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VeriSign to Gain Access to SingTel’s Signaling Network, Expanding Coverage in Asia-Pacific Region
SINGAPORE – 3GSM World Congress Asia -- September 27, 2005—VeriSign, Inc. (NASDAQ: VRSN) the leading provider of intelligent infrastructure services for the Internet and telecommunications networks, today announced an agreement with Singapore Telecommunications Limited (SingTel), under which VeriSign will provide feature-rich roaming and short message capabilities between SingTel and operators in the Americas. Additionally, VeriSign will be able to leverage SingTel’s Signaling System 7 (SS7) network in the Asia-Pacific region gaining access to SingTel’s extensive connectivity and voice transport for its joint venture companies and associates around the world.
SingTel will use VeriSign ANSI-41 and GSM-MAP transport services, which enable feature-rich and secure seamless roaming regardless of a customer’s location. These services facilitate wireless call validation, call completion in out-of-area markets and access to advanced databases such as Wireless Calling Name, E-911 and Wireless Number Portability.
SingTel will be able to terminate Short Messaging Service (SMS) text messages to GSM and CDMA operators in the Americas using VeriSign’s network capabilities. The technology operates as a service bureau to connect wireless carriers’ messaging systems and to route messages between carriers using standard messaging protocols such as MAP to Short Message Peer-to-Peer Protocol (SMPP) conversion.
VeriSign will gain access to SingTel’s C7 Signaling Transfer service, which provides Signaling Connection Control Part (SCCP) transport over C7 to nearly all active mobile operators worldwide. By using SingTel’s C7 network, VeriSign will extend its telecom signaling network to the Asia Pacific region. VeriSign already owns and operates the largest independent SS7 network in the Americas, with access to carriers throughout North, Central and South America.
“We’re proud to be working with a world-class operator of SingTel’s stature, a leading Asia Pacific GSM provider with over 70 million customers today,” said Vernon Irvin, executive vice president and general manager, VeriSign Communications Services. “Through this agreement, SingTel can provide its customers with greater flexibility and enhanced features regardless of their location and expand the roaming reach of American carriers into Asia. Expansion in GSM services and direct connectivity into Asia, one of the fastest-growing markets, continues to be a focus for VeriSign’s communications efforts.”
“SingTel takes great pride in providing its customers with the best coverage for its mobile roaming and international services,” said Mr Hui Weng Cheong, SingTel’s vice president for Consumer Product.” We are glad that VeriSign is able to support us by strengthening this coverage in the Americas. We look forward to rolling out more services from VeriSign’s broad portfolio in communications, commerce and content to our roaming customers.”
“With an extensive and reliable telecommunications infrastructure, SingTel provides direct connectivity to many carriers in over 100 countries around the globe,” said Dr Stephen Rotheram, executive vice president of Global Business. “We focus very much on the quality of services delivered to our customers. VeriSign's robust SS7 signaling network and enhanced coverage in the Americas allows us to further strengthen SingTel’s objective of providing the best price and quality to carriers and mobile operators globally.”
About VeriSign
VeriSign, Inc. (Nasdaq: VRSN), operates intelligent infrastructure services
that enable and protect interactions across voice and data networks
anytime, from anywhere, on multiple devices. Additional news and information
about the company is available at www.verisign.com
Trademarks
VeriSign, and other trademarks, service marks, and logos are
registered or unregistered trademarks of VeriSign, Inc. and its subsidiaries
in the United States and in foreign countries. Copyright © 2005 VeriSign,
Inc. All rights reserved.
About SingTel
SingTel is Asia's leading communications group with operations
and investments around the world. Serving both the corporate and
consumer markets, it is committed to bringing the best of global communications
to customers in the Asia Pacific and beyond.
With significant operations in Singapore and Australia (through wholly-owned subsidiary SingTel Optus), the Group provides a comprehensive portfolio of services that include voice and data services over fixed, wireless and Internet platforms.
To serve the needs of multi-national corporations, SingTel has a network of 35 offices in 17 countries and territories throughout Asia Pacific, Europe and the United States. These offices enable SingTel to deliver reliable and quality network solutions to its customers, either on its own or jointly with local partners.
The Group also has major investments in Bangladesh, India, Indonesia, the Philippines and Thailand. Together with its regional partners, SingTel is Asia’s largest multi-market mobile operator, serving more than 71 million customers in seven markets.
SingTel employs more than 19,000 people worldwide and had a turnover of S$12.62 billion (US$7.65 billion) and net profit after tax of S$3.27 billion (US$1.98 billion) for the year ended 31 March 2005. More information can be found @ www.singtel.com and www.optus.com.au.
Media Contacts
VeriSign Media Relations: Lori Sinsley, lsinsley@verisign.com,
650-426-4716
VeriSign Investor Relations: Tom McCallum, tmccallum@verisign.com,
650-426-3744
Statements in this announcement other than historical data and information constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. These statements involve risks and uncertainties that could cause VeriSign's actual results to differ materially from those stated or implied by such forward-looking statements. The potential risks and uncertainties include, among others, the uncertainty of future revenue and profitability and potential fluctuations in quarterly operating results due to such factors as the risk that VeriSign's announced strategic relationships, including the relationship described herein, may not result in additional products, services, customers, profits or revenues; and increased competition and pricing pressures. More information about potential factors that could affect the company's business and financial results is included in VeriSign's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including in the company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2004 and quarterly reports on Form 10-Q. VeriSign undertakes no obligation to update any of the forward-looking statements after the date of this press release.
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