LOS ANGELES, June 23, 1998 -  Sprint and Elastic Networks, an independent unit of Nortel (Northern Telecom), today announced an agreement to begin trials of EtherLoop, a next-generation high-speed Internet access solution, at the historic Pinehurst Resort Country Club, site of the 1999 U.S. Open Championship. Together, the global communications companies have been named exclusive suppliers of all data communications and networking support for Pinehurst. The agreement calls for EtherLoop to be available in 30 guest rooms and two meeting rooms at Pinehurst in July 1998. Sprint will serve as the Internet Service Provider and will provide
Pinehurst with dedicated Internet access.

To connect to the Internet, Pinehurst guests will simply plug their laptop computer into the modem in the hotel room. The end-user solution does not require special set-ups, configuration or protocol changes. The system uses existing telephone lines to provide simple, reliable Internet access for every hotel unit.

"EtherLoop technology is the ideal solution for Pinehurst because it is very easy for guests to use and does not require any re-wiring to our historic property," said Beth Kocher, executive vice president of Pinehurst. Opened on January 1, 1901, Pinehurst's primary building is nearly a century old and has been designated a National Historic Landmark. "This breakthrough technology enables us to offer our corporate and executive guests state-of-the-art data communications to conduct business while maintaining the integrity and beauty of the Pinehurst setting," continued Kocher.

In addition to guest convenience, EtherLoop technology offers hotel property management compelling benefits, including:
 

"The need for next-generation communications solutions and the importance of the Internet and integrated networks are at the heart of today's business strategies," said Bruce Branyan, president of business markets for Sprint's Local Communication Division. "Sprint's heritage as a major business Internet provider and as a global leader in data networking, coupled with Elastic Networks' exciting solution gives us confidence that Pinehurst's reputation for historic elegance will be matched by its recognition for the highest quality data communications."

EtherLoop, which forms the basis of Elastic Networks' core technology, is Ethernet over twisted pair and enables simultaneous voice and data communications up to native rate Ethernet speeds over a single phone line. The agreement calls for the technology to be deployed at Pinehurst for three to six months of application testing beginning next month.

"We are delighted to embark on this cooperative initiative with Sprint and are committed to bringing the hospitality industry innovative technology that will exceed guest expectations," said Guy Gill, president and general manager, Elastic Networks. "Being chosen by Pinehurst to supply next-generation data communications is a testament to the easy deployment, convenience and reliability of our solutions."

"The most compelling aspect of EtherLoop technology is its simplicity," said Michael Schubach, director of information technology for Pinehurst. "Other competitive solutions are much more difficult than EtherLoop. Our executives, meeting planners and guests don't want to waste time setting up their computer or waiting for Internet access to send and receive email or surf the Web from either their guest accommodations or meeting rooms. With Sprint's deployment of the Elastic Networks' solution, they won't have to."

About Club Corporation International (ClubCorp) and Pinehurst Resort Country Club

Pinehurst Resort Country Club is an affiliate of Dallas-based Club Resorts, Inc., a leading privately-held golf and conference resort company with destinations in the U.S. and Canada. Club Resorts is an affiliate of Club Corporation International (ClubCorp) and Club Corporation of America (CCA), the world's largest owner of private city, country and athletic club affiliates. Together, Club Resorts and CCA own more private golf courses and private "white-linen" dining affiliates than any company in the world. Other affiliate destinations of the Club Resorts family include Barton Creek (Austin, Texas), Daufuskie Island Club Resort (Daufuskie Island, South
Carolina), The Homestead (Hot Springs, Virginia), and Mont-Sainte-Anne (Beaupre, Quebec, Canada).

About Sprint

Sprint is a global communications company -- at the forefront in integrating long distance, local and wireless communications services and one of the world's largest carriers of Internet traffic.  Sprint built and operates the United States' only nationwide all-digital, fiber optic network and is the leader in advanced data communications services.  Sprint has $15 billion in annual revenues and serves more than 16 million businesses and residential customers.

About Nortel/Elastic Networks

Elastic Networks is an independent unit of Nortel and is based in Alpharetta, Ga.

Nortel works with customers in more than 150 countries to design, build and integrate their communications products and advanced digital networks. Customers include public and private institutions; Internet service providers; local, long-distance, cellular mobile and PCS communications companies; cable television companies; and utilities. Nortel had 1997 revenues of $US 15.5 billion and has approximately 73,000 employees worldwide.