US LEC Expands Ethernet Local Loop Service in Five Southeastern States

Carrier completes high bandwidth Internet, data service option throughout footprint 


CHARLOTTE, N.C., Dec. 14  /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 availability of its Ethernet Local Loop transport service to the following cities and their surrounding areas:  Birmingham and Mobile, Ala.; Raleigh, N.C.; Charleston, S.C.; Chattanooga, Knoxville and Memphis, Tenn.; and New Orleans.

"US LEC's Ethernet Local Loop provides a transport service that's scalable, available in incremental speeds and, because it's based on common Ethernet technology, can reduce equipment costs," said Alan Fitzpatrick, senior vice president of engineering for US LEC. "This completes our planned Ethernet Local Loop deployment, providing a high-bandwidth solution for Internet and data services across the Eastern United States."

The service is also available in the metro and surrounding areas of Atlanta; Baltimore; Charlotte, N.C.; Greensboro, N.C.; Jacksonville, Fla.; Louisville, Ky.; Miami; Nashville; New York City; Norfolk, Va.; Orlando, Fla.; Philadelphia; Pittsburgh; Richmond, Va.; Tampa, Fla.; Washington, D.C.; and West Palm Beach, Fla.

Since Ethernet Local Loop carries traffic based on Internet Protocol (IP), it acts as a platform of transport for a broad range of US LEC services. These IP services include US LEC's Dynamic TSM Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP), MPLS VPN data networking and high-bandwidth Internet access.

Ethernet -- A Familiar and Cost-Effective Technology

Ethernet is one of the most deployed data networking technologies. On most computers, servers or routers -- almost any networked device -- you will find an Ethernet port for networking. It provides individuals, organizations and businesses connectivity to a wide variety of applications, such as sending and receiving e-mail and connecting to the Internet or networks for printing, file sharing and collaboration.

US LEC Ethernet Local Loop extends the use of this established and familiar technology to a business' high bandwidth data transport and Internet access between multiple locations. Because Ethernet is so widely deployed, it is an easy and cost-effective way for customers to connect to a high-bandwidth data network. An example of its use is an enterprise with an inventory management system that needs connectivity to ensure all of its locations may view real-time supply information or have access to its alternate supply chain via the Internet. Ethernet Local Loop can provide the transport to make applications like these possible.

Accommodating On-Demand and Increment Growth

Businesses with high-bandwidth needs are typically those most likely to need the flexibility to "burst" or quickly increase their bandwidth as their business requires it. With US LEC Ethernet Local Loop customers can easily add more bandwidth without the time delay and expense of ordering and installing new T-1s. For instance, Ethernet Local Loop can be purchased in 1MB increments starting from 3.0 Mbs to 100 Mbs, often without a change to their local loop.

Businesses with variable Internet access needs can add a "burstable" option that guarantees a specific speed 24 x 7, but also allows "bursts" to a full 100 Mbs or 600 Mbs to handle heavy, intermittent Internet traffic. This lets businesses manage infrequent, heavy traffic without having to purchase large amounts of bandwidth full time. Backing up a company's computers onto a network data back-up solution, such as US LEC's Data Back-up and Recovery, is another application that may result in burstable data.

For multi-location customers utilizing MPLS VPN for data transport through its Ethernet Local Loop connection, US LEC offers speeds ranging from 1 Mbs to 500 Mbs. MPLS VPN provides an integrated solution which can be combined with voice and data services while offering quality of service (QoS) guarantees. Quality guarantees ensure a business' most sensitive and demanding traffic, such as Customer Relationship Management applications or inventory management systems, receive priority delivery versus other non-priority traffic like Internet web surfing or e-mail applications. As priority activity decreases, bandwidth opens for other applications, allowing businesses to buy and utilize only the bandwidth they need and reduce costs.

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/.

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.

Contact: Media, Paul Wilson, 704-319-6875, or , or Investors, James Stawski, 704-319-1189, or , both of US LEC 

DATASOURCE: US LEC



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

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

LEC



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

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