Arvig Communication Systems Deploys MetaSwitch for Competitive Telco and Cable Network Expansion

Perham, MN: August 29, 2005. MetaSwitch, the industry leading supplier of softswitch solutions for TDM and packet networks, announced today that Arvig Communication Systems (ACS), one of the Midwest's leading service providers, has deployed its award-winning VP3510 Class 4/5 softswitch and UC9000 unified communications system. The deployment is designed to address a broad range of applications including legacy switch replacement, capacity offload for ACS's rapidly growing customer base, and competitive voice services for the company's Cable TV subscribers.

The deployment is the first step in the company's strategy to migrate to an all-packet network, with the goal of delivering all services including voice, data and video (broadcast and on demand), over Internet Protocol (IP). The MetaSwitch also positions ACS to be able to provide superior wholesale services to other competitive local exchange carriers, further fuelling growth. In total, ACS's goal is to grow the system to 30,000 subscribers within 5 years.

According to ACS's director of network operations, Andy Klinnert, MetaSwitch was a natural choice based on MetaSwitch's three years experience deploying voice over IP (VoIP) in a hybrid packet/TDM environment.

"MetaSwitch uniquely offered the scalability and proven VoIP capabilities, including IP Centrex, that we were seeking for our new switch," said Klinnert. "MetaSwitch's support staff has been extremely responsive and helpful during our switch conversion process."

"We are pleased to be working with Arvig Communication Systems, as they lead the adoption of next generation soft switch technology in the Midwest," said Bob Harvey, regional director for MetaSwitch. "Increasingly, independent telephone and cable companies are realizing that the way forward is to innovate with new services, and MetaSwitch can enable that transition - safely."

About Arvig Communication Systems

Arvig Communication Systems/ACS, established in 1950 by Royale B. Arvig, is a family-owned business with its corporate headquarters in Perham, MN. ACS offers local telephone, long distance, digital cable television, high-speed internet and more to residents and businesses in Central Minnesota, from its offices in Battle Lake, Detroit Lakes, Hawley, Henning, Perham, Staples, Twin Valley, Wadena, and Walker. ACS prides itself on delivering cutting-edge technology to the rural communities IT services.

About MetaSwitch

MetaSwitch is the industry's leading vendor of Class 4/5 soft switch and enhanced applications solutions for TDM and packet networks. Its widely deployed call agent, media/signaling gateway and application server platform supports over 100 Class 5 features including CLASS services, IP Centrex, Unified Messaging, E911, LNP, 1-800 and CALEA, and scales from a few hundred to half a million subscribers in both integrated and distributed configurations. 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.