Press Release
Alabama's Largest Telephone Cooperative Selects Occam Networks BLC 6000 to Upgrade and Simplify its Access Network
Telco Replacing older DSLAMs with Occam BLC to Deliver Voice and ADSL2Plus from a Single Platform
SANTA BARBARA, Calif. - August 3, 2006 - Occam Networks Inc. (OTCBB: OCNW), a supplier of innovative Ethernet- and IP-based loop carrier equipment to telecommunications companies, today announced that Farmers Telecommunications Cooperative has selected the company's Occam BLC 6000T System to upgrade its access network to a single voice, data and transport network that is more cost-effective, efficient and easier to manage. Before beginning the transition to the Occam BLC 6000, the Ala.-based telco had three separate networks, one for transport, one for delivering TDM voice and one for delivering DSL.
"We chose to replace our installed base of DSLAMs from other manufacturers to be ready to offer video, HD TV and other high-bandwidth services," said David Garrett, central office manager of Farmers Telecommunications Cooperative. "We selected the BLC 6000 because it was all standards-based IP and allowed us to continue to move to an IP access network, and we could deploy a single platform for transport and to deliver voice and data."
Farmers began delivering DSL service using IP rather than ATM, completely bypassing the more complex technology. The cooperative began upgrading its outside plant with shorter copper loops more than three years ago and decided to replace some of its older Paradyne, now Zhone Technologies, DSLAMs.
"We have been very impressed with Occam as we have upgraded and transitioned our access network," Garrett continued. "As early adopters of the BLC, we experienced some problems, but the company was very receptive to our needs and requests. When we told them we needed a GR 303 gateway, we had one in short order. We see Occam not just as a vendor, but as a true business partner."
During the company's move to the Occam BLC 6000, it has conducted several field trials of equipment from other vendors. Garrett said, "While we have trialed equipment from a variety of vendors, no other vendor meets our needs like Occam."
Farmers Telecommunications believes that it will make a complete transition to an all Ethernet and IP-based network eventually moving to a softswitch architecture and fiber to the premise (FTTP) as the demand for advanced broadband services such as gaming, peer-to-peer and interactive video grows.
"It is very exciting to help telcos like Farmers bypass the more expensive technologies like ATM and SONET," said Russ Sharer, vice president of sales and marketing for Occam. "With IP and Ethernet telcos of any size can deliver new, revenue generating services that previously only the largest carrier could deliver. The Occam BLC delivers greater functionality with more flexibility at a cost that is much less than ATM and SONET."
About Farmers Telecommunications Cooperative Founded in 1952, Farmers Telecommunications Cooperative is Alabama's largest member-owned, telephone cooperative. Farmers provides its subscribers with a full array of telecommunications services including local, long distance, wireless, Internet access and business and data systems. The Cooperative serves close to 20 thousand subscribers in seven exchanges across DeKalb and Jackson counties. Farmers Telephone has its headquarters in Rainsville, Ala. Visit www.farmerstel.com for more information.
About Occam Networks Inc.
Occam Networks Inc. develops and markets innovative Broadband Loop Carrier networking equipment that enable telephone companies to deliver voice, data and video services. Based on Ethernet and Internet Protocol (IP) technologies, Occam's equipment allows telecommunications service providers to profitably deliver traditional phone services, as well as advanced voice-over-IP, residential and business broadband, and digital television services through a single, all-packet access network. Occam is headquartered in Santa Barbara, Calif. Additional information can be found at www.occamnetworks.com.
Portions of this press release may contain forward-looking statements regarding future events or the future performance of Occam Networks, including statements predicting increased adoption of products and technologies offered by Occam. Forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties, which could cause actual results to differ materially from any future performance suggested in such statements. Rapidly changing technologies and market conditions may require changes to Occam's products. Occam does not undertake any obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statements as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. Please also refer to the company's most recent quarterly report on Form 10-Q, annual report on Form 10-K and other filings with the SEC. These filings contain and identify other important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statements.
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Contact:
Tim Johnson
StearnsJohnson Communications
1-415-397-7600
tjohnson@stearnsjohnson.com
Kirsten McGregor
Director of Marketing Communications
1-805-692-2917
kmcgregor@occamnetworks.com
DSLAM is digital subscriber line access multiplexer.
Occam Networks and Occam BLC 6000 are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Occam Networks Inc. in the United States and/or other countries.
All other trademarks mentioned are the property of their respective owners.