[QuebecTel: The WSTL press release]
QuebecTel Adds ADSL Technology To Digital Network; Westell Enables Quebecois To Surf The Web At High Speed
AURORA, Ill., Aug. 28 /PRNewswire/ -- Westell (NASDAQ:WSTL) announced today that QuebecTel is introducing high-speed Internet connection service, brandnamed ALEXIS by its ISP (Internet Service Provider) subsidiary Globetrotter, to serve the area of Quebec, Canada. Westell's Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line (ADSL) system has been chosen as the enabling solution behind this service. QuebecTel has enhanced its existing digital network with the introduction of Westell's FlexCap2(TM) rate-adaptive ADSL system. The FlexCap2 system provides Internet access at rates more than 75 times faster than today's more common analog modems. This deployment provides QuebecTel with the optimum technology solution, meeting the special needs and challenges germane to many of the rural communities spread throughout the area served.
Westell's FlexCap2 operates at speeds of 640 to 2.24 Mbps downstream and 272 kbps to 1,088 Mbps upstream. Its rate-adaptive feature automatically adjusts data rates to adapt to copper telephone line conditions and distances, continuously providing optimal access speeds. FlexCap2 allows service providers to extend the reach of the ADSL link to customers located considerable distances from a telephone company's central office.
Using this technology, high-speed Internet applications, work-at-home applications, video-on-demand and distance learning will be strongly enhanced for QuebecTel subscribers. Westell's FlexCap2, selected for its rate-adaptive capabilities, will help bring a new high-speed means toward more effective video communication over copper telephone wires to QuebecTel's large geographic area (272,000 sq. km; 105,019 sq mi).
Claude Gendron, Vice President - Network Operations at QuebecTel, noted that he is pleased to work with Westell whose solution will permit QuebecTel to achieve higher levels of efficiency. "We appreciate the synergy established in our association with Westell, a firm whose technological vision is consistent with the way we develop to the utmost the functionalities of our network in the best interest of our customers."
"With Westell's ADSL solution, QuebecTel can now provide its customers with the Internet speeds they are demanding, while at the same time, avoid conflict and congestion over the voice network," said Joseph Elchakieh, President, Westell Canada. "Today's implementation of ADSL compliments QuebecTel's efforts to invest in the continuous modernization of their 99% digital telephone network. Westell is very pleased to be associated with QuebecTel, as they proudly pioneer the new frontiers of telecommunications and continue to improve upon the services they provide to their customers."
The FlexCap2 Rate-Adaptive ADSL system was specifically developed to meet the high bandwidth requirements of telecommuters, remote offices and Small Office/Home Office (SOHO) environment, and ergonomically designed for the flexibility and space-saving needs of these consumers. Additional features include an Ethernet 10BaseT interface at both the central office and the customer modem, integrating bridging capability for cost-effective support of high-speed remote LAN access applications. FlexCap2 enables homes, schools or businesses to "surf the Internet" or download large data files without tying up phone lines, as it supports simultaneous voice and data on the same existing telephone line.
QuebecTel, whose major shareholder is GTE Corporation, is the second largest telecommunications company in Quebec. The company offers half a million people living in over 40% of the inhabited area of the province a complete portfolio of full-featured telephone and communication systems, a broad range of local telephone services as well as advantageous long distance savings plans. QuebecTel is deeply involved in the offer of integrated and customized solutions in the fields of wiring, networking and data
communication to the businesses and organizations. It is also well positioned to meet the challenge of the convergence of the telecommunications, cable and computer technologies. Additional information can be obtained by visiting QuebecTel's website at quebectel.qc.ca.
Westell is a leading worldwide innovator and manufacturer of xDSL systems and telecommunications access products, with corporate headquarters in Aurora, Illinois and offices in Ottawa, Canada and Cambridge, England. Westell's xDSL products are currently in use or trial by more than 100 customers in over 30 countries worldwide, including Ameritech, Bell Atlantic, Bell Canada, British Telecommunications, GTE, MCI, NYNEX and US West and leading Internet service providers. In addition to developing and manufacturing xDSL and non-DSL data and telecommunications products, Westell owns Conference Plus, Inc., a multi-point telecommunications service bureau specializing in audio teleconferencing, multi-point videoconferencing, broadcast fax, and multimedia teleconference services. Additional information can be obtained by visiting Westell's Web site at westell.com. |
