Precise Time Synchronization Required to Provide Next-Generation Services such as Internet Protocol TV (IPTV), Streaming Video and Online Gaming

San Jose, Calif. — June 14, 2005 — Symmetricom, Inc. (NASDAQ: SYMM), a worldwide leader in precise time and frequency products and services, today announced the availability of RHK’s report on the urgent need to upgrade the nation’s telecommunications infrastructure.  According to the report, which was sponsored by Symmetricom, telecom companies require precise time synchronization to remain competitive and support next-generation services such as Internet Protocol TV (IPTV), streaming video and online gaming.   The report is available for download at http://www.ntp-systems.com/lp_Network_Sync.asp.

For this report, RHK, a telecommunications market research firm, interviewed multiple large incumbent U.S. telecommunications companies, who unanimously agreed that packet-based, next-generation networks require precise time synchronization.  All the telecom companies said they had started, or will soon start, installing next-generation equipment in their networks.   Current time synchronization equipment was installed during a network modernization cycle that started in 1988 and has not been significantly upgraded since, exposing carriers to an increased rate of service outages and the prospect of synchronizing new terabit next-generation network (NGN) elements with two decade-old equipment. 

“Precise time-and-frequency synchronization is essential for the existing infrastructure, migration infrastructure, and next-generation infrastructure,” said Harald Hamster, managing director at RHK.  “Network operators need to upgrade to next-generation time-and-frequency sync equipment in order to reduce service outages as well as maintenance and operational expenses.  This investment will also enable new services and applications and will be the foundation of next-generation networks for the next 10 to 20 years.” 

Quality synchronization ensures that all network elements perform at maximum efficiency, a critical requirement for the smooth transmission of voice, video and data.  Symmetricom’s synchronization and timing equipment generate the precise timing signals that are then distributed throughout the network.  These accurate timing signals pace the flow of information, increasing bandwidth efficiency and improving transmission quality. 

About RHK
For over 12 years, RHK has been the industry’s leader in providing advice, analysis, and research to telecommunications companies.  RHK is uniquely equipped to help telecom executives meet their business, market, and technology challenges.  RHK helps guide equipment vendors, service providers, and financial institutions in making sound business decisions through subscription programs, strategic consulting, personal executive advice, and M&A transaction support, and custom market research.  RHK’s research subscription programs deliver unbiased, third-party perspectives on the markets, trends, and technologies shaping the global telecom industry.  For more information, visit www.rhk.com.