Modems: Pairgain's New PG-Plus Release Features 56 kbps Modem Support; Industry's First Small Subscriber Carrier Product to Offer Full 56 kbps Modem Speeds - PairGain Technologies' small subscriber carrier product supports 56K modems - Product Announcement

EDGE, On & About AT&T, March 15, 1999

PairGain Technologies, Inc. Wednesday announced the release of PG-PlusRelease 2.0, the industry's first small subscriber carrier product to provide full 56 kbps modem support.

PG-Plus Release 2.0 operates in an integrated mode to deliver up to six lines over a single copper pair. PairGain developed the 56 kbps modem support feature to aid telcos with providing higher modem speeds to their customers. Support for 56k modem speeds has become increasingly important as multiple local exchange carriers compete for the same premium business dialtone market.

The PG-Plus 56k modem support feature was created by adding a digital switch interface into the platform, which enables 56kbps modems to work at their maximum capability. The signal is digital from the network interface device (NID) at the customer's home all the way into the CO switch. PG-Plus Release 2.0 offers telcos the opportunity to place the PG-Plus shelf in the outside plant network. The shelf can be placed in a cabinet, hut or Controlled Environmental Vault (CEV). Four T-1 circuits feed the shelf with the necessary bandwidth to enable up to 96 channels.

"PG-Plus Release 2.0 provides an extremely cost-effective alternative for carriers that have been using DAMLs (Digital Added Main Lines that provide two channels over a single copper pair) to fulfill requests for additional modem lines," said James Mount, PairGain's field marketing manager for Small Subscriber Carrier products.

"Currently, no other DAMLs support 56k modems, which results in one of two things. Either the speeds get compromised to usually less than 28 kbps and user complaints increase, resulting in additional customer service costs; or the user cancels the additional line, which results in lost revenue for the carrier. With 56k modem support, PG-Plus Release 2.0 addresses these issues."

Additionally, there are mounting concerns that some state Public Utilities Commissions (PUCs) may raise minimum modem speed requirements. Though universal service requirements ensure the reliable delivery of voice, carriers in most states are not legally obligated to provide data connections any faster than 9600 baud. Greater public use of phone lines for data applications has put pressure on local utilities to mandate accessibility of higher speeds. What may seem a costly obstacle to some carriers could be viewed as opportunity.

"Washington State is one example of a state with a utility commission that is considering mandating 28.8 kbps modem speeds," continued Mount. "Service providers are concerned that such a ruling will require extensive network upgrades. The new PG-Plus offers a cost-effective, network-compatible solution, that in terms of speed, provides carriers with both a competitive edge and future-proofing against any minimum speed rulings handed down by a state's utility commission."

PG-Plus Release 2.0 continues to support DDS, ISDN, P-Phone, Loop Start/Ground Start POTS with CLASS features and network management, all from a single platform. By supporting these technologies in a variety of configurations, PG-Plus Release 2.0 offers a very flexible solution for applications running over a single copper telephone line.

PG-Plus Release 2.0 is available now. To enable the 56 kbps feature, a digital interface, like the popular BellCore TR-08 or the standard D4, is required. Support for GR-303 will be available later this year.

PairGain is a world leader in the design, manufacture and marketing of DSL (Digital Subscriber Line) networking systems. Service providers and private network operators worldwide use PairGain's products to deploy DSL-based services such as high-speed Internet, remote LAN access and enterprise LAN extension.

For more than 10 years, PairGain has been recognized as a technological leader and industry innovator of telecommunications equipment. The company offers the widest range of HDSL, ADSL and SDSL-based systems available. Its product lines include HiGain T1/E1 access systems, PG-Flex and PG-Plus small subscriber carrier systems, Avidia System and Megabit Modem campus systems and megabit access products. Well over 1 million PairGain DSL nodes are installed in over 70 countries.

Additional information about the company is available on the Internet at www.pairgain.com.