IntelCom Group to offer access points to nationwide SS7 Network, enhanced services platform through strategic alliance with Southern New England Telephone.

DENVER--(BUSINESS WIRE)--March 31, 1995--ICG Access Services Inc. (ICG), a unit of IntelCom Group Inc. (AMEX:ITR) and the leading competitive access provider (CAP) in tier-II/tier-III markets nationwide, today announced it has entered into an alliance with Southern New England Telephone Co. (SNET) (NYSE:SNG) to provide regional access points to a nationwide Signaling System 7 network and to market SNET's Intelligent Network Gateway Services.

"With this agreement ICG becomes the first CAP to offer a nationwide SS7 network," said Bill Maxwell, president of IntelCom Group (U.S.A.) Inc. "It is also the first such alliance between a CAP and an independent telephone company."

Signaling System 7 (SS7) is an out-of-band common channel signaling system which optimizes network efficiency and offers total network routing flexibility for long-distance telephone transmissions. ICG will create entry points for the nationwide network through the installation of Signaling Transfer Points (STPs) and will market the product to tier-II/tier-III long-distance carriers, the fastest growing market segment in the interexchange arena.

"The benefits of SS7 include more efficient call routing methods, quick call set-up and take-down, and the integration of database information across the network," Maxwell said.

"This technology is the cornerstone of modern digital networks and enhanced services like call-forwarding, calling number identification, call screening, and call transfer outside the switch. With a competitive mix of tiered and flat-rate pricing which heavily discounts for carriers seeking multiple LATA (Local Access and Transport Areas)/network connections, SNET and ICG have developed innovative pricing for MSS (Message Signaling Service) to encourage aggregating carrier traffic."

According to Mike Phelan, SNET's vice president of Network Marketing and Sales, the services provided under the terms of this agreement represent a bold step which will produce long-term benefits for ICG, SNET and their customers. "This blending of pricing arrangements and incentives makes this alliance with ICG a win-win situation for both parties," he said.

"The SNET-ICG alliance will offer leading-edge technology with a clear focus on the needs of its customers," Maxwell added. "Competitive pricing, long-standing reputations as quality service providers, total nationwide coverage, and outstanding customer and technical support will produce innovative solutions and trusted service for both of our customer bases."

Maxwell said that interconnecting with the SNET-ICG SS7 network will provide the customer with MSS and access to all LIBD (Line Information Data Bases) via SNET's LIDB Gateway Service; network fraud control service; 800 database, and access to the exciting world of individualized service creation through SNET's Advanced Intelligent Network platform.

SNET, an independent telephone company headquartered in New Haven, Conn., and the tenth-largest telephone company in the country, recently introduced Message Signaling Service (MSS) as the company continues to broaden its SS7 service portfolio.

As the largest SS7 Gateway provider for LIDB Service, providing access to over 60 Operator Service Providers (OSPs), and two Regional Bell Operating Companies, SNET has now expanded its deregulated SS7 services to include transport of ISUP (Integrated Services Digital Network-User Part) Messages.

This service allows interexchange carriers, wireless carriers, CAPs, switched resellers and/or independent telephone companies accessing SNET's national access network, to originate or terminate ISUP messages for trunk call setup. SNET has obtained SS7 connectivity to all LATAs with SS7 availability and is rapidly expanding connectivity to interexchange carriers' networks.

IntelCom Group (U.S.A.) Inc. has two lines of business: Telecommunications Services, providing competitive local telecommunications services, local area networks and systems integration; and Satellite Services, which consists of five full-service domestic and international satellite uplink facilities, VSAT operations and maritime communications. The company is the second-largest publicly traded CAP, currently operating networks in 30 metropolitan areas, with five under development or construction.

SNET is an independent telecommunications company that offers, through its subsidiaries, network and information management services and communications systems; in-state, national and international long-distance communications service; directory publishing and advertising services; and cellular mobile phone and paging services. SNET is building I-SNET, Connecticut's broadband information superhighway, to serve all its customers.

CONTACT: IntelCom Group Inc., Denver

Phil Allen, 303/572-5984

Tom Kennedy, 303/572-5986

Phil Samuels, 303/575-6283