GST Telecommunications Activates First Phase of Next Generation Network VITA Architecture Positions GST for Deployment of Advanced IP
Services
December 8, 1998
VANCOUVER, Wash., Dec. 7 /PRNewswire
GST Telecommunications, Inc. (Nasdaq: GSTX)
announced today the completion of the first
phase of its "next generation" Virtual
Integrated Transport and Access (VITA)
network with the turn-up of 13 cities on the
network. The Company also reported it is on
target to complete installation of the west
coast backbone by the end of the year. The
VITA network combines GST's voice and data
networks onto a single networking platform
providing for improved economics and
versatility of services.
"Our deployment of the VITA network is at the
forefront of the latest technological
developments within the industry," stated Joe
Basile, president and chief executive officer of
GST. "With the VITA network we are building
on our extensive fiber optic networks utilizing
next generation transport capabilities that
enable us to carry traffic more efficiently and
provision customer services faster. Our
cell-based architecture provides for a virtual
network that leverages extremely high
bandwidth IP (Internet Protocol) services with
a quality of service that's superior to the
current architectures deployed."
The VITA network utilizes a combination of IP,
packet, frame, cell technology, and next
generation switching equipment in conjunction
with the central office switches the Company
already operates throughout its territory in the
western United States.
GST is leveraging its high bandwidth fiber optic
technology by using ATM based technology in
conjunction with SONET (Synchronous Optical
NETwork) technology. The new architecture,
which uses Internet routers, frame switches,
and voice switches as enhanced processors off
of the cell based ATM backbone, allows high
bandwidth interfaces to the customer for
virtual transport and switching. "As an
Integrated Communications Provider (ICP), this
next generation technology significantly
improves the cost models for network
deployment," added Basile. "The VITA network
allows for versatility of services and high
bandwidth over our existing circuits so that we
can dramatically increase our traffic before
additional circuits need to be installed."
Commenting on the new technology, Kevin
Wright, chief technology officer of GST, stated,
"The deployment of this next generation
network positions GST ahead of all the other
telecommunications service providers. Now that
we have deployed a next generation
architecture, our objective is to deliver
differentiated services and applications that will
provide value to our customers. While many
companies are struggling to decide how they
can provide basic telephone services and
compete with the incumbent phone companies,
GST has positioned itself as the total
communications service provider for business."
The 13 cities deployed on the VITA network to
date include Portland, Ore.; Vancouver, and
Spokane, Wash.; San Francisco, Los Angeles,
Fresno, San Luis Obispo, Palmdale, Riverside,
Ontario, and Walnut Creek, Calif.; Phoenix,
Ariz.; and Honolulu. The second phase of the
network, which is expected to be fully
operational in early 1999, will include Oakland,
Calif.; Tucson, Ariz.; Seattle; Boise, Idaho; and
Albuquerque, New Mexico.
GST Telecommunications, Inc., an Integrated
Communications Provider (ICP) headquartered
in Vancouver, Wash., provides a broad range of
integrated telecommunications products and
services, including local dial tone, Internet,
long distance and enhanced data services
throughout California and the United States.
Facilities-based GST continues to focus on its
western regional strategy by anchoring its next
generation networks in local markets and
connecting them via long haul fiber networks.
Visit GST's web site at www.gstcorp.com.
SOURCE GST Telecommunications, Inc.
/CONTACT: Lisa Miles of GST
Telecommunications, 800-667-4366/ /Company
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or fax, 800-758-5804, ext. 121076/ /Web site:
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[Copyright 1998, PR Newswire] |
