Jaguar Communications to Build IP-Based Integrated Access Networks Using PurePacket Platform

Start-Up CLEC Chooses Packet-Based Last Mile Infrastructure for Delivering Converged Voice, Data and Multimedia Services

WASHINGTON - Jan. 31, 2001 - Integral Access, Inc. -- -- the intelligent MPLS access company -- today announced that Jaguar Communications, Inc., an integrated communications services provider, is using the PurePacket platform to build next generation last mile networks that converge voice, data, and multimedia services on a single access link using the Internet Protocol (IP). Jaguar Communications has purchased equipment from Integral Access to offer a complete range of IP-based voice and broadband communications services to business and residential customers in 40 underserved rural markets across Minnesota by the end of 2001. The company plans to deploy additional PurePacket systems as it rolls out networks in second, third and fourth tier markets throughout the Midwest. Integral Access will demonstrate the PurePacket platform this week at the ComNet 2001 Conference and Expo at the Washington D.C. Convention Center, Booth 480.

Jaguar Communications selected the PurePacket platform for its ability to maximize the traffic carrying capacity of access networks, and create differentiated products with various levels of Quality of Service and Service Level Agreements that match customer requirements. This deployment will establish Jaguar Communications as the first local exchange carrier to build a "green field" service delivery infrastructure that is based on packet technology in the state of Minnesota and one of the first in the nation. Initially Jaguar Communications will use the Integral Access PurePacket platform to provide advanced voice and broadband data services, over a single network link, to underserved business and residential customers in Minnesota.

"The PurePacket platform, with its packet based architecture, allows us to cost effectively bring advanced new voice and data services over a single phone line to business and residential customers that have been largely ignored by incumbent carriers," said Donny Smith, President and CEO, Jaguar Communications. "By supporting all services on one network, the Integral Access system significantly reduces our capital and operational costs, while enabling us to mix and match voice and data products to meet specific customer needs."

"We are pleased to be helping Jaguar Communications build a true next generation access network from the ground up using the PurePacket platform," said Jack Cicon, President and CEO, Integral Access. "This packet-based infrastructure will enable Jaguar Communications to profitability enter new markets and immediately begin to offer a complete set of business and residential voice and data services from a single, bandwidth efficient access network."

Jaguar Communications will initially leverage the PurePacket platform's GR303 capability to provide integrated voice and data services via a Class 5-based network. In the future, the company plans to use PurePacket's MGCP (Media Gateway Control Protocol) support to link directly with a new SoftSwitch infrastructure for delivering traditional local and long distance voice services, as well as new IP-based services.

About PurePacket

The PurePacket platform allows network operators to cost-effectively provide business and residential customers with a comprehensive range of voice and broadband data services including high speed Internet access, LAN interconnect and PBX networking. This complete IP-based access network solution is composed of customer located PurePacketOUTburst IADs, central office PurePacketNode aggregation devices, and the PurePacketOMS™ operations management system for network control and services management. To guarantee QoS, enable Class of Service (CoS), and maximize the traffic carrying capacity of access networks, PurePacket uses an MPLS-based architecture to route, transport and switch voice and data transmissions in packet format.

About Jaguar

Jaguar Communications, headquartered in Owatonna, Minnesota, is an emerging Competitive Local Exchange Carrier (CLEC) that will initially provide integrated communications services to business and residential customers in the more rural tier two, three and four markets throughout Minnesota. The company plans to expand into additional Midwest markets next year. To contact Jaguar Communications, call +1-507-446-9166, visit us on the web at www.jagcom.net, or email us at info@jagcom.net.

About Integral Access

Integral Access, Inc. provides multi-service packet-based access systems that enable carriers to offer differentiated services and combine voice/data on new generation IP-based networks as well as traditional circuit switched infrastructures. The company offers a complete MPLS-based access network solution, which includes customer premise equipment, central office aggregation devices, and an operations management system for network control and services management. Integral Access is based in Chelmsford, Massachusetts and is privately held. To contact Integral Access call +1-978-256-8833, visit us on the Web at http://www.integralaccess.com, or write to info@integralaccess.com.

Note to editors: PurePacket, PurePacketNode and PurePacketOMS™ are trademarks of Integral Access, Inc. PurePacketOUTburst and the Integral Access logo are registered trademarks of Integral Access, Inc.