Protel i-Next Selects Lucent Technologies and Juniper Networks to Improve Performance and Reliability of VoIP Services

Protel i-Next Selects Lucent Technologies and Juniper Networks to Improve Performance and Reliability of VoIP Services

Lucent Helps Upgrade Mexican Carrier's IP/MPLS Backbone Network with Juniper Networks M-series to Support High-Quality Voice over IP Services

MURRAY HILL, N.J. and SUNNYVALE, Calif. - November 22, 2005 - Lucent Technologies (NYSE: LU) and Juniper Networks, Inc. (NASDAQ: JNPR) today announced that the two companies have upgraded Mexican national telecommunications carrier Protel i-Next's IP (Internet Protocol) MPLS (Multiprotocol Label Switching) backbone network to better support its carrier-grade voice over IP (VoIP) and IP Centrex service offerings. Protel has deployed Juniper Networks M-series routing platform to enhance network quality and reliability without compromising the performance of existing services.

Protel i-Next offers multi-service data and voice solutions to enterprise customers and carriers throughout Mexico, including: VoIP, IP Centrex services, dedicated Internet access, virtual private networks (VPNs), MPLS VPNs, web hosting, online security services, and local and long distance voice services.

"This upgrade has enabled us to better ensure our quality of service levels and more effectively meet our service level agreements for our customers," said Benigno Perez Lizaur, president and CEO of Protel i-Next. "Juniper Networks M-series will deliver superior reliability and performance regardless of the services running through our network, enabling us to expand our VoIP and IP Centrex services."

As part of the project, Lucent is upgrading Protel i-Next's IP/MPLS backbone with Juniper Networks M-series routing platforms. "Lucent is pleased to be working with Juniper to help Protel i-Next better serve its customers by leveraging our experience deploying the world's most reliable networks," said Gabriel Herbel, sales director from Lucent de Mexico. "Juniper platforms offer exceptional performance and will enable Protel i-Next to expand its offerings with the confidence of having a reliable network."

Juniper Networks M-series uniquely combines best-in-class IP/MPLS capabilities with unmatched reliability and performance. The M-series allows providers to consolidate multiple networks onto a single IP/MPLS infrastructure, while generating new revenues with leading-edge services such as VoIP. Using the highly scalable, secure, and reliable JUNOS™ software, the M-series enables providers to maximize revenue and minimize operational and capital costs.

"When service providers roll out advanced services like VoIP, their existing routers often don't have the performance needed to deliver these services with quality and reliability," said Tim Lambie, vice president, Americas International, Juniper Networks. "By upgrading with Juniper's M-series, Protel was able to assure their VoIP service performs with the quality and reliability their customers expect."

About Protel i-Next

Protel I-Next is a leading Mexican full-service, facilities-based telecommunications company that started providing pre-subscribed long distance services in 1997. Based on its state-of-the-art network throughout the most important cities in Mexico, today Protel i-Next offers a wide range of services in Mexico and abroad, from IP carrier, international pre-paid cards and broadband to IP Business services. Protel I-next is successfully positioned on the retail segment, bundling IP Business services to the current pre-subscribed long distance customer base, focusing in small to mid-sized businesses, relying on its proven VoIP technology. Visit www.protel.net.mx

For more information, please contact us: gsoriano@protel.net.mx

About Lucent Technologies

Lucent Technologies designs and delivers the systems, services and software that drive next-generation communications networks. Backed by Bell Labs research and development, Lucent uses its strengths in mobility, optical, software, data and voice networking technologies, as well as services, to create new revenue-generating opportunities for its customers, while enabling them to quickly deploy and better manage their networks. Lucent's customer base includes communications service providers, governments and enterprises worldwide. For more information on Lucent Technologies, which has headquarters in Murray Hill, N.J., USA, visit www.lucent.com.

About Juniper Networks, Inc.

Juniper Networks is the leader in enabling secure and assured communications over a single IP network. The company's purpose-built, high performance IP platforms enable customers to support many different services and applications at scale. Service providers, enterprises, governments and research and education institutions worldwide rely on Juniper Networks to deliver products for building networks that are tailored to the specific needs of their users, services and applications. Juniper Networks' portfolio of proven networking and security solutions supports the complex scale, security and performance requirements of the world's most demanding networks. Additional information can be found at www.juniper.net.

Juniper Networks, the Juniper Networks logo and NetScreen are registered trademarks of Juniper Networks, Inc. in the United States and other countries. JUNOS is a trademark of Juniper Networks, Inc. All other trademarks, service marks, registered trademarks, or registered service marks are the property of their respective owners.