Consolidated Telecommunications Company Selects SOMA Networks to Provide Broadband Voice and Data Services to Rural Subscribers

Business Wire, Jan 10, 2008

SOMA Partners With Stutler Technologies to Deploy Broadband Wireless Access Throughout Central Minnesota Using the 700 MHz Licensed Band

SAN FRANCISCO -- SOMA Networks, a leading provider of broadband wireless and Mobile WiMAX systems, announced today that Consolidated Telecommunications Company (CTC), a telecommunications cooperative serving rural subscribers in central Minnesota, has deployed broadband voice and data services using the SOMA FlexMAX Wireless System. CTC's new broadband wireless network uses the 700 MHz licensed band to reach subscribers in previously unserved areas.

Originally founded more than 50 years ago to provide basic telephone service, CTC has evolved into the region's premier telecommunications provider. CTC primarily serves residential subscribers in and around Brainerd, Minnesota, offering state-of-the art services not always available in metropolitan areas.

"We operate in a very challenging RF environment," said Lance Bragstad, director of operations/technology at Consolidated Telecommunications Company. "The terrain here is rugged, with lots of hills and pine trees. In addition, many of our subscribers have vacation homes and lakefront houses in unserved areas. To bring broadband services to these homes, we needed a robust solution that could provide reliable coverage across long distances."

CTC contacted Stutler Technologies, one of the largest system integrators for wireless equipment manufacturers in the U.S. Stutler Technologies specializes in rural deployments using the 700 MHz licensed band, and is an authorized SOMA reseller.

"Our subscribers don't just need broadband data, so SOMA's built-in voice and fax capabilities were key selling points for us," said Bragstad. "The FlexMAX System also provided the bandwidth per sector we needed for our network rollout."

The first phase of CTC's new SOMA-based broadband wireless network has already been deployed in Brainerd and Gull Lake, Minnesota. Over the next five years, CTC will phase in ten more SOMA-based network sites in the 700 MHz band.

"SOMA Networks is one of only a few broadband wireless providers who support the 700 MHz band and have been certified by the USDA Rural Utilities Service," noted Tom Flak, chief marketing officer and senior vice president of company operations at SOMA Networks. "This gives both SOMA and Stutler Technologies a crucial edge in bringing broadband to the homes of rural subscribers who need access to the same high-quality, high-bandwidth voice and data services available in metropolitan areas."

About Consolidated Telecommunications Company (CTC)

Consolidated Telecommunications Company is a full service telecommunications company based in Brainerd, MN. Formed in 1952, CTC has grown into a complete communications provider, offering telephone, high speed Internet, long distance, and digital television services to businesses and individuals throughout the Brainerd Lakes Area. In addition, the company also offers business IP phone solutions and business computer networking. For more information, visit http://www.ctctelcom.net/index.htm.> About Stutler Technologies

Stutler Technologies is one of the largest system integrators for major wireless equipment manufacturers in the U.S., including SOMA Networks. The company specializes in 700 MHz RF, telephony, networking and tower services, as well as continued education and support of customers' networks. Stutler Technologies also specifically caters to the needs and issues of the rural telephone community, and actively works with both licensed and unlicensed fixed wireless deployments in 39 states. For more information, visit www.stutler.net.

About SOMA Networks

SOMA Networks is a leading provider of Mobile WiMAX solutions. Focused on bringing broadband wireless access and advanced applications to the home, SOMA's FlexMAX[TM] Mobile WiMAX and SoftAir[TM] Multimedia Application Systems provide a complete solution using an all IP-based architecture. SOMA technology enables service providers to drive revenue through value-added multimedia applications and services, delivering wireline performance over a broadband wireless infrastructure. SOMA is a principal member of the WiMAX Forum[R], and its FlexMAX Mobile WiMAX System supports the 802.16e-2005 Mobile WiMAX standard. Deployed on five continents, SOMA is headquartered in San Francisco and has offices in Toronto, Ottawa, Delhi, Sao Paulo and Singapore. For more information, visit www.somanetworks.com.