ETC SUPPLIES DISCONNECT DETECTION FOR AFRICAN NETWORK THROUGH NEW DISTRIBUTOR RELATIONSHIP

Waukesha, WI—May 5, 2000

ETC announced its role in a business arrangement with its distributor, HCI Technologies, to provide a minimum of 50 MAX™ Terminator Disconnect Detection Units for a project that will deliver multiple IP services to Africa. MAX Terminator will manage the disconnect signal in the network to ensure proper operation of phone peripherals such as voice mail systems, ACDs (Automatic Call Distributors), automatic call sequencers, and automated attendants. On a broader scale, the project will enhance and expand Africa's limited bandwidth and improve the quality of intra-Africa calls as well as overseas calls initiated from select African nations.

"We are pleased to establish a new relationship with ETC and to utilize the MAX Terminator technology in this important project," said Rodney Martin, President and CEO, HCI Technologies. "MAX Terminators will allow effective management of the network at its greatest capacity, assisting our goal of expanding Africa’s telecommunications infrastructure."

MAX Terminator provides proper disconnection of telephone lines, a benefit that impacts system operations, call management, and utilization of resources. For voice mail, MAX Terminator prevents systems from recording telephone tones or silence when a caller elects to hang up, rather than leave a message. Additionally, in Call Centers, lines that are abandoned by callers on hold can be freed to accommodate new callers. Call statistics are more accurate, too, with MAX Terminator. Better tracking of abandoned and completed calls enables more effective management of a center's resources.

"MAX Terminator has proven to be a viable solution worldwide for effective management of disconnect," said Scott Stephenson, ETC’s Director of Marketing. "It’s exciting to be part of a project designed to significantly improve the quality and availability of telecommunications services throughout Africa."

HCI Technologies, Inc., a nationally recognized telecommunications solutions provider, specializes in information technology integration, management services and solutions to its customers. The firm's headquarters in Reston, Virginia, includes office space and three laboratories equipped with the latest in voice and data networking capabilities. From this location, HCI directs local, national and international projects including comprehensive data and voice network solutions, engineering services, network operations center functions, data system design analysis, program management and ongoing hardware support. HCI has a staff of more than 200 management and technical professionals. For more information on HCI Technologies, Inc., visit its web site at http://www.hcitech.com.

ETC designs, manufactures, and services quality telecommunications products that provide network solutions for domestic and international access providers. Headquartered in Waukesha, Wisconsin, ETC has operations in Atlanta, Georgia and Pleasanton, California. ETC is traded on The NASDAQ Stock Market under the symbol ETCIA. For additional information about ETC, visit http://www.etcia.com.

Certain statements in this press release which are not historical facts are "forward-looking" statements as defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Any "forward-looking" statements are provided in compliance with the "Safe Harbor" provision of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. "Forward-looking" statements involve a number of risks and uncertainties including, but not limited to, technology changes, backlog, acquisitions, status of the economy, governmental regulations, sources of supply, expense structure, product mix, major customers, competition, litigation, and other risk factors detailed in the Company’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Investors are encouraged to consider the risks and uncertainties included in those filings.

MAX is a trademark of Electronic Tele-Communications, Inc.

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