To Deploy Shasta 5000 Broadband Service Node In Leading Nationwide 
    Network

    BOSTON, Feb. 29 /CNW/ - Nortel Networks (NYSE/TSE: NT) announced today
that Qwest plans to deploy its Shasta 5000 Broadband Service Node (BSN) IP
services platform to support Qwest's wide-array of value-added Internet
services. A key component for delivering profitable new services via the
high-performance Internet, the Shasta 5000 BSN is a universal broadband
aggregation platform, enabling delivery of enhanced services such as
network-based firewalls and Virtual Private Networks (VPNs).
    "Our strategic relationship with Nortel Networks takes another step
forward today with this agreement that will provide critical value-added
Internet services to Qwest customers," said Rick Weston, senior vice
president, Qwest Internet Solutions.  "We will extend our lead in broadband
Internet applications and services with the deployment of the Shasta 5000 BSN
and gain a reliable, highly scalable solution that will help us extend the
portfolio that we offer to customers."
    Internet services via broadband will help support bundled data and voice
applications that require large amounts of bandwidth, while providing the
necessary levels of security and quality of service that mass-market customers
require, such as Secure DSL and network-based firewalls.
    "IP Services Platforms compliment existing ISP network architectures by
supporting large scale deployment of VPNs and Firewalls," said Tracey Vanik,
Director of Edge Switching and Routing at RHK.  "When deployed by a service
provider, these systems not only provide important features for customers, but
also potentially new revenue streams for the ISP. Coupled with centralized
provisioning, IP Services Platforms enable ISPs to deploy new services easily
and scale their offerings for hundreds of thousands of users."
    "The Shasta 5000 is tailored to meet both the immediate and future needs
of Qwest customers," said Anthony Alles, president and general manager of
Nortel Networks Shasta IP Services business unit. "The open platform provides
for both broadband access and seamless migration to new IP services, and
interoperability with existing billing and accounting systems."
    The Shasta 5000 BSN is designed to power the subscriber edge of the
network, where last mile technologies like DSL meet the Internet backbone and
where broadband subscribers meet broadband services. The Shasta 5000 provides
a universal aggregation point with the capability to support dial, DSL, fixed
and mobile wireless, ATM/Frame Relay, leased line and wholesale dial
subscribers. The Shasta 5000 enables carriers, competitive local exchange
carriers (CLECS) and Internet Service Providers (ISPs) to increase their
competitive advantage by transitioning from the simple connectivity model
enabled by first generation subscriber management systems to a cost-effective,
network-based, value-added services model.
    For more information on the Shasta 5000 and new enhancements, please
contact a Nortel Networks IP Services sales representative or visit the web
site at www.nortelnetworks.com/ipservices.
    Nortel Networks is a global leader in telephony, data, eBusiness, and
wireless solutions for the Internet. The company had 1999 U.S. GAAP revenues
of US$21.3 billion and serves carrier, service provider and enterprise
customers globally. Today, Nortel Networks is creating a high-performance
Internet that is more reliable and faster than ever before. It is redefining
the economics and quality of networking and the Internet through Unified
Networks that promise a new era of collaboration, communications and commerce.
Visit us at www.nortelnetworks.com.



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For further information:Todd T. Cabral, Nortel Networks, 
(978) 288-4368, tcabral@nortelnetworks.com; Paul Goyette, Nortel Networks, 
(905) 863-4702, goyette1@nortelnetworks.com; Cynthia Stirling, Stirling & 
Karbo, Inc., (650) 513-0972, cstirling@skco.com
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