IDT subsidiary offers new technology installation alternative.

IDT Corporation has announced the launch of a new subsidiary - Brix Communications Corporation.

The unit will partner with landlords across the country to install building-centric infrastructure that supports dedicated, high-speed Internet access, local and long distance telephony, and satellite cable television.

IDT's experience as a commercial Internet service provider, and its years of experience as a leading multi-national telecommunications carrier, offers Brix unparalleled support and ready access to the most advanced technology and proprietary networking methodology in a customized approach.

"Brix is positioned at the forefront of an exciting new arena in telecommunications, said Howard Jonas, chairman and CEO of IDT. "Being in control of building-level infrastructure is the best way to ensure the highest quality service at the lowest price to the consumer - and is a valuable distribution channel for Internet, telecom and media content.

In the company's first real estate venture, Brix has been granted an exclusive right to install its proprietary network infrastructure in properties owned and managed by Kushner Companies, of Florham Park, NJ, and to offer broadband Internet access, satellite cable television, and long-distance and local telephony to its tenants.

One of New Jersey's leading private real estate organizations, Kushner Companies currently owns and manages more than 15,000 apartment units in New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania and Florida, with a development pipeline of an additional 10,000 units. In addition, the company is actively expanding its commercial portfolio, which consists of several million square feet of office, industrial and retail space.

"For years we looked for the right technology partner for our buildings. Brix has an unparalleled commitment to the latest in technological advances, customer service and consumer value," noted Charles Kushner, chairman of Kushner Companies. "We were approached by several companies, but found Brix to have the most professional approach, combined with the most compelling dedication to technology. Our goal was to provide the products and services our tenants want, and to do it right the first time. That is what differentiated Brix from its competitors."

"Brix Building" infrastructure creates a building-wide network utilizing the most advanced wiring and networking technology, including the use of fiber-optic cabling in both residential and commercial buildings. Brix invests in a total upgrade that will support advanced telecommunications for many years. Many of the technical solutions available in the marketplace today, including those that use existing copper phone lines to deliver high-speed access, are inherently limited in their future scalability in delivering broadband Internet content.

"Brix Communications typically provides this advanced infrastructure upgrade at no-cost to the property owner," said IDT President Jim Courter, "and Brix provides a means for landlords to share in the ongoing telecommunications revenues generated at the property level."

Brix is unique in three ways: First, Brix shuns short-lived solutions and is committed to providing a scaleable infrastructure mat will support advanced communications into the future; Second, Brix has a core competence in the installation of such infrastructure into residential complexes; Third, Brix has vast experience in both telecommunications and real estate.

Brix has been active in the telecommunications and Internet industries for over 10 years, and has staffed its management team with professionals with years of experience in both real estate and communications.

Several Kushner properties have a Brix Building infrastructure upgrade underway or complete, including the landmark Puck Building, a 220,000 square-foot office building in Manhattan; the River Club, a 266-unit luxury rental complex in Edgewater, NJ; The Curling Club, a 242-unit luxury rental complex in Hoboken, NJ; and Oakwood Village, a massive 1,224-unit rental complex spread out over 107 buildings and 160 acres in Mount Olive, NJ.

Wiring of additional residential and commercial buildings will begin shortly, and Brix is currently negotiating with several additional significant landlords, both commercial and residential.