Frontier Communications Launches DSL with Frame Relay - Company Business and Marketing

Cambridge Telcom Report, Oct 4, 1999

Frontier Communications Monday launched "burstable," data connectivity for business customers in 11 major markets across North America, which will expand to a total of 26 major markets by the end of the year. With this announcement, Frontier becomes one of the first data communications companies to offer a frame relay product over high-speed Digital Subscriber Line (DSL) equipment.

This technology provides businesses with the two-way "burstable" network connections necessary to accommodate massive data transfers associated with bandwidth-intensive applications such as teleconferencing, Internet telephony, unified messaging services and audio/video streaming. It also offers customers affordable access to the world of Internet Protocol (IP).

"This milestone helps us better serve our customers by providing customized solutions at affordable prices," said Donna Reeves, president of Business Services for Frontier. "Whether a customer needs to transfer a report to another office across town or a huge database across country, they will benefit from instant scalability at speeds up to 1.5 Mbps from their desktop. Much of our success and unique positioning within the commercial market has been our suite of integrated services, including long distance, data, frame relay, dedicated Internet, local service. DSL further enhances our competitive advantage within the marketplace."

Frontier's frame relay product through DSL circuits is now available in the following major markets: New York City; Los Angeles; Chicago; Atlanta; Boston; San Francisco; Cleveland; San Diego; Dallas; Seattle; and Tampa. The service will be rolled-out in 15 additional markets by year's end.

DSL service provides the critical "last mile" interconnection to the Frontier nationwide network. This permanent, "always on" DSL connection bypasses network congestion and eliminates the redundant access charges incurred by handing off traffic to other carriers. It is ideally suited for small office/home office customers, those with multiple branch offices and businesses with a growing telecommuter workforce.

Frontier's DSL customers can leverage its state-of-the-are 20,000-route mile, fiber optic network. The network's redundant ring architecture is designed to deliver unrivaled speed, scalability and reliability. The network currently connects over 120 major U.S. metropolitan areas and includes a Cisco-powered IP network operating at OC-48 (2.5 Gbps).

Frontier has amassed one of the largest service footprints in the industry, offering integrated local, long distance and data services to approximately 70 percent of the U.S. business population. Frontier resells local service in 32 states and the District of Columbia, and uses its own facilities to offer integrated local/data/long distance service in 23 major metropolitan markets across the country.

Frontier Communications, a unit of Frontier Corporation, is one of the leading Internet Protocol (IP) applications and communications services provider. Frontier recently agreed to merger with Global Crossing Ltd. (NASDAQ:GBLX). The combined company will own and operate the first seamless global IP network with more than 88,100 ultra-high bandwidth route miles connecting 170 major cities in 24 countries. For more information, visit www.frontiercorp.com.