US Datanet Changes Name

CNY Business Journal (1996+), Nov 26, 1999

SYRACUSE-Telecommunications

provider US Datanet is making changes and

entering new markets this fall. The company recently changed its name to USA Datanet to highlight its expanding lineup.

Along with the name change, USA Datanet has opened another facility at 318 South Clinton St. in the city's Armory Square district. USA Datanet's customer-service center and corporate offices occupy the entire third floor of the 112-year-old Neal & Hyde building, at the comer of Clinton and Walton streets.

The new location is twice as large as USA Datanet's 2,000-sq.-ft. State Tower Building space. The company's former headquarters will continue to host USA Datanet's switching facilities and network operations center.

Founded in 1998, USA Datanet provides

long-distance telephone service routed through the Internet and calling-card service. The company's intrastate long-distance service offers a fixed-price ceiling on calls within New York State, regardless of length. USA Datanet's long-distance service operates on an elective basis and does not require switching telephone companies or involve paying a monthly fee. The company serves most major metropolitan markets in upstate New York.

"We're trying to provide valuable service to our customers without any catches," says Jennifer Leach, vice president of marketing for USA Datanet.

Starting in December, USA Datanet is entering the ISP market, offering unlimited Internet access for $9.95. The access price requires no set-up fees or long-term contracts, according to Leach.

USA Datanet has added 30 employees this year for a total of 35. Most positions, says Leach, are in the company's customer-service center.

The company has projected a major expansion during 2000. USA Datanet plans to enter new markets throughout the Northeast and then begin further expansions until it can live up to its new name, according to company president Frank S. Caruso. Leach would not disclose specifics of USA Datanet's expansion plans.