1stel Moves Forward with MetaSwitch
Texas CLEC Adopts True Class 5 Softswitch Architecture
Alameda, CA, and Cleburne, TX: March 31, 2005. MetaSwitch, the leading vendor of Class 5 VoIP solutions, today announced that Texas-based Competitive Local Exchange Carrier (CLEC) 1stel has adopted the MetaSwitch distributed network architecture for carrier-class voice over IP (VoIP). Following the deployment of an initial system in February of last year, 1stel now has three MetaSwitches serving subscribers across the state.
1stel selected MetaSwitch for its track record leading the industry with enhanced softswitch capabilities, including support for both VoIP and IP Centrex, features that have been field-hardened for more than two years. Particularly important to 1stel's network expansion plans was the ability to deliver all the major next generation protocols (SIP, H.248 and MGCP) in a distributed configuration, with highly scalable, collocatable media and signaling gateways controlled by a central call agent.
"With twelve months' experience working with MetaSwitch, and many more years with other next generation Class 5 switch vendors, we can speak not only to the product's performance but also the company's exemplary track record of meeting its key roadmap commitments," said Doug Bowyer, 1stel President and CEO. "At last, we have found a vendor we can trust to deliver what we need, when they promise - and back it up with some of the most talented support engineers in the industry."
"1stel represents the leading edge of a wave that is sweeping the industry," said Bob Harvey, Regional Director at MetaSwitch. "Service providers of all types and sizes are realizing that softswitch is the way forward, and legacy TDM switches just don't deliver the revenue-generating capabilities and significant cost-savings that are possible with a true next generation platform like MetaSwitch."
About 1stel
1stel is the leader in providing high value low cost next generation voice and data services in rural cities of Texas. Marketing exclusively to small and medium businesses, 1stel offers big city services with friendly local town support. Additional information about 1stel can be found on its corporate website, at http://www.1stel.com.
About MetaSwitch
MetaSwitch is the industry's leading vendor of Class 5 VoIP solutions. Its widely deployed softswitch supports over 100 Class 5 and Class 4 features including CLASS services, IP Centrex, E911, LNP, 1-800 and CALEA, and scales from a few hundred to half a million subscribers. Customers include incumbent and competitive local exchange carriers, as well as operators of broadband wireless, cable and fiber networks.
MetaSwitch is a division of established telecom technology provider Data Connection (DCL). The company is consistently profitable and privately held, with US locations in California, Virginia, Texas and Florida, and European headquarters in London, UK.
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.