General Bandwidth and Syndeo Demonstrating Softswitched Calls over Fiber to the Premises Network at SUPERCOMM 2003

Austin, TX – General Bandwidth, a leading telecommunications equipment provider enabling carriers to deliver enhanced voice services over broadband networks, will be demonstrating softswitch-based voice over IP (VoIP) services over Fiber to the Premises (FTTP) solutions at SUPERCOMM 2003 in Atlanta, Georgia (Booth #21847).

Powered by General Bandwidth's latest G6 ® Next Generation Network (NGN) software release, the G6 Packet Telephony Migration Platform will be supporting VoIP services over FTTP solutions using the Syndeo Syion™ 426 softswitch in a unique, non-cable environment. Softswitches are the backbone of packet-based telephony networks, providing call control, signaling, and routing instructions that touch almost every network element. One of only two softswitches that has recently gained qualification status for PacketCable TM at CableLabs, the Syndeo Syion 426 is a carrier-grade, full featured CLASS 5/Local Exchange softswitch and services platform that delivers an extensive suite of revenue-generating features across any combination of access networks. The G6 platform, which enables softswitched voice calls to be connected to traditional circuit-based networks, serves as a trunking media gateway for the Syndeo softswitch in the demonstration.

Prior to this new software release, the General Bandwidth G6 platform has been used extensively by both domestic and international carriers as a circuit-to-packet gateway for “Class 5-derived” Voice over FTTx/PON, Cable, and Packet T1/DSL services. With the G6 NGN software, the G6 platform can serve as both a Class 5-derived and trunking/media gateway providing a seamless migration of voice services from a single carrier class, NEBS Level 3 certified platform. With the platform's ability to simultaneously support calls from legacy Class 5 switches using GR-303/TR-008 and V5.2 interfaces as well as next generation softswitches using TGCP signaling, carriers can finally bridge the gap between legacy circuit networks and packet networks while maintaining lower capital and operation expenditures and ensuring the evolution of their networks in support of next generation services. To complete the overall migration path toward an all packet-based voice network, General Bandwidth is also developing software for the G6 platform in support of reverse GR-303 gateway functionality providing a Digital Loop Carrier (DLC) proxy service in later half of 2003. The G6 platform's DLC proxy will allow carriers to use softswitch technology on their legacy digital loop carriers, creating an economical migration path to packet-based voice without stranding their capital investments at the edge of their network.

In addition to support for primary line Class 5 services via a softswitch, the G6 platform can also be used in conjunction with a SIP-based feature server to provide exciting new IP Centrex features such as advanced call screening, single number services, and dialing from directories, in addition to standard traditional Centrex features . With the G6 platform, carriers finally have a truly carrier-grade, scalable platform from which to launch hosted communication services such as IP Centrex.

“Voice providers are caught in a vise between increasing competition on one hand and older generation equipment running their networks,” said Brendon Mills, CEO of General Bandwidth. “Using the G6 platform with our new NGN software, carriers can immediately grow revenues and generate cost savings using their current networks with the assurance that they can easily migrate to new, packet-based services as they become available within their network. Carriers now have a very compelling platform to acquire or win-back customers and provide IP Centrex and new softswitch-based features on a broad scale to the mass markets.”

With the ability to support 240 to 3360 ports per chassis, the G6 platform is “right-sized” for large and small carrier deployments. The G6 platform offers 99.999% availability and meets or exceeds the most stringent requirements for central office environments, including NEBS Level 3 certification, as well as passing all ILEC extended NEBS certification tests.

About Syndeo

Syndeo Corporation was formed in 1999 to empower communications providers like cable operators to drive additional value over their next-generation converged networks by offering VoIP (voice-over-IP) services. The company's Syion 426 Call Management Server combines revenue-generating features with a carrier-grade softswitch platform that scales linearly to large numbers of subscribers. Syndeo has raised $98 million to date from a consortium of cable operators, strategic, and financial investors. The company gained ISO 9001 Quality System Standard certification in March 2000.

About General Bandwidth

General Bandwidth Inc. is a TL 9000 certified, leading developer of telecommunications equipment that is central to the build-out of the new voice infrastructure. General Bandwidth is focused exclusively on developing solutions that meet or exceed the stringent requirements of large and small carriers. General Bandwidth's flagship G6 ® Packet Telephony Migration Platform enables service providers to deploy voice over broadband technology to cost effectively deliver voice services over their existing broadband infrastructure, to better utilize their existing resources by efficiently aggregating access network traffic, and to provide a migration path to end-to-end packet networks. Founded in 1999, General Bandwidth is located at 12303 Technology Blvd., Austin, Texas 78727; phone: 512/681-5400; fax: 512/681-5401; toll free: 877/818-2160; www.genband.com

CONTACT:
General Bandwidth
Tabitha Bailey
+1.805.241.2532
Tabitha.Bailey@genband.com

Trademark notes: G6 and General Bandwidth are registered trademarks of General Bandwidth Inc.