Telcordia(R) Network Engineer to Manage Fiber Buildout

PISCATAWAY, N.J.--Dec. 12, 2005--Telcordia has announced that Dublin-based Magnet Networks, a full service multiplay digital services operator, has selected Telcordia® Network Engineer, the world's leading ESRI®-based network planning and engineering solution, to support its current fiber-to-the-home (FTTH) build-out initiative and network expansion plans. Network Engineer will be a critical component as Magnet Networks rolls out advanced triple-play services, including digital telephony, digital TV and high-speed broadband services.

"Telcordia Network Engineer provides Magnet Networks with a holistic view of our current network operations," says Bart Bonsall, Chief Operating Officer, Magnet Networks. "It was critical we find a proven solution where we could see our networks, exchanges and customer addresses all on one system, which integrates seamlessly into our back office application. Network Engineer was the only option that met our needs to plan big, start small and scale fast and we look forward to the major gains in operational efficiency we will realize with this solution."

Network Engineer, which utilizes ESRI ArcGIS(TM) technology, allows for the visual planning and design of networks to maximize network resources, improve customer service, increase data flow and achieve operational efficiency. Magnet Networks will use Network Engineer to map its entire physical infrastructure and to model its internal and external plant and equipment in order to facilitate a managed approach to its complete network rollout, which uses FTTH and ADSL2+ broadband technology.

"We are pleased to be working with Magnet Networks and look forward to helping them realize their business objectives of operating a state-of-the-art digital communications network. As Magnet Networks continues to expand its advanced services capabilities and geographic reach, Telcordia will remain prepared to assist, supporting Magnet Networks' expansion and introduction of triple-play services," said Tom Counts, Vice President, Network and Planning Solutions, Telcordia. "Network Engineer supports Magnet Networks' mission of being the triple-play provider of choice in Ireland by providing a robust, proven solution that enables Magnet to use geospatial intelligence to plan, design and build the network to effectively deliver advanced services so its customers can enjoy the full experience of digital living offered at competitive prices."

Network Engineer, built on the ESRI GIS platform, is a comprehensive geospatial solution for the planning, design and management of network and physical inventory. It supports an integrated view of both inside and outside plant engineering and has proven performance and production ready credentials with more than 50 successful implementations in 18 countries. This visually intensive, easy-to-use solution provides a unique combination of land-base information overlaid with network data contained in a sophisticated geo-database that supports all new network technologies. More information on Telcordia Network Engineer and other mission-critical Telcordia solutions, can be found at www.telcordia.com

About Telcordia

Telcordia Technologies, Inc. is a leading global provider of telecommunications network software and services for IP, wireline, wireless, and cable. As the industry continuously evolves, Telcordia is focused on being the undisputed transformation partner for its customers. By delivering flexible, standards-based software solutions and consulting services that optimize complex network and business support systems, Telcordia helps customers transform their business while aggressively reducing costs and growing revenues. Telcordia is headquartered in Piscataway, N.J, with offices throughout the United States, Canada, Europe, Asia, Central and Latin America. (www.telcordia.com)

About Magnet Networks

Magnet Networks is a digital services operator utilising the latest in broadband technology to provide residential and business customers with multi-play telephony, broadband internet and television services. Magnet Networks is a fully owned subsidiary of US-based private equity investment company Columbia Ventures Corporation (www.colventures.com), holder of extensive telecoms interests on both sides of the Atlantic and elsewhere, and a sister company of Irish broadband wireless specialist service provider Leap Broadband (www.leap.ie) and Hibernia Atlantic (www.hiberniaatlantic.com), owner/operator of Ireland's only direct fibre-optic submarine cable link with North America and the UK. To assist with the design and implementation of both its FTTH and ADSL2+ network rollouts, the company has partnered with leading broadband solutions provider and systems integrator Industria (www.industria.com). Headquartered in Dublin, Magnet Networks launched its services to selected fibre-enabled homes at new developments in the city in December 2004, and its ADSL2+ roll-out in September 2005.

ESRI and ArcGIS are trademarks, registered trademarks, or service marks of ESRI in the United States, the European Community, or certain other jurisdictions. Telcordia is a trademark of Telcordia Technologies, Inc. Other companies and products mentioned herein are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective trademark owners.