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New Wireless Data Network to Provide Advanced Mobile Services in the Bahamas NASSAU, Bahamas--June 16, 2003--The Bahamas Telecommunications Company, Ltd. (BTC), the primary telecom operator in the Bahamas, has selected Nortel Networks (NYSE:NT - News; TSX:NT - News) as the exclusive provider for evolution of its wireless data network to an advanced GSM/GPRS infrastructure, positioning BTC to offer next generation wireless voice, data and multimedia services. Under a new supply agreement, Nortel Networks will provide both core and access solutions from its Wireless Data Networks portfolio to overlay BTC's existing TDMA infrastructure with a next generation GSM/GPRS network. The network integration will include implementation of EDGE (Enhanced Data GSM Evolution)-ready technology to support migration to 3G (third generation) wireless services. The first phase of the project will allow BTC to roll out services like mobile Web browsing, streaming audio and video, and multimedia messaging, starting with the islands of New Providence and Grand Bahama. Nortel Networks GSM/GPRS technology will position BTC to increase network capacity while driving down operational costs. The overlay will also support GSM roaming services with BTC's global roaming partners of choice. "BTC is delivering on its promise to provide leading-edge wireless services to its customers, creating more economic opportunities for the creative, innovative and entrepreneurial Bahamian," said Leon R. Williams, senior vice president and chief operating officer, BTC. "We chose Nortel Networks based on their proven GSM/GPRS technology and vast experience in evolving wireless networks, which will allow us to quickly roll out new features and offer our subscribers an abundance of choices." "This contract celebrates our long-standing relationship with BTC," said Dion Joannou, president, Caribbean and Latin America, Nortel Networks. "As a leading provider of advanced Wireless Data Networks, we will continue to work closely with them to support their efforts in delivering compelling new services to their customers." Nortel Networks is a leader in migrating TDMA wireless networks to GSM/GPRS/EDGE wireless data networks. In the Caribbean, Nortel Networks is working with customers like Cable & Wireless West Indies and TSTT in Trinidad and Tobago, who most recently selected Nortel Networks for their GSM/GPRS network build outs. Globally, Nortel Networks has deployed 80 GSM/GPRS networks in more than 50 countries, and is supplying GSM/GPRS systems to enable Wireless Data Network services for more than 50 operators around the world. Nortel Networks is the industry's only supplier with Wireless Data Networks operating in all three advanced technologies -- GPRS, CDMA2000 and UMTS. The Bahamas Telecommunications Company Ltd. (BTC) has been a regulator and provider of telecommunications services in The Bahamas for more than 100 years. Today, the company offers modern, fully digital switching networks which provide high-speed communications services to residential and business consumers throughout the Bahamas. These services are transmitted via fibre optics, copper, coaxial, satellite and wireless media. Additional information on BTC can be obtained from our website at www.btcbahamas.com. Nortel Networks is an industry leader and innovator focused on transforming how the world communicates and exchanges information. The Company is supplying its service provider and enterprise customers with communications technology and infrastructure to enable value-added IP data, voice and multimedia services spanning Wireless Networks, Wireline Networks, Enterprise Networks, and Optical Networks. As a global company, Nortel Networks does business in more than 150 countries. More information about Nortel Networks can be found on the Web at www.nortelnetworks.com.