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UPC Netherlands, Casema, MultiKabel, Essent and CaiW Jointly Select XConnect to Exchange All VoIP Traffic; XConnect, In Partnership with Kayote Networks, Awarded World's First MSO National VoIP Peering Project
[January 25, 2006]

UPC Netherlands, Casema, MultiKabel, Essent and CaiW Jointly Select XConnect to Exchange All VoIP Traffic; XConnect, In Partnership with Kayote Networks, Awarded World's First MSO National VoIP Peering Project


AMSTERDAM, Netherlands --(Business Wire)-- Jan. 25, 2006 -- A joint initiative comprised of UPC Netherlands, Casema, MultiKabel, Essent and CaiW, totaling more than 7 million subscribers with more than 450,000 telephony subscribers - today awarded the VoIP Peering contract to a partnership of XConnect, the world's largest provider of "Plug and Peer" Voice over IP (VoIP) interconnection services and Kayote Networks, a leading provider of interconnectivity solutions for routing and peering. This landmark agreement enables all participating operators to share VoIP traffic directly over their IP networks, completely bypassing traditional phone networks and thereby eliminating PSTN interconnection fees.



All five Dutch cable operators formed a working group in late 2005 in order to identify a solution or service that ensures full end-to-end IP communications services between cable operators with no interconnection required through the incumbent telephone networks. The group selected XConnect and Kayote Networks for the VoIP Peering contract following their joint response to a meticulous RFI process which addressed critical VoIP Peering issues such as ENUM management (providing a secure and distributed database system of phone numbers), full interoperability between disparate cable operators and a wide range of VoIP security challenges. The joint solution, called the XConnect SIP-Exchange, will also enable multimedia-rich IP communications services, such as video and presence, to be delivered across all the interconnected VoIP networks.

XConnect is the world's first and leading neutral VoIP Peering provider with more than 75 ITSPs in 20 countries within its network. Kayote, XConnect's strategic technology partner, is a recognized leader in VoIP Interconnectivity services and solutions.


"Following a rigorous review, we selected the XConnect SIP-Exchange service to provide full VoIP peering to our members," said Sikko de Graaf, Director of CaiW. "We are pleased to be at the forefront of the VoIP Peering revolution, enabling end-to-end IP communications across all our members' networks, and we look forward to working with the XConnect/Kayote team to provide high quality, cost effective IP telephony and services to all of the Netherlands."

"This groundbreaking deal is a momentous event highlighting the tremendous impact VoIP is having on the paradigms and business models of today's telecommunications," said Eli Katz, Founder and CEO of XConnect. "With one of the most highly saturated cable marketplaces, providing services to almost 97% of Dutch homes, the Netherlands is an excellent pioneer for driving the world's first cable VoIP Exchange, and we are honored to have been selected to lead this esteemed group of operators in connecting their subscribers' calls."

"We are delighted that the Kayote technology and systems will be powering this solution for true VoIP interconnectivity," commented Baruch Sterman, CEO of Kayote Networks. "Kayote's innovative technology will drive the network operations from private ENUM directory systems, to advanced signaling mediation while actively minimizing threats such as Caller ID spoofing and Spam over Internet Telephony. We feel confident that this VoIP peering model could serve as a standard for other consortia around the world."

About the Dutch Cable Marketplace

The Netherlands is one of the most highly saturated cable marketplaces, with more than 97% cable penetration in the country. Leading Dutch cable operators, otherwise known as Multiple Systems Operators (MSOs), include UPC, MultiKabel, Casema, Essent and CAIW, totaling more than 450,000 VoIP subscribers, or more than 6% penetration of the 7 million homes passed.

About XConnect Global Networks:

XConnect is the world's first and largest provider of 'Plug and Peer' VoIP interconnection services dedicated to connecting ITSPs and enabling rich multi-media end to end IP communication. Headquartered in London with offices and facilities in USA, Europe and Asia, XConnect is the largest neutral VoIP peering provider for ITSPs. XConnect's award-winning solutions comprehensively address interoperability, ENUM directory services, and security. XConnect provides peering services to 75 ITSPs in more than 20 countries enabling IP calls between VoIP end-users.

XConnect was founded in 2004 by Eli Katz, also co-founder and chairman of the UK's Internet Telephony Service Providers' Association. For more information on XConnect, please visit www.xconnect.net.

About Kayote Networks:

Kayote Networks is a leading provider of VoIP Traffic Management products and VoIP peering solutions, dedicated to resolving interconnectivity challenges, with an emphasis on interoperability, security, and routing and peering. A recent winner of the VoIP Magazine "20 to Watch in 2006" award and Internet Telephony Magazine's Product of the Year, the company offers a hosted service platform enabling rapid, risk-free deployment for carriers, ITSPs and enterprises. For more information, please visit http://www.kayote.com.

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