VANCOUVER, Wash.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Oct. 3, 2003--New Edge Networks and Verizon (NYSE:VZ) have reached a national wholesale agreement that will enable New Edge Networks to sell Verizon's symmetric high bit-rate DSL (SHDSL) technology. The agreement also allows New Edge Networks to expand its broadband offerings to customers throughout most areas where Verizon offers DSL services.
New Edge Networks is one of the first national broadband carriers to sign on as a wholesaler for Verizon's newly announced service called Infospeed Premium DSL. Verizon filed for FCC authority to provide the new service in July and launched it in August.
"This agreement enables New Edge Networks to expand its geographic network reach, remain carrier neutral, and offer a choice of technologies and broadband access products that best fit the needs and budgets of our target customers," said Dan Moffat, president and CEO of New Edge Networks. "The only way to ubiquitous service is through carrier agreements like the one we now have with Verizon."
Under terms of the agreement, New Edge Networks will build gateways to Verizon in New York and Los Angeles, where it will offer the high bit-rate DSL services. Through these gateways, New Edge Networks also will be able to offer its customers broadband access in most areas around the country where Verizon offers traditional DSL services. New Edge Networks began processing orders last week.
"Verizon benefits through the large nationally-dispersed distribution channel that New Edge Networks represents," said Anthony Price, Verizon vice president for wholesale and business markets. "Our symmetric transport offering is ideal for allowing New Edge Networks the added flexibility for delivering frame relay over DSL to business customers."
New Edge Networks has more than 2,500 partners including wholesalers, agents, resellers, referral partners, and individual account managers. Most partners also have their own sub-agents, sales teams, or other selling partners. All can offer business class solutions through New Edge Networks in Verizon's footprint.
Frame over DSL is a high-speed, low cost access alternative for business applications or locations that previously could not be cost justified. It bridges a wide gap between 56 kilobits per second frame relay and more costly T-1 connections with speeds of about 1.5 megabits per second.
Symmetric service supports business applications that require higher bandwidth in both the upstream and downstream directions, such as hosting of servers, e-mailing large files, e-commerce, LAN connectivity to the Internet, and video conferencing. Verizon's SHDSL products can deliver maximum connection speeds up to 1.5 megabits per second in both directions with a quality of service that takes priority over regular DSL traffic on the network during times of congestion.
About New Edge Networks
New Edge Networks is a national business broadband services provider. It owns and operates one of the largest multi-service data communications networks with switches in more than 600 locations throughout the United States. New Edge Networks offers a wide selection of business data and high-speed Internet access using various technologies including Frame Relay, ATM, IP and DSL. The company offers broadband access, gateway, and managed networks services products through channel partner programs, wholesale relationships, and through its TransEdge brand. Its customers include small to medium size businesses and Fortune 100 firms. Top-tier private venture firms, worldwide financial institutions and worldwide technology firms provide financial backing to New Edge Networks. The company's Web site is www.newedgenetworks.com. Telephone: 1-360-693-9009
