ComSpanUSA and Ledcor Technical Services Deploy Triple-Play Services over Fiber with MetaSwitch

Alameda, CA: April 11, 2006. The continued demand for greater bandwidth and next-generation IP-based services has pushed many carriers to deploy fiber-based communications infrastructures. ComSpanUSA, a facilities-based CLEC (competitive local exchange carrier), and its development partner Ledcor Technical Services (LTS) are deploying a fiber-to-the-premise (FTTP) network in Bandon, Oregon with technology and support from MetaSwitch, a leading vendor of carrier switching and applications solutions. As a result, ComSpanUSA is positioned to expand regionally with multimedia-enabled next-generation services including IPTV and Video on Demand.

ComSpanUSA is installing the MetaSwitch VP2510 integrated softswitch, the industry's most compact fully-featured class 4/5 softswitch, in its Bandon, Oregon switching center. The most recent addition to the vendor's IP Multimedia Subsystem (IMS) product portfolio, the VP2510 delivers next-generation services at a lower cost, driving greater business efficiencies for carriers.

"Our strategy for growth is to build and operate a state of the art telecommunications system which will allow us to differentiate by delivering compelling services to our customers. The MetaSwitch softswitch is a part of that vision," said John Stadter, President, ComSpanUSA. "Working with LTS, we determined that MetaSwitch delivered the best combination of native IP capabilities, residential and business-class features, and scalability with their new VP2510 platform."

In addition to being an equity partner in the project, LTS' role includes the specification and design of an end-to-end carrier IP network, installation, system integration and cut-over of subscribers and network interfaces for the complete city overbuild in Bandon.

"We have been impressed by MetaSwitch's commitment to enabling a smooth turn-up," said Dean Coons, COO for Ledcor Technical Services. "Their reliable, proven technology and strong support expertise complement our own skills in delivering a turnkey solution to enable ComSpanUSA to focus on executing on its business strategy, without the additional challenge of implementing a next-generation network."

"ComSpanUSA is a prime example of a CLEC focused on bringing state-of-the-art, fiber-based communications services to customers and MetaSwitch is pleased to be a part of the process," said Andy Randall, Vice President of Marketing for MetaSwitch. "As demand for multimedia-enabled and triple play services increases and thus, demand for IP-based infrastructure, we expect to see greater uptake of our VP2510 integrated softswitch."

About MetaSwitch

MetaSwitch (www.metaswitch.com) is an industry-leading vendor of IP Multimedia Subsystem (IMS) switching and applications solutions for both packet and circuit-switched networks. Its widely deployed call agent, media/signaling gateway and application server platform supports a full range of legacy Class 4/5 capabilities and hosted unified communications services, and scales from a few hundred to millions of 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. The company is consistently profitable and privately held, with main US offices in California and Virginia, and European headquarters in London, UK.

About ComSpanUSA

ComSpanUSA (www.comspanusa.net) is a facilities-based CLEC headquartered in Roseburg, Oregon whose mission is to bring state-of-the-art communications services to the local communities it serves. Beginning in 2002 with an initial copper-based deployment, powered by a Nortel DMS 500 and a local fiber ring, the company quickly established itself as a force in its market area. ComSpanUSA provides a complete range of telephony and ISP-related services.

About Ledcor Technical Services

A wholly owned subsidiary within the Ledcor Group of Companies (www.ledcor.com), Ledcor Technical Services Inc. consists of four separate divisions that combined provide a full range of services that offer our customers a North American-wide full service program. The Managed Services Group focuses on the Telecommunications sector and provides field and central office maintenance, electronics installation and construction management services. The Resource Managed Group provides facility maintenance management services to the Telecommunications, Utility and Oil and Gas sectors. The Infrastructure Services Group provides engineering and construction services to the Telecommunications, Utilities and Industrial sectors. The CommNet group partners with CLECs to design, build and maintain triple-play (Voice, Data and Video) networks for residential and business customers.