Cochrane Telephone Marks 100th Anniversary with Adoption of Next Generation Technology

Alameda, CA, and Cochrane, WI: August 2, 2005. Almost a hundred years to the day from its founding, Cochrane Cooperative Telephone Company has proven that it is keeping up with the times by deploying the latest central office switching and messaging technology - a MetaSwitch VP3510 Integrated Softswitch and UC9000 Unified Communications System.

Cochrane selected the MetaSwitch with assistance from Finley Engineering, an independent engineering consulting group brought in to ensure strict compliance with the company's technical requirements. Most importantly, Cochrane wanted to take a real step forward with the feature capabilities and network architecture, not just find a "like-for-like" replacement for its existing Siemens DCO switch.

"It became clear fairly early on in our process that MetaSwitch was the leading technology provider," said Jeff Kostner, General Manager of Cochrane Telephone. "So we were very pleased to find that the solution could be cost-effective, even in comparison with other vendors' more legacy-oriented architectures. In addition, given our own 100 year history as a cooperative, we really liked the fact that MetaSwitch's ownership structure gives a real stake in the success of the company to the people we know and work with - who, in turn, have given us by far the most responsive support we have experienced from any vendor."

Within Cochrane's network, the MetaSwitch VP3510/UC9000 combination is delivering Class 5 features, including all of the company's existing services, over its existing AFC and Next Level digital loop carriers using the GR-303 protocol. In addition, Cochrane now has the ability to introduce new IP-based services such as Voice over IP, a Web interface for subscribers to control their own calling features, and a "message center" capability combining email, voicemail and faxes into a single unified inbox.

"MetaSwitch is especially pleased to be working with Cochrane on this high-profile deployment," said Dale Jones, Midwest Regional Manager for MetaSwitch. "We recognize that migration to a softswitch can be a daunting proposition for many telephone companies, but deployments such as this - one of more than 130 now for MetaSwitch, across 39 states - demonstrate that it is not just possible, but can be a very positive move with all the new services and applications it enables."

About Cochrane Cooperative Telephone Company

The Cochrane Cooperative Telephone Company, incorporated in 1905, was among the first telephone companies in the state of Wisconsin. Now serving 2,500 subscribers in Buffalo City, Cochrane, and Waumandee, the company offers a full range of telecommunications services including local and long-distance, dial-up and DSL Internet access, digital TV, and cellular.

About MetaSwitch

MetaSwitch is the industry's leading vendor of Class 4/5 softswitch and enhanced applications solutions for packet and TDM 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 Limited (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.