EMBARQ® Taps MetaSwitch to Enable Smart IP Enterprise^SM Offering

Hosted solution helps Tier 1 carrier offer businesses advanced services designed to improve productivity

Alameda, CA: August 20, 2008. MetaSwitch, a leading solutions and application provider, today announced that EMBARQ® has selected the MetaSwitch softswitch, media gateway and MetaSphere application suite to form the core of its new EMBARQ Smart IP Enterprise^SM solution. The integrated business solution, hosted in EMBARQ's core network, delivers an advanced suite of communication services to business customers.

"After evaluating the leading VoIP application server vendors, we selected MetaSwitch because it offers a rich set of advanced services built on a carrier-class softswitch platform, all supported by an extremely responsive team," said Susan Sarna, vice president of marketing and product management for EMBARQ Business. "MetaSwitch's solutions enable EMBARQ to deliver innovative applications designed to help business customers improve employee productivity and enhance customer service."

EMBARQ Smart IP Enterprise^SM will provide business customers with a bundled package of dedicated Internet access, local and long distance voice services and IP-enabled call features. The MetaSphere application suite enables click-to-dial with Microsoft Outlook integration and advanced voicemail features, all managed via the MetaSphere CommPortal user interface. MetaSwitch is also providing enhanced IP-enabled features, including rules-based call forwarding, Auto Attendant and Music On Hold. Features like SimRing, sequential ring and remote click-to-dial will enable EMBARQ's business users to improve customer service by integrating remote workers in virtually any location. In addition to the MetaSwitch softswitch, media gateway and MetaSphere application suite, EMBARQ has chosen MetaSwitch's SIP Provisioning Server to help ease the deployment of its SIP phones.

"Businesses are constantly looking to increase productivity without sacrificing customer service, as well as finding new ways to reduce costs," said Graeme MacArthur, chief executive officer, MetaSwitch. "MetaSwitch's solutions enable EMBARQ's business customers to provide advanced services to their employees without the expense of purchasing and maintaining an on-site communications system."

The service is currently being introduced across the EMBARQ network. The flexibility of the MetaSwitch solution will allow EMBARQ to introduce a host of new services to its business customers.

About MetaSwitch

MetaSwitch is an industry-leading vendor of switching and applications solutions for both packet and circuit-switched networks. Its MetaSphere applications suite enables a broad set of hosted IP communications services, while its core session control and media/signaling gateway products support a full range of Class 4/5 softswitch capabilities. Customers include many of the world's leading operators of wireline, wireless and cable networks, with deployments that scale to millions of subscribers. For more information, please visit www.metaswitch.com.

About EMBARQ

Embarq Corporation (NYSE: EQ), headquartered in Overland Park, Kansas, offers a complete suite of communications services. The company has approximately 18,000 employees and operates in 18 states. EMBARQ is included in the S&P 500.

For consumers, EMBARQ offers an innovative portfolio of services that includes reliable local and long distance home phone service, high-speed Internet, wireless, and satellite TV from DISH Network® - all on one monthly bill.

For businesses, EMBARQ has a comprehensive range of flexible and integrated services designed to help businesses of all sizes be more productive and communicate with their customers. This service portfolio includes local voice and data services, long distance, Business Class High Speed Internet, wireless, satellite TV from DIRECTV®, enhanced data network services, security solutions, voice and data communication equipment and managed network services.

For more information, visit embarq.com.

Data Connection and MetaSwitch are trademarks of Data Connection Limited and Data Connection Corporation. Brands and products referenced herein are the trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective holders.