SNET Implements U.S. Robotics' x2 Technology; New England Telephone Company Brings 56 Kbps Technology To Thousands Of Customers

Business Wire, Dec 16, 1996

SKOKIE, Ill.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Dec. 16, 1996--Worldwide remote access leader U.S. Robotics (NASDAQ: USRX) today announced that New Haven, Connecticut-based SNET will implement x2 technology throughout its network. SNET will beta-test x2 in January, field test x2 in February and then fully offer x2 to all of its customers by the end of the first calendar quarter of 1997.

x2 is U.S. Robotics' revolutionary technology that increases the top speed of a standard modem for downloading data from 28.8 or 33.6 Kbps to up to 56 Kbps, nearly double the current maximum analog modem speed.

"SNET is taking a leadership role by being one of the first companies to provide its customers with the most advanced analog modem speeds available," said Tom McIntyre, SNET director of on-line services. "We are able to upgrade our existing U.S. Robotics products to x2 via a simple software download -- no additional equipment is required. This means SNET can offer faster speeds in very little time, with not much effort or cost. In addition, we have used U.S. Robotics products in our network for several years. They provide us with an end-to-end solution that enables us to offer our customers the most reliable technology available on the market."

"We believe we're providing SNET and our other U.S. Robotics remote access customers a tremendous value," said Ross Manire, senior vice president and general manager of U.S. Robotics' Network Systems Division. "U.S. Robotics' remote access products are all x2 upgradable via software, allowing SNET an immediate competitive advantage because it will be among the first companies to offer customers Internet access at the highest speeds possible. And, to add future technology, it's another simple software upgrade."

SNET has joined numerous other major Internet service providers, representing a total of more than 15 million subscribers, who will bring x2 to users around the the globe. Other ISPs supporting x2 include America Online, CompuServe, IBM Global Network, MCI, Netcom and Prodigy, who will be able to upgrade their remote access equipment in the first calendar quarter of 1997.

U.S. Robotics' x2 technology will allow Internet service providers to offer better, faster service to their customers. x2 also enables greater speeds for database access, corporate Intranets, e-mail access and other specialized applications.

x2 upgrades for U.S. Robotics' market-leading Sportster and Courier modems will be available in January, 1997. x2 software upgrades for the Total Control Enterprise Network Hub will be available in February, 1997. x2 software upgrades for other systems products will be available in February and March, 1997, depending on the specific product.

SNET, a Connecticut-based company reaching beyond its traditional borders, provides local, national and international calling; mobile communications; and publishing, information and advertising services. It is building I-SNET, a statewide, information superhighway that brings to customers a full array of information, communication and entertainment services.

U.S. Robotics is one of the world's leading suppliers of products and systems that provide access to information. The company designs, manufactures, markets and supports remote access servers, enterprise communications systems, desktop/mobile client products and modems and telephony products that connect computers and other equipment over analog, digital and switched cellular networks, enabling users to gain access to, manage and share data, fax and voice information. Its customers include Internet service providers, regional Bell operating companies, inter-exchange carriers and a wide range of other large and small businesses, institutions and individuals. The company's fiscal 1996 sales were $1.97 billion.

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Editor's Note: Reader inquiries may be directed to (800)USR-CORP. The U.S. Robotics Web page can be accessed at http://www.usr.com .

x2 technology is a trademark of U.S. Robotics.

CONTACT: U.S. Robotics

Robyn Porter, 847/933-5204

Lauri Lentz, 847/982-5230

or

SNET

Myra Simmons, 203/771-2688