Broadview Networks Completes Successful Trial of VoIP for Small Businesses; Uses its Own Network to Provide Secure, Flexible Voice and Internet Services.

Business Editors

NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Jan. 12, 2004

Broadview Networks, a network-based electronically integrated communications provider (e-ICP), announced today that it has successfully completed technical trials of its Voice over IP (VoIP) network services with small business customers in the New York metropolitan area.

Broadview Networks is the first competitive local exchange carrier (CLEC) in the area to offer these high-quality converged services to small and medium businesses.

"Unlike other VoIP providers," says Ken Shulman, Broadview Networks' Chief Technology Officer, "we use our own network and broadband service to give customers both the familiarity and reliability of voice telephony and the flexibility and sophistication of Internet technology. This unique approach is backed by our patented operational software systems and processes and our proven ability to expand the technological capabilities of our facilities network. This allows us to create unparalleled market opportunities."

The advantage to customers of Broadview Networks' service is that voice and data features are converged, resulting in high functionality at low cost. "In our version of the VoIP world, a business customer can use the computer, the phone and the Internet interchangeably to accomplish tasks quickly, efficiently and securely," says Chief Operating Officer Eric Roden. "And, unlike the many VoIP service providers that rely on the public Internet and customer-provided broadband pipes, we provide the users services over our own network facilities end-to-end, ensuring quality and reliability."

Many VoIP products today are simply voice-via-PC services or voice over the public Internet, and they are focused on residential or large-business customers. "There is a gap when you go north of two or three lines or south of 40 to 50 lines," says Dave Thomas, Executive Vice President of Sales and Marketing. "As with all of our products and services, we are bringing these unique VoIP capabilities to that under-served market of businesses with fewer than 50 lines."

Broadview Networks' VoIP service puts control in the hands of the customer. For example, managers can add, subtract or change functions of the telephone system via an easy-to-use web portal. Or they can easily set up a conference call on the computer screen by clicking on names in the e-mail directory and having the calls all made and connected automatically. In addition, unlike voice over the Internet providers, Broadview Networks' VoIP service fully supports critical safety and security features, like Enhanced 911 service, Local Number Portability and all of the functions mandated by the Communications Assistance for Law Enforcement Act (CALEA).

Customers in the trial have given the service high technical marks and are looking forward to using such timesaving features. One of the pleased participants is Compulinx Managed Services, in White Plains, N.Y., a next generation managed solutions provider whose Manage: Now 2003 technology helps small and midsize businesses significantly improve the health, availability and security of their networks and IT infrastructures. Says Chairman and CEO Terrance Chalk, "These are the kinds of flexible, integrated, and cost-effective solutions that have been increasingly important in helping businesses overcome communications barriers and outperform their competitors. The value proposition associated with Broadview Networks' VoIP is absolutely huge and provides us with a real competitive advantage."

According to Roden, "Our success with Broadspeed(R) Voice over DSL has been invaluable in developing the next generation of technology, allowing us to be the first CLEC in the area to bring carrier-quality service to our customers. We expect to begin market trials in the first quarter of 2004 and look forward to a full rollout later in the year."

Broadview Networks (Broadviewnet.com) is a network-based electronically integrated communications provider (e-ICP) serving small and medium-sized businesses and communications-intensive residential customers in the northeaster and mid-Atlantic United States. The New York City-based company offers integrated communications solutions, including local, long-distance and international voice services; data services; and dial-up and high-speed Internet services using digital subscriber line (DSL) and other advanced technologies. Customers receive a single, easy-to-understand bill and have a single point of contact for real-time, personal customer care.