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Cedar Point Unveils 'QuickStart' Program to Speed Cable Voice Deployments

Posted on: Monday, 9 June 2003, 06:00 CDT

CHICAGO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--June 9, 2003--Cedar Point Communications, Inc., a leader in packet-based voice switching technologies for the cable industry, today announced a "QuickStart" program designed to eliminate the complexity of telephony solutions for cable system operators providing voice services.

The program expands on the attributes of Cedar Point's SAFARI C(Cubed) Media Switching System to offer operators the simplest, most cost-effective route to all elements of voice service, including planning, infrastructure, technologies, support and billing. QuickStart provides operators with a thoroughly tested VoIP solution as a complete service offering, as well as a simple, three-phase business plan that leverages Cedar Point's expertise through the steps of commercial deployment.

Cedar Point Communications is unveiling QuickStart at Booth 2219 during the National Cable Telecommunications Association (NCTA) National Show June 8-11 at McCormick Center. Cedar Point also will be demonstrating such additional capabilities of SAFARI C(Cubed) as Subscriber Self-Provisioning, Unified Messaging and CALEA Support.

"In our discussions with cable operators, they have expressed an interest for a comprehensive plan that would remove the complexities of providing telephony," said Mark Dzuban, executive vice president, cable telephony deployment for Cedar Point. "QuickStart was created to offer a simple, integrated VoIP solution to enable our customers to rapidly turn up the voice services that generate substantial revenue and subscriber-retention benefits."

QuickStart combines an integrated and fully tested hardware solution, built around the SAFARI C(Cubed) integrated switch, with associated network certification, service turn-up, testing, support and training. The solution enables cable system operators to begin offering voice services on the day equipment is installed, and continues to scale with the addition of new subscribers.

The QuickStart program provides cable system customers with a pre-configured seven-foot rack with all necessary headend equipment and RF Network certification for telephony services. In addition, service providers receive PSTN Interconnection Services, Turn-Up and Acceptance Testing, Project and Planning Services and end-to-end Training and Support.

"Just as cable's speed to market has enabled it to take a commanding lead in the high-speed data space, a key to telephony success is for cable operators to deliver primary-line service and the 'triple play' of voice, video and data as soon as possible," said Dave Spear, executive vice president, strategy and market development for Cedar Point. "Our QuickStart program provides operators with direct entry into, and full control of, voice services, so that they can capitalize on immediate opportunities while managing the long-term growth and development of the telephony business."

SAFARI C(Cubed) utilizes a unique set of PacketClass(TM) technologies to bring the high quality and reliability of today's Class 5 voice switches to a packet environment. Based on CableLabs(R) PacketCable(TM) specifications, SAFARI C(Cubed) provides superior performance and reliability, significantly reducing capital expenditures, system integration and operations costs for cable operators offering telephony services while increasing network integrity, security and privacy.

About Cedar Point Communications

Cedar Point Communications has created and commercialized SAFARI C(Cubed)(TM) Media Switching System, an entirely new category of voice switching equipment tailored exclusively to the broadband cable operator's telephony and broadband media needs. Based on CableLabs(R) PacketCable(TM) specifications, SAFARI C(Cubed)'s totally integrated Carrier Class Cable (C "Cubed") telephony solution is a cost-efficient, less complex alternative to current circuit switched and distributed soft-switching cable telephony options, and provides an elegant migration path from legacy circuit voice deployments. Founded by telephony and data veterans, Cedar Point has assembled a management team and an advisory board that also include cable operations, broadband communications and manufacturing experts. Cedar Point has received funding from a high-level group of investors that includes STAR Ventures, Charles River Ventures, Battery Ventures, Comcast Interactive Capital and Ascent Venture Partners. The company is based in Derry, N.H., with additional offices in Denver, CO. For more information, please visit www.cedarpointcom.com.

CableLabs(R) and PacketCable(TM) are trademarks of Cable Television Laboratories, Inc.

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