Jaguar Communications builds IP-Based integrated access networks using PurePacket platform

Integral Access, Inc., an intelligent MPLS access company, announced that Jaguar Communications, Inc., an integrated communications services provider, is using the PurePacket platform to build 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.

The PurePacket platform allows network operators to 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.

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. 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.

Jaguar Communications will initially leverage the PurePacket platform's GR303 capability to provide integrated voice and data services via a Class 5-based network. 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 Jaguar Communications, Inc.:

Jaguar Communications, headquartered in Owatonna, Minnesota, is a 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. For more information, visit http://www.jagcom.net.

About Integral Access:

Integral Access, Inc., based in Chelmsford, Massachusetts, 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. For more information, visit www.integralaccess.com.