Silicon Beach Communications Expands DSLink Services Area to Santa Maria and Lompoc
SANTA BARBARA, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--March 24, 1999--
Service Brings Affordable, High-Speed Internet Access
to Residences and the "SOHO" Market
Silicon Beach Communications Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of AvTel Communications Inc. (Nasdaq:AVCO), Wednesday announced the launch of its DSLink(sm) Service in Santa Maria and Lompoc, Calif., providing high-speed Internet access over Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line (ADSL).
ADSL is a modem-based technology that provides a dedicated connection to the Internet that is up to 50 times faster than conventional dial-up modem access. ADSL service will be offered over existing telephone lines by the local exchange carrier for Santa Maria and Lompoc. Subscribers will be required to purchase an ADSL modem manufactured by a third party in order to use the DSLink(sm) Service.
"Now that ADSL service is available in Santa Maria and Lompoc, our DSLink(sm) Services enable us to provide our Residential and SOHO (Small Office, Home Office) customers access speeds previously only cost effective for larger businesses," said Dave Clark, general manager of Silicon Beach. "We've always provided businesses with high-speed access and advanced capabilities. Now we have an affordable high-speed access package for all customers."
DSLink(sm) has been Silicon Beach's biggest-selling Internet access service since its launch in November 1998.
DSLink(sm) Services will be available to residents and businesses within three miles of one of their local telephone company's Central Offices. "Since the initial roll out began in November, we have expanded our service areas to include select markets in Los Angeles, Ventura and Santa Barbara counties," said Clark.
Silicon Beach will offer services for monthly charges beginning as low as $30, depending on the connection speed. Customers will incur additional monthly charges from their local telephone company, in addition to their existing line charges. Both Silicon Beach and the local telephone company also impose initial set-up charges.
Internet users with DSLink(sm) Service will have greater access to the new and emerging technologies of the Internet -- including full-motion video, faster loading times, streaming content and fast download speeds -- all at value-priced rate plans.
Silicon Beach Communications is an Integrated Communications Provider of Internet access, telephony service, calling cards, Web development and Web hosting services to individuals and business customers. Silicon Beach owns and operates Internet points-of-presence throughout the Central Coast of California.
AvTel Communications is a provider of broadband network services integrating voice, data and video networking solutions for individuals and business customers. The company markets and sells a broad range of telecommunications and advanced network services through independent value-added resellers and internal direct sales professionals.
The company targets mid-size corporations, small-office home-office professionals and select residential market segments. The company is fully certified by the FCC and registered in all 48 contiguous states and Hawaii. In addition, the company holds billing agreements with all the Regional Bell Operating Companies, GTE and other independent telephone companies.
All statements in this news release other than statements of historical fact are forward-looking statements that involve substantial risks and uncertainties. Reference is made to the company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended Dec. 31, 1997, and to the company's other reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission for a discussion of such risks and uncertainties and other factors that may have material effect on the company's business.
CONTACT:
Silicon Beach Communications Inc., Santa Barbara
Dave Clark, 805/884-6333
dclark@silcom.com
or
GCI Group
Ariel Carpenter or Bob Chew, 323/930-0811, ext. 118 |
