a world leader in the supply of Digital Subscriber Line (DSL) products and technologies, has signed a contract with TESS Communications, Inc. in the USA to deliver the Nokia Broadband Solution for an aggressive DSL roll-out in Arizona and Colorado. In those areas where TESS has deployed its infrastructure and architecture, subscribers can order DSL for their home or office without considering distance limitations.

TESS Communications, based in Westminster, Colorado, is a broadband communications service provider delivering retail communications services to residential subscribers, small-to-medium-sized businesses and corporate enterprises. TESS also provides wholesale DSL products to Internet Service Providers (ISPs), Application Service Providers (ASPs), long distance service providers, and incumbent local exchange providers (ILECs). Through its innovative network infrastructure, TESS has access to over 5 million lines in Colorado and Arizona, in addition to its own local loops. Until now, because of their distance from the central office (CO), many potential subscribers did not have access to broadband DSL services.

The company will deploy Nokia's D50 DSLAM, remote line card shelf (RLCS) and LoopMaster equipment throughout 80 COs. The Nokia solution enables a full range of residential and business broadband services including ADSL, SDSL, IDSL, VoDSL and video. Nokia will also provide a full range of Engineer, Furnish and Install (EF&I) support services.

The Nokia LoopMaster product is being utilized by TESS to fully characterize the copper loop prior to and during service turn-up. To eliminate service interruption, the line is proactively monitored for potential copper line impairments.

"Nokia is the only provider of a fully convergent broadband DSL solution," said Jim Cook, COO, TESS Communications. "Nokia's integrated solution simplifies our network deployment and management by including a single management system for all Nokia equipment - DSLAM, loop manager and RLCS. Having one network manager for the entire DSL solution is a powerful advantage from a management and maintenance perspective. With a common platform, network management is both efficient and cost effective."

"TESS' retail strategy is unique in that the Company is focused on communities that have been historically underserved by the incumbent communications providers. TESS is wholly focused on meeting end-user installation commitments and providing economically priced broadband services," said John Ferrari, Head of Global Marketing, Nokia Broadband Systems. "TESS provides service over its own local loops and over loops leased from the ILEC. By deploying the Nokia LoopMaster and RLCS, TESS is able to reach a large population of potential subscribers that would not normally have access. Since TESS is also collocating in the ILEC's central offices, the Company is able to deliver DSL services extremely cost-effectively, and to communities where there is often little if any broadband competition," Ferrari added.

DSL is a technology that enables higher bandwidth over copper lines to provide services such as data, voice, streaming media, secure remote work and fast Internet access at connection speeds that typically range from 384 kbps to 8 Mbps.

Nokia's global broadband DSL position is stronger than ever with its latest DSL customer announcements. Nokia's broadband solution, featuring the D50 DSLAM and LoopMaster, is deployed in over 4,500 central offices worldwide whose telecom networks reach 90 million homes and business. Nokia's DSLAM and loop manager are deploying DSL across five continents.

About TESS
TESS Communications, Inc. is a broadband service provider delivering voice, video and data services to residential and business customers. TESS is focused on markets that have been historically underserved by traditional communications companies. The Company's goal is to be the premier communications services provider in the communities it serves. To achieve this goal, TESS delivers a suite of cost-effective and enabling communications solutions with a single point of accountability for installation, billing, and customer care. Retail services offered by TESS include local and long-distance telephone service, high-speed data and Internet access, and "TESS TV" video service.

About Nokia
Nokia is the world leader in mobile communications. Backed by its experience, innovation, user-friendliness and secure solutions, the company has become the leading supplier of mobile phones and a leading supplier of mobile, fixed and IP networks. By adding mobility to the Internet Nokia creates new opportunities for companies and further enriches the daily lives of people. Nokia is a broadly held company with listings on six major exchanges.

Further information:
Communications Department, Nokia Networks
Tel. + 358 0 71803 8193
Email nokia.networks@nokia.com

Kelly Reese
Nokia Broadband Systems
Tel. +1 707 793 7044
Fax. +1 707 773 2612
kelly.reese@nokia.com

www.nokia.com