Pathnet and I-Link Team to Deliver Premier Unified Communications Services to Untapped Markets
Strategic Partnership Enhanced with Strength of Cisco Powered Network
ATLANTA--(BUSINESS WIRE)--June 6, 2000-- Pathnet, a privately held "next generation" carrier's carrier, and I-Link, Inc. (Nasdaq: ILNK), an enhanced IP Telephony voice/data service provider, have formed an alliance to bring the latest in unified communications technology to second- and third-tier markets throughout the U.S.
This announcement was made at the SuperComm 2000 trade show at the Georgia World Congress Center.
The multi-million dollar, three-year contract will deliver up to 1000 Primary Rate ISDNs via Pathnet's VPOP Plus Service - PRI Delivery Option across all of the markets Pathnet reaches with its digital fiber network. This strategic deployment doubles I-Link's local service reach to more than 100 metropolitan markets.
"Our partnership with I-Link demonstrates the power and flexibility of Pathnet's product and market expansion initiatives," explained Bob Rouse, chief operating officer of Pathnet. "Innovative service providers like I-Link are urgently driving their customer base and product portfolio to the critical mass necessary to be a successful communications provider. We recognize both the speed-to-market and technology requirements these market-leaders have and are rapidly moving to respond to them."
"I-Link gains a competitive advantage through this alliance by obtaining access to Pathnet's unique geographic reach and advanced multi-service access layer," said John Edwards, chief executive officer of I-Link.
"By expanding our unified messaging services into rural and suburban second- and third-tier markets, I-Link subscribers who travel or reside in those areas can get around-the-clock, localized access to our menu of enhanced services. We're committed to bringing the most dependable and affordable next generation services to all our subscribers, wherever they may be."
Under the terms of the contract, I-Link's first VPOP Plus Service order for PRI delivery was completed May 31. This order includes two SuperPOP (point of presence) connections to Pathnet's "New World Network" and an initial 75-plus PRIs across Pathnet's markets, growing from 40 today to more than 200 by the end of next year.
Headquartered in Draper, Utah, I-Link (Nasdaq: ILNK) is an enhanced voice/data service provider. With its software defined network architecture, I-Link simplifies the delivery of unified communications today. I-Link offers a full range of enhanced services such as one-number call routing, caller screening, unified voice, fax, pager and e-mail messaging, voice- and fax-on-demand, conference calling and seamless call transfer from cell phone to land-line and vice-versa via a direct connection to its nationally deployed Internet Protocol telephony network. For further information, visit I-Link's Web site at i-link.net.
Pathnet is a "Next Generation" carrier's carrier providing competitive local access services and high capacity, digital transport to underserved, second- and third-tier U.S. cities. Pathnet and its parent company, Pathnet Telecommunications, Inc., provide service to inter-exchange carriers, local exchange carriers, Internet service providers, Regional Bell Operating Companies, cellular operators and resellers. Pathnet currently has 7000 route miles of completed network and 1200 route miles of network under construction. Additional information about Pathnet can be found on the company's web site at: www.pathnet.net. |
