Integra Telecom Expands Agreement With Lucent Technologies to Deploy Packet Switching and Voice Messaging Solutions

Business Wire, Sept 11, 2000

Business/Technology Editors

BEAVERTON, Ore.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Sept. 11, 2000

Integra Telecom, an integrated communications provider, today announced that it has expanded its agreement with Lucent Technologies (NYSE:LU) to deploy packet switching and voice messaging solutions that will enable Integra to enhance and expand voice, data, long distance and high-speed Internet access services.

Integra will use Lucent's 7R/E Networks Distinctive Remote Module (DRM) and VCDX switch to convert its network to ATM (Asynchronous Transfer Mode) transport of communications services. Integra serves commercial and institutional customers in the Pacific Northwest, Rocky Mountains and Midwest regions.

Lucent will also supply Integra with its Unified Messenger(TM) for Service Providers, an easy-to-use unified messaging system for seamlessly accessing and managing voice, e-mail, and fax messages using any telephone or a multimedia personal computer.

The switching and voice messaging systems represent an expansion of an agreement between Integra and Lucent signed on July 1, 1997. The value of the expanded agreement was not disclosed.

"Lucent's 7R/E Networks solution provides a highly cost-effective way for Integra, at a future point, to migrate our existing 5ESS(R) circuit switches to a packet-based network," said Jack Pestaner, Integra vice president for network planning. "At the same time, Lucent is supporting our speed-to-market initiatives while we provide our customers with high-quality, affordable tailored bundled solutions."

"Our track record for providing the most reliable switching systems in the industry has led Integra to entrust Lucent with the responsibility for transitioning its network to packet-based solutions," said Tim Dyer, Lucent sales vice president for emerging service providers. "Lucent is able to provide end-to-end systems integration with a platform of versatile and scalable products."

Lucent's deployment of equipment is under way and is expected to be completed by the end of October.

The DRM, when connected to a Lucent 5ESS Switch, will allow Integra to offer voice and data services to customers in locations it previously could not efficiently reach. The DRM can be installed up to 2,000 miles away from an existing host switch.

The VCDX will allow Integra to enter new geographic markets with a smaller presence and expand to a larger switch as the customer base grows.

Headquartered in Portland, Ore., Integra Telecom is an integrated communications provider operating as a competitive local exchange carrier (CLEC) and offering a full range of communications services, including local dial tone, long distance and high-speed Internet and data services to its fast growing base of commercial and institutional customers. Integra has combined operations that serve over 50,000 access lines in the upper Midwest and Pacific Northwest regions. Additional information on Integra Telecom can be found on the web at http://www.integratelecom.com.

Lucent Technologies, headquartered in Murray Hill, N.J., USA, designs and delivers the systems, software, silicon and services for next-generation communications networks for service providers and enterprises. Backed by the research and development of Bell Labs, Lucent focuses on high-growth areas such as broadband and mobile Internet infrastructure; communications software; communications semiconductors and optoelectronics; Web-based enterprise solutions that link private and public networks; and professional network design and consulting services. For more information on Lucent Technologies, visit its Web site at http://www.lucent.com.