US LEC Corp. Deploys Initial ATM Network Backbone in 7 Major Centers

Strategic Insights -

US LEC Corp., a switch-based competitive local exchange carrier, has successfully deployed an ATM (Asynchronous Transfer Mode) network backbone connecting 7 major network operating centers across the US. The new network backbone, powered by Lucent Technologies' equipment, is designed to provide service on a super-regional basis, from Philadelphia to Miami and all on-net points. This deployment marks a significant milestone in US LEC's strategic plan to become an IP-based CLEC, fully integrating voice and data services economically over high-bandwidth networks.

Key Takeaways:

  • US LEC Corp. has deployed an ATM network backbone connecting 7 major network operating centers: Atlanta, Philadelphia, Charlotte, Orlando, Nashville, Greensboro, and Norfolk/Virginia Beach.
  • The network is powered by Lucent Technologies' 7R/E(TM) Packet Driver elements, Lucent CBX 500 ATM switch, and Lucent AC 120 Frame Relay ATM switch.
  • The ATM network is a fully integrated, diverse, and redundant network configuration, enabling US LEC to provide service on a super-regional basis.
  • The deployment is in keeping with US LEC's strategic plan to become an IP (Internet Protocol) based CLEC, fully integrating voice and data services economically over high-bandwidth networks.
  • US LEC's current network is comprised of 15 Lucent 5ESS(R) AnyMedia digital switches and an Alcatel MegaHub(R) 600ES switch in Charlotte.
  • The Company primarily serves telecommunications-intensive customers, including businesses, universities, financial institutions, hospitals, enhanced service providers, Internet service providers, hotels, and government agencies.
  • As of September 30, 1999, US LEC had over 356,000 Equivalent Access Lines* in service on the US LEC network.

Statistics:

  • 355,111 Equivalent Access Lines* on the US LEC network as of September 30, 1999.
  • 7 major network operating centers connected by the new ATM network backbone.
  • 15 Lucent 5ESS(R) AnyMedia digital switches in Charlotte, Raleigh/Durham, Greensboro/Winston Salem, Orlando, Miami, Tampa/St. Petersburg, Jacksonville, Atlanta, Memphis, Nashville, Knoxville, Norfolk/Virginia Beach, Richmond, Birmingham, and Philadelphia.
  • 1 Alcatel MegaHub(R) 600ES switch in Charlotte.

Sources:

  • "US LEC Deploys and Begins Internal Testing of Initial ATM Network Backbone between 7 Major Network Operating Centers," PRNewswire, Nov 1.
  • "US LEC Corporation 1999 Annual Report on Form 10-K," filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
  • "US LEC Corporation Press Release," June 1999 (announcement of intentions to deploy an ATM network and offer Frame Relay service).