ADC Launches New OmniReach Hardened Connectors and Drop Cables for FTTX Outside Plant Environment; Hardened Connectors and Drop Cables Provide Ultimate Plug-and-Play Solution for Reliable Service Connection.

MINNEAPOLIS -- ADC (NASDAQ:ADCT) (www.adc.com), a leading supplier of infrastructure solutions for fiber-to-the-x (FTTX) networks, today announced new OmniReach(TM) Hardened Connectors and Drop Cables, designed to provide a reliable interface for fiber drop cables in the outside plant (OSP) environment. ADC's OmniReach Hardened Connectors and Drop Cables provide the ultimate "plug and play" solution for durable and reliable service connection in the OSP/drop segment of FTTX networks. These solutions will be showcased at the TelecomNEXT conference in Las Vegas, March 21-22 in ADC booth #1049.

"Our Hardened Connectors and Drop Cables are technician-friendly and greatly simplify installation and maintenance by minimizing splicing required on the distribution side of the FTTX network," said Tom Kampf, vice president of FTTX solutions for ADC. "These solutions are cost effective in that they provide lower overall installed costs throughout an FTTX network and facilitate easy troubleshooting as maintenance can be done at the Multi-Port Service Terminal by simply unplugging a connector rather than breaking a splice or going directly to the side of the home. In addition, this solution is compatible and interoperable with OptiTap adapters through a technology transfer agreement with Corning."

Hardened Connectors are used to connect Multi-Port Service Terminals (MSTs) typically located at the street with Optical Network Terminals (ONTs) located at the premises. The hardened connector is connected to hardened adapters on the external surfaces enclosures so that connections can be completed without opening the enclosure. The application facilitates rapid deployment of optical services by quickly and efficiently connecting hardened connectors to the terminal at the street and the ONT at the premises. The hardened connector approach dramatically reduces splicing labor. Hardened connectors may be installed anywhere MSTs are installed including aerial and below grade applications.

Key Product Features:

Hardened Connectors

--Based on Standard SC Connector Technology

--High Performance under Environment Extremes

--Encased in Hardened Plastic Shells

--Increased Pullout Strength

--Watertight

--Chemical, UV, Fungus Resistant

--Technology Transfer with Corning Cable Systems

--ADC Tested to GR-20 and Designed to GR-3120

Drop Cables

--Double or Single-Ended

--Packaged for Easy Deployment

--Standard Lengths

--Various Cable Types

--ADC Tested to GR-20 and Designed to GR-3120

The rugged optical connector is hardened to protect against extreme temperature, moisture, UV, chemical exposure and other harsh conditions typically found in the OSP environment. The hardened connector is usually provided as part of a drop cable assembly and the connector is sealed as it is installed into a hardened adapter.

The hardened connector is also normally supplied with a protective cap that seals the connector and keeps the end-face clean until it is ready for use. Upon installation, the protective cap is removed and the hardened drop cable can be connected to the hardened adapter. The protective cap is tethered to the adapter so it can be reused to protect the connector in the event the hardened drop cable is removed.

It is estimated that telco service providers will spend $2-3 billion annually during the next five years as FTTX networks are deployed in the United States. Since 2000, new FTTX projects initiated by carriers and municipalities have increased by more than 100 percent.

About ADC OmniReach FTTX Solutions

ADC's OmniReach Solutions are the industry's first platforms designed from the ground up to meet the unique requirements of FTTX networks. By building network infrastructures upon ADC's OmniReach Solutions, service providers nationwide are accelerating deployment and maximizing operational efficiency from the central office to the outside plant. For more information about ADC's OmniReach Hardened Connectors and Drop Cables, visit www.adc.com/drops.

About ADC

ADC provides the connections for wireline, wireless, cable, broadcast, and enterprise networks around the world. ADC's innovative network infrastructure equipment and professional services enable high-speed Internet, data, video, and voice services to residential, business and mobile subscribers. ADC (NASDAQ: ADCT) has sales into more than 140 countries. Learn more about ADC at www.adc.com.