U S WEST Chooses NEC's Transmission Products for Network Expansion

Business Wire, August 17, 1995

DENVER--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Aug. 17, 1995--U S WEST Communications is installing a network of NEC's digital loop carrier equipment in selected areas of Colorado, Utah and Wyoming as part of an initiative to expand telecommunication services in these mountain states. The equipment, which includes NEC's ISC-303 digital loop carrier (DLC), FD-6 optical 6 Mbps transporter, IMT-150 OC-3 SONET multiplexer, and a family of remote housings, provides all narrowband services for applications of up to 384 copper or fiber fed subscriber lines. These systems will assist U S WEST in its goal to more efficiently accommodate growth in its service area.

The NEC transmission systems provide U S WEST with a practical way to bring the high capacity and reliability of fiber to remote areas. The small size, scaleable architecture and low cost of the ISC-303 DLC provides the economics necessary to deploy fiber over long distances for small line size applications . It connects with either metallic or optical networks, enabling service providers to easily migrate from existing copper plant to fiber. In addition, the ISC-303 provides an integrated 6.3 Mbps optical interface which is used to extend service to even more remote locations via the FD-6 optical transporter.

An important factor in U S WEST's decision to use NEC, was the availability of economical outside plant (OSP) housings for the ISC-303 shelves. Because they are pre-wired, these housings (called REX housings) simplify installation and reduce associated labor costs. The housings are seamlessly constructed and sealed to prevent leakage and reduce maintenance. Pole, pad and wall-mounting options provide significant savings on real-estate and right-of-way fees.

In response to a request from U S WEST for a custom designed OSP housing, NEC produced the new C-REX cabinets from drawing board to production in only four months. The C-REX is available from NEC in four configurations which offer a variety of extras including T1 optical extensions and span powering.

"NEC is proud to have been chosen to assist U S WEST in their continued modernization and expansion of their network." says Mark Stubbe, sales vice president, Western Region. NEC is providing on-site field training and technical assistance to ensure successful deployment.

NEC America's Public Networks Group, headquartered in Herndon, VA, develops, manufactures, markets, sells, and services a full line of SONET transmission systems for public networks, network management systems, fiber optic digital loop carriers, and ATM switches.

NEC America Inc., an affiliate of NEC Corporation, develops, manufactures and markets a complete line of advanced communications products and software for public and private networks. NEC Corporation and its affiliates worldwide are a $43 billion global leader whose 151,000 employees are dedicated to providing leading-edge computer, communications and semiconductor products and services.

U S WEST is in the connections business, helping customers share information, entertainment and communication services in local markets worldwide. Its largest subsidiary, U S WEST Communications provides telecommunications service to 25,000,000 customers in fourteen western and midwestern states.

CONTACT: NEC America Inc., Denver

Nancy Ward, 703/834-4354

or

US WEST Communications

Dave Banks, 303/896-2721