Sonus Networks, a leading supplier of service provider voice over IP (VoIP) infrastructure solutions, announced that KDDI, a leading telecommunication service provider in Japan, selected Sonus Networks as the exclusive vendor for their convergence-enabled packet voice network.

In the first phase of this multi-million dollar contract, KDDI is deploying Sonus' industry-leading architecture, including the GSX9000 Open Services Switch, the PSX Call Routing Server and the Sonus Insight Element Management System. The new packet voice network will deliver enhanced voice services to one of the most technologically advanced societies in the world and is planned to be the largest IP telephony network in Japan.



"By 2008, KDDI plans to have 100 percent of its long-distance traffic on a Sonus-based VoIP network," said Yukio Takahashi, General Manager, IP Network Engineering Division, Corporate Technology Sector, KDDI Corporation. "Sonus has demonstrated a clear commitment to the Japanese market, with a proven record of delivering superior products and customer support. With this implementation, we will realize substantial operational savings and have the flexibility to expand our IP-based network to offer feature-rich next generation services, thereby delivering enhanced customer loyalty and satisfaction."

In the first phase of this deployment, KDDI is deploying Sonus' solution to deliver long distance functionality for their consumer voice service plans -- Metal Plus, MYLINE and Hikari Plus. In future phases of the deployment, KDDI will expand its ubiquitous network to deliver triple-play services to customers nationwide.

"KDDI's deployment represents a major milestone in the evolution of the market and reaffirms their leadership position in the broadband communications industry," said Hassan Ahmed, chairman and CEO, Sonus Networks. "KDDI has taken a very aggressive approach because they recognize both the immediate and longer term benefits to their business and their customers. We are very proud that KDDI has selected Sonus as the foundation for their new VoIP network."

"Sonus Networks is uniquely positioned to effectively enable KDDI's transition to a VoIP network because of our experience in the Japanese market and the proven scalability and reliability of our solutions in both wireline and wireless networks. By deploying a packet voice network from Sonus, KDDI can be confident that they will continue to deliver the same high levels of service that their customers have come to expect. Additionally, the Sonus solution enables KDDI to rapidly expand their network into new segments of the market and to deliver new services," said Takayuki Oshima, Managing Director of Japan, Sonus Networks.