OnePoint Communications and Lucent Technologies Sign $50 M Agreement for Integrated IP-Based Voice and Data Network

Business Wire, August 24, 1999

BANNOCKBURN, Ill.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--August 24, 1999--

OnePoint First to Deploy Lucent's PathStar(TM) Access Server for

Bundled Services in Residential Communities

OnePoint Communications, a leading provider of communications services for residents of apartment communities, today announced a $50 million, three-year agreement with Lucent Technologies (NYSE: LU) for a next-generation, IP-based voice and data network.

OnePoint will be the first service provider to deploy Lucent's revolutionary PathStar(TM) Access Server to deliver integrated services to apartment communities. The PathStar solution will allow OnePoint to cost-effectively and rapidly provide local and long-distance telephone service and high-speed Internet access, bundled with OnePoint's existing cable television service. In addition, OnePoint will deploy state-of-the art operations support systems, which will let customers activate new service or change service options more easily than they do today.

"At OnePoint, we are using the latest technology to make communications simpler and more convenient for apartment residents," said Mark Fuller, president of network services, OnePoint Communications. "Lucent's PathStar system will help us provide the integrated telephone and high-speed Internet services our customers require, plus easier activation and phone service on move-in day."

The PathStar Access Server will enable OnePoint to deliver voice and data services through a cost-effective single network platform. OnePoint customers will receive better service quality, access to new products, improvements in efficiency, and a faster delivery of services. The first PathStar systems are expected to be deployed in Phoenix in November. OnePoint's service areas include Maryland, Virginia, Pennsylvania, Illinois, Georgia, Colorado, Arizona, North Carolina and the District of Columbia.

"We're delighted to be supporting OnePoint with leading-edge technology that can be tailored to its customers' needs," said Bill Plunkett, senior vice president, emerging service providers, Lucent Technologies. "Lucent knows networks and by providing OnePoint with our PathStar solution, we are enabling OnePoint to quickly deploy key differentiating services for its customers today and well into the future."

The PathStar Access Server

The PathStar Access Server, designed by Bell Labs, enables new service providers as well as established carriers entering new markets to offer low-cost, innovative voice and data services over IP or IP/ATM packet networks. The IP-based PathStar Access Server integrates a number of traditionally separate network elements into one single integrated system, thus providing significant cost savings and reducing complexity. The PathStar delivers essential telephony features such as Caller ID, Call Waiting, Voice Messaging and E911, while simultaneously providing IP-based services such as Internet access and Virtual Private Networking.

About OnePoint Communications

OnePoint Communications Corp. is a leading provider of communications services for residents of apartment communities. As a leading competitive local exchange carrier, OnePoint Communications provides local and long-distance telephone service, cable television and high speed Internet access. OnePoint Communications is based in Chicago with corporate offices in Washington, D.C., Atlanta, Denver, Phoenix, as well as a customer care center in Largo, Md. For more information, visit OnePoint Communications online at www.onepointcom.com.

About Lucent Technologies

Lucent Technologies, headquartered in Murray Hill, N.J., USA, designs, builds and delivers a wide range of public and private networks, communications systems and software, data networking systems, business telephone systems and microelectronics components. Bell Labs is the research and development arm for the company. More information about Lucent Technologies is available on the company's Web site at: www.lucent.com.