Westell's New Integrated VoIP Broadband Networking Device Streamlines Installation, Improves User Experience

AURORA, Ill.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Jan. 13, 2005--

TriLink(TM) Gateway Device Combines Access for VoIP, Fiber and DSL Internet for Consumers and Small Business

“VoIP will gain a new importance in the consumer marketplace as it is fused with IPVideo to enable an integrated communications suite in the home. This trend will be accelerated as telcos push into the IP communications and entertainment space via deep fiber initiatives”

Westell Technologies, Inc., (NASDAQ:WSTL), a leading provider of broadband/DSL access products, gateways and conferencing services, announced today a new broadband access device designed to combine multiple voice and data technologies into one unit including voice over IP (VoIP), ADSL Internet access, wireless networking and alternate access such as Fiber to the Premises (FTTP).

TriLink Gateway integrates multiple broadband technologies into a single device that enables self-installable wireless/wired networking for home or small businesses without the need to purchase multiple devices. As a result, the company outlines several product benefits for customers:

-- Easy to use and install: No need to purchase and connect individual conflicting devices to access multiple applications.

-- Built-in ADSL with integrated modem and router makes turn up simple and reliable

-- Dedicated WAN/LAN Ethernet port supporting access to Fiber to the Premise (FTTP) applications provides a path to the future

-- Two integrated VoIP access ports with POTS backup eliminate hardware clutter and complexity

-- 54 Mbps Wi-Fi wireless networking in addition to 4 port wired networking offers flexibility and local connectivity options.

-- Remote device management via the DSL Forum's TR-069 protocol reduces operating costs and improves users' experience

Product features for the new TriLink Gateway include: four Ethernet ports with managed switch, one dedicated WAN/LAN Ethernet port for wide area network access and/or Fiber applications, 54 Mbps Wi-Fi 802.11g wireless service, built-in Quality of Service (QoS) for managing multiple, simultaneous applications, optional USB port, two RJ11 jacks for use with conventional telephones to access voice over IP(a) (VoIP). The product also includes a TR-069 client to provide manageable upgrades from a remote management system.

"Integrating a VoIP terminal adapter capability into the TriLink Gateway is a good strategy to leverage the imminent wave of VoIP deployments" said Matt Davis, Director of Broadband Access Technologies at the Yankee Group. "VoIP will gain a new importance in the consumer marketplace as it is fused with IPVideo to enable an integrated communications suite in the home. This trend will be accelerated as telcos push into the IP communications and entertainment space via deep fiber initiatives," Davis added.

Westell anticipates product availability in the Spring 2005.

"This year VoIP service deployments will accelerate as seen by announcements from many service providers worldwide", said Gordon Reichard Jr., Vice President of Marketing at Westell. "Service providers will look to deploy manageable VoIP CPE that is easy to install, upgradeable to alternate access such as fiber and offers a variety of local distribution options such as Wi-Fi and wired Ethernet. Having a fully integrated product like TriLink Gateway offers customers great value and flexibility for the price," he added.

(a) VoIP network service is available from various service providers at additional cost.

About Westell

Westell Technologies, Inc. (NASDAQ: WSTL) headquartered in Aurora, Illinois is a Tier-1 provider of intelligent, carrier-class broadband access products, manufactured using a TL9000 registered quality management system. Westell offers high-speed broadband/DSL and VoIP technology products for carriers, service providers and business enterprises around the world.

ConferencePlus, a Westell subsidiary, offers conferencing services including voice, video, and IP data conferencing, to carriers and multi-national corporations throughout the world. For more information visit www.westell.com.

"Safe Harbor" statement under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act 1995:

Certain statements contained herein including, without limitation, statements containing the words "believe," " on track, " "anticipate," "committed" "expect," "estimate", "await," "continue," "intend," "may," "will," "should," and similar expressions are forward looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. These risks include, but are not limited to, product demand and market acceptance risks, need for financing, the economic downturn in the U.S. economy and telecom market, the impact of competitive products or technologies, competitive pricing pressures, product development, excess and obsolete inventory due to new product development, commercialization and technological delays or difficulties (including delays or difficulties in developing, producing, testing and selling new products and technologies), the effect of Westell's accounting policies, the need for additional capital, the effect of economic conditions and trade, legal social and economic risks (such as import, licensing and trade restrictions) and other risks more fully described in Westell's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2004 under the section "Risk Factors". Westell undertakes no obligation to release publicly the result of any revisions to these forward looking statements that may be made to reflect events or circumstances after the date hereof or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events.