RICE BELT TELEPHONE SELECTS TAQUA OCX AS LEGACY REPLACEMENT.

Taqua, Inc., a leading provider of next-generation Class 5 alternative switching platforms for voice and data convergence, has announced that Rice Belt Telephone has chosen its Open Compact Exchange (OCX) to replace its current Class 5 switch.

Rice Belt Telephone, serving the rural population of Northeast Arkansas, will replace an American Digital Centura 5000 host switch, with remote switching units, and convert its entire subscriber base to the OCX. Prior to selecting Taqua's OCX as a legacy Class 5 switch replacement, Rice Belt considered Class 5 offerings from several legacy and next-generation switch vendors. Ultimately, the OCX was chosen for its innovative single card switch design, a strong set of SS7 features and its next-generation capabilities including integrated softswitch functionality and enhanced services among others.

"What impresses us the most about the OCX is its Class 5 switch-on-a-card architecture, T 1 capacity and its expansive set of SS7 capabilities which will allow us to offer our subscribers a more robust set of Class and Custom calling features." said Bob Pierson, president, Rice Belt Telephone. "Other next-generation products were much more expensive and significantly lacked in features and capabilities when compared to the OCX."

"Our emphasis on developing a flexible signaling system has enabled us to offer the CLASS services that carriers expect when purchasing legacy equipment," said Todd Daniels, vice president of sales and customer service, Taqua, Inc. "Combined with its next-generation capabilities, the OCX is a more compelling and attractive alternative to competitor next-gen and legacy products."

About the Taqua Open Compact Exchange (OCX)

Taqua's OCX is a Class 5 alternative switching system with integrated softswitch functionality that provides a clear migration path to next-generation packet-based networks. The OCX was purpose-built to create an entirely new model for delivering local telecommunications services - one which dramatically reduces initial and overall cost of ownership, while realizing the promise of voice/data network convergence. Based on a groundbreaking software and hardware architecture, the OCX transforms legacy proprietary, centralized switching environments into a next-generation distributed, intelligent and highly scalable network supporting more than 100,000 subscribers. The OCX incorporates a core set of CLASS and Custom Calling features and empowers third-party service developers via its API (TOPI), AIN, SIP and other industry standard interfaces. By providing a scalable cost-effective alternative to legacy Class 5 switches, the OCX removes cost-of-entry barriers and increases service flexibility for telecommunications carriers, including Independent Operating Companies (IOCs) and Competitive Local Exchange Carriers (CLECs).

About Rice Belt Telephone

Rice Belt Telephone Company, Inc. was incorporated on June 11, 1953 and is located 21 miles southwest of Jonesboro, AR. Rice Belt serves the communities of Weiner, Fisher and Waldenburg, AR for a total of approximately 1,075 subscribers.

About Taqua, Inc.

Taqua Inc., the Emerging Force in Telecommunications(TM), was founded to develop a clear alternative to legacy telecommunications switches. Taqua's Open Compact Exchange (OCX) is an End Office/Class 5 alternative switching system with integrated softswitch functionality that provides a secure migration path to next-generation packet-based networks. The OCX offers breakthrough performance to service providers in an economical, easy-to-deploy solution. With headquarters in Hyannis, MA and engineering and customer support facilities in Richardson, TX., Taqua is led by an experienced team of telecom professionals. Taqua is privately held and has received funding from some of the world's premier venture capital and investment companies.

For more information, call 508-778-8808 or visit http://www.taqua.com.