Pedestal Networks Successfully Completes Line-Powered Universal Broadband Server 'UBS' Field Trials: Two IOC Case Studies.

Business Editors/High-Tech Writers

FREMONT, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Oct. 6, 2003

Regional Carriers Extend ADSL Services to Customers

Previously "Out of Reach"

Pedestal Networks, developer of innovative universal broadband solutions, today announced that both HunTel Engineering and Evans Telephone have deployed its Universal Broadband Server(TM) (UBS(TM)) to provide Digital Subscriber Line (DSL) services to customers that, until now, were unable to receive broadband due to distance limitations. The UBS is the first standards-based line-powered DSL Access Multiplexer (DSLAM) to enable service area interface deployment options, cost effectively eliminating the DLC and long loop barriers.

In addition to these customer deployments, Pedestal is currently trialing the UBS with several additional independent operating companies (IOCs), including Fairpoint, D&E, JBN Telephone, Leaco Rural Telephone, and Northland Communications

(Editors Note: For more information about the UBS, please see "Pedestal Networks Breaks DSL Deployment Barriers with Universal Broadband Server(TM) (UBS(TM)), First Line-Powered Remote DSLAM," also released today.)

Evans Pushes Broadband to Coastal and Central California 

Serving the central valley and central coast areas of California, Evans Telephone Company provides exceptional service reliability and customer satisfaction ratings, which are superior to industry norms. The Evans trial was an industry first -- extending ADSL service more than 45K feet from the Central Office (CO).

"Our business plan was to supply DSL to 100 percent of our customers, but outside the 10K-12K loop, we had no reliable, cost-effective solution," said Richard Felix, director of technology, Evans Telephone. "A large majority of our customers -- 60-70 percent -- commute to the Bay Area for their jobs. These subscribers want the same types of telco-quality broadband services that are available in Bay Area cities, so they can telecommute effectively and can offer their kids a window on the larger world through the Internet. Our senior customers need broadband to keep in touch with their families and exchange photographs and other information."

"Before we installed the UBS, 26 Kbps dial-up was the best we had to offer our customers in this area," said Felix. "Now they have 1.5 mbps broadband, which is quite a big difference. And the service has been highly reliable. We've had absolutely no downtime since we installed the first system in May. Pedestal hits all the dead spots other DSL solutions cannot reach, cost effectively."

In addition to operating over long loops, the UBS from Pedestal Networks can be deployed beyond existing Digital Loop Carriers (DLCs).

"One of the many things we like about the standards-based UBS product is its flexibility for either indoor or outdoor deployment, such as a hand hole," added Felix. "The UBS architecture is fully interoperable with our current outside plant."

HunTel Takes Broadband to MidWestern Customers

HunTel Engineering, a subsidiary of HunTel Systems, provides engineering services to independent telephone and cable providers in Iowa, Nebraska, and Kansas. One of the biggest challenges telcos face in these regions is how to provide DSL to rural areas beyond 18,000 feet from the CO. Often such long loops use load coils to boost voice frequencies. While legacy DSL technology cannot work on "loaded" copper, because load coils distort the higher, digital frequencies, the new UBS solution from Pedestal Networks can deliver full-rate ADSL services to subscribers beyond load coils. HunTel began a field trial of the UBS solution in its home HunTel network in Nebraska in April 2003.

"Installation was fairly simple," said Rich Poland, vice president of engineering, HunTel Engineering. "Our trial customers are very happy. They didn't believe they'd ever have access to broadband, and now they are running at 1.5 mbps."

With built-in DSL modems, splitters, and protection, the UBS delivers high-speed data access as well as voice over the customer's existing POTS connection. The UBS splices directly into the copper plant. No special skills are required to install it, and since the box itself is completely closed, there are no electronic adjustments to make.

"The reason we did a field trial in our own operating CO was to see if we wanted to recommend the UBS to our other IOC clients," continued Poland. "As it stands, I'd recommend the UBS for extending broadband service, especially in areas where there is currently no option for DSL, which can be a significant percentage in the mid-west."

About Pedestal Networks, Inc.

Pedestal Networks is the first company to make universal broadband a profitable proposition. Pedestal's Universal Broadband Server (UBS) allows carriers to overcome technical and economic barriers to deliver standards-based ADSL services profitably to anyone, anywhere. Headquartered in Fremont, California, Pedestal has secured $14 million in funding from Benchmark Capital, Doll Capital Management, and Skymoon Ventures.

For more information about Pedestal Networks or its products, visit the company's Web site at www.pedestalnetworks.com or call 866-473-3378.