US LEC Enhances Network With Tekelec Switches

Next-generation equipment provides additional capacity, IP services 


CHARLOTTE, N.C., Nov. 2  /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- US LEC Corp. (NASDAQ:CLEC), a full-service provider of IP, data and voice solutions to businesses and enterprise organizations throughout the Eastern United States, today announced the enhancement of its network with additional Tekelec T-9000 digital switches.

"One of our 2006 goals was evolving the US LEC network for the delivery of next-generation, IP-based services without accelerating our capital spending past our historic levels," said Alan Fitzpatrick, senior vice president of engineering for US LEC. "Not only will the Tekelec softswitch enable us to provide new customer solutions, but the capital cost of adding new customers is incrementally lower."

US LEC is adding the Tekelec digital switches to its current array of Lucent 5ESS(R) AnyMedia(TM) digital switches. This addition now equips more than half of its network with next-generation, IP-enabled switching capabilities. This year, US LEC has added more IP-based enhancements and upgrades to its network than any other time in its 10-year history.

"The Tekelec 9000 gives US LEC a uniquely flexible and cost-effective solution to transition its network to IP and meet virtually any deployment scenario for both traditional voice or VoIP services," said Tekelec's Adrian Fitzgerald, vice president, North America sales and global channels. "US LEC gains additional revenue sources by expanding its services, while at the same time reducing costs associated with expanding its network."

Tekelec T-9000 switches offer flexible solutions that include provisioning for both traditional voice and VoIP services capabilities. With this flexibility, US LEC can add customers to its switches based on their individual needs and business goals.

"Enhancing our network with Tekelec T-9000 switches complements our existing network infrastructure and prepares US LEC for future growth with a migration path from legacy technology to next generation IP-based services," continued US LEC's Fitzpatrick. "This enhancement also reduces costs in operation and maintenance, cost per port, as well as provides US LEC with the ability to incrementally grow our network as our customer base continues to grow consistently throughout our 16-state region and the District of Columbia."

Tekelec T-9000 digital switches are now deployed in 15 of US LEC's 27 switching facilities including Atlanta; Baltimore; Birmingham, Ala.; Charlotte, N.C.; Fort Myers, Fla.; Miami; Nashville; New York City; Orlando, Fla.; Philadelphia; Pittsburgh; Raleigh, N.C.; Richmond, Va.; Tampa, Fla.; and Washington, D.C.

About US LEC

Based in Charlotte, N.C., US LEC is a full service provider of IP, data and voice solutions to medium and large businesses and enterprise organizations throughout 16 Eastern states and the District of Columbia. US LEC offers advanced, IP-based, data and voice services such as MPLS VPN and Ethernet, as well as comprehensive Dynamic TSM VoIP-enabled services and features. The company also offers local and long distance services and data services such as frame relay, Multi-Link Frame Relay and ATM. US LEC provides a broad array of complementary services, including conferencing, data backup and recovery, data center services and Web hosting, as well as managed firewall and router services for advanced data networking. US LEC also offers selected voice services in 27 additional states and provides enhanced data services, selected Internet services and MegaPOP(R) (local dial-up Internet access for ISPs) nationwide. For more information about US LEC, visit http://www.uslec.com/.

About Tekelec

Tekelec is a high-performance network applications company that is accelerating the transition to IP Multimedia Subsystem (IMS) networks for service providers around the globe. With its experience at the intersection of network applications and session control, Tekelec creates highly efficient platforms for managing media and delivering network solutions. Corporate headquarters are located near Research Triangle Park in Morrisville, N.C., U.S.A., with research and development facilities and sales offices throughout the world. For more information, please visit http://www.tekelec.com/.

Except for the historical information contained herein, this report contains forward-looking statements, subject to uncertainties and risks, including the demand for US LEC's services, the ability of the Company to introduce additional products, the ability of the Company to successfully attract and retain personnel, competition in existing and potential additional markets, uncertainties regarding its dealings with ILECs and other telecommunications carriers and facilities providers, regulatory uncertainties, the possibility of adverse decisions related to reciprocal compensation and access charges owing to the Company, as well as the Company's ability to begin operations in additional markets. These and other applicable risks are summarized in the "Caution Regarding Forward-Looking Statements" and "Risk Factors" sections and elsewhere in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the period ended December 31, 2005, and in subsequent reports, which are on file with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

US LEC is a registered service mark of US LEC Corp. US LEC and Design (R) is a registered service mark and trademark of US LEC Corp.   StarNet(TM) and MegaPOP(R) are service marks of US LEC Corp.

Media Contact:  Paul Wilson, US LEC, 704-319-6875, 

Investor Contact:  James Stawski, US LEC, 704-319-1189,  

DATASOURCE: US LEC Corp.



CONTACT:  Media, Paul Wilson, [phone], or , or

Investor, James Stawski, [phone], or , both of US

LEC Corp.



Web site:  http://www.uslec.com/

http://www.tekelec.com/ 

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