Stockholm // 2005-04-15

Magnet Networks selects PacketFront and Industria to build Europe’s most sophisticated broadband network in Dublin

PacketFront, the world leader in FTTH technology and next generation broadband aggregation, and leading total broadband solutions provider and systems integrator Industria today announced that they are working with Magnet Networks, a wholly owned subsidiary of global private equity investment company Columbia Ventures Corporation, to help build Europe’s most sophisticated broadband network in Dublin, Ireland. The fully automated open-access network is based on PacketFront’s broadband solution and Industria’s self-service portal and billing system.

The solution for the Dublin network is set up jointly by PacketFront and Industria. The network is based on PacketFront’s fully automated broadband solution, and Industria’s OSS operational support system for implementing advanced broadband billing strategies and a portal for advanced self services.

Industria is currently deploying the network, including video head-end for interactive digital television. At the same time, the company is offering local households a comprehensive selection of triple-play and other broadband services, including home security, video-on-demand and on-line gaming.

"Our goal with this project is to build the most sophisticated broadband network in Europe for Magnet Networks in Dublin," says Industria CEO Gudjon Mar Gudjonsson. "This triple play deployment should be a role model for other broadband operations where the innovation and service level to the end user is high and operational cost is low."

"We are providing Magnet Networks with a broad range of solutions, both turnkey and tailor-made, for transforming the concept of digital living to a reality, for its domestic and commercial subscribers," says Industria CEO, Gudjon Mar Gudjonsson.

"This includes the laying of fibre cable to homes and other premises, and the implementation of broadband systems, software solutions and digital media content for the company’s programming and video-on-demand services."

"At the same time, we are also providing Magnet Networks with an on-going range of marketing and support services, including training for local workers in the laying of future fibre optic cabling and the provision of content and solutions for the range of groundbreaking new services the company plans to launch in the coming weeks and months."

The key component of PacketFront’s broadband solution is BECS™, the company’s award-winning control and provisioning system. BECS enables operators to build and manage fully automated broadband networks with on-demand, self-provisioning functionality. This gives households the ability to increase capacity and change services for themselves, cutting out the delay of waiting for a third party to make the changes.

"This project is yet further confirmation of the growing market for true broadband networks," said Martin Thunman, CEO of PacketFront. "I am very pleased that PacketFront has been chosen to partner Industria in this impressive multi-service roll-out."

"We were aware of PacketFront’s proven record for technical excellence and reliability through its ties with our infrastructure and content provider, Industria, and its position at the forefront of the manufacture of the customer premise equipment that delivers services to our subscribers," says Magnet Networks CEO Ingvar Garðarsson.

About Industria
Industria is a leading total broadband solutions provider and systems integrator involved in the design, implementation and operation of true broadband networks for utilities, local authorities, and property developers and owners. The Industria range of turn-key products and services enables network owners to connect to a range of broadband services including video-on-demand, internet, telephony, security and to other broadband services from different service providers. Industria is currently involved in the installation of fibre-optic networks at a number of sites in the Nordic region and in Dublin, Ireland, and in providing a comprehensive range of consulting services to one of Denmark’s largest electrical utilities. www.industria.com

About Magnet Networks
Magnet Networks is an Irish company providing its customers with the services required to enable them to enjoy the full experience of digital living, offered at affordable prices. The company is a fully owned subsidiary of US-based international investment company Columbia Ventures Corporation (CVC), and a partner of total broadband solutions provider and systems integrator Industria. Magnet Networks utilises the latest in fibre-optic and broadband technology to deliver a comprehensive range of high-quality communications and entertainment services to subscribers in the greater Dublin and Leinster area.