FONEX and Zhone Provide Purpose-Built FTTH Solution for Neighboring Municipalities

MONTREAL & ROYALTON, Vt.--()--FONEX Data Systems Inc., a leading telecom equipment supplier focused on providing solutions for metro-edge, access and CPE portions of the network, and Zhone Technologies, Inc. (NASDAQ:ZHNE), a global leader in all IP multi-service access solutions, serving more than 750 of the world's most innovative network operators, join forces to bring high-speed bandwidth to ECFiber (the East Central Vermont Community Fiber Network). ECFiber is a group of 24 local municipalities who, in partnership with ValleyNet, a Vermont non-profit organization, is building a high-speed fiber-optic network capable of delivering state-of-the-art Internet and telephone service to homes and businesses in participating towns.

FONEX’s winning proposal for ECFiber configures the network for future expansion, re-uses existing outdoor enclosures, assures compatibility with existing VoIP and provides onsite training and local support. The hardware selected for this project includes a purpose-built solution with Zhone, Juniper and LambdaGain equipment, giving ECFiber the flexibility to build a scalable network which can grow in stages, as funding is raised. This solution lowers ECFibers’ CapEx and OpEx and gives the network operator access to a highly-skilled engineering and support team with nearly 25 years of experience.

“Our goal is to provide the right equipment, at the right cost, to meet the technical and operational requirements of both large and small network operators. For this particular project, Zhone’s IP equipment provides the fastest and highest-quality All-IP multi-service solutions for its customers - it was a natural fit for this community network,” stated Pasquale Ricciardi, Director, Technology & Product Management at FONEX. The purpose-built FTTH solution contains Zhone's MXK platform which is a fully redundant, carrier-grade all-IP platform and the industry's first terabit access concentrator.

FONEX doesn’t just sell equipment; we also take ownership of equipment and provide technical and operational support during and after deployment. We also have the ability to tailor support and supply services that match customers’ unique business requirements - giving NE USA network operators a partner that can maximize infrastructure optimization.

“FONEX proposed a solution that maintained compatibility with our voice provider’s services and re-used existing infrastructure. Their engineers are very knowledgeable and provided conclusive compatibility data from internal trials. We value FONEX’s continued support and expertise,” states Stan Williams, interim CEO, ECFiber.

About FONEX Data Systems Inc.
FONEX is a leading carrier-class telecom equipment supplier focused on delivering optimized network infrastructure design solutions. We specialize in providing purpose-built access, metro edge and CPE fiber optic network solutions to network service operators with the latest cutting-edge devices from top industry manufacturers. With our combined collective knowledge and integration capabilities, FONEX provides the technical expertise needed to troubleshoot, analyze and design systems that achieve the best cost vs. performance solution for our clients’ requirements. We also offer network design and staging support services. FONEX supports organizations in Canada, USA, France and Italy. For more information, please visit www.fonex.com.

About Zhone Technologies Inc.
Zhone Technologies, Inc. (NASDAQ:ZHNE) is a global leader in all IP multi-service access solutions, serving more than 750 of the world's most innovative network operators. The IP Zhone is the only solution that enables service providers to build the network of the future…today, supporting end-to-end Voice, Data, Entertainment Social Media, Business, Mobile Backhaul and Mobility service. Zhone is committed to building the fastest and highest quality All IP Multi-Service solution for its customers. Zhone is headquartered in California and its products are manufactured in the USA in a facility that is emission, waste-water and CFC free.

Zhone, the Zhone logo, and all Zhone product names are trademarks of Zhone Technologies, Inc. Other brand and product names are trademarks of their respective holders. Specifications, products, and/or product names are all subject to change without notice.

About ECFiber
ECFiber, (the East Central Vermont Community Fiber Network) is legally-constituted as a municipality through an InterLocal Contract (ILC) pursuant to Vermont Law. It has a Governing Board consisting of one delegate and one alternate delegate appointed by the Select Boards or City Council in each of the 23 member towns and one city (Montpelier).

Contacts

FONEX Data Systems Inc.
Karen Walker, 514-333-6639 x 232
Specialist – Marketing & Communications
kwalker@fonex.com
or
Zhone Technologies Inc.
Zhone Investor Relations, +1 510-777-7013
Fax: +1 510-777-7001
investor-relations@zhone.com
or
Zhone Public Relations, +1 404-460-8578
aurora.arlet@edelman.com

Release Summary

Vermont communities find an FTTH solution provider to bring state-of-the-art Internet and telephone services to local towns.

Contacts

FONEX Data Systems Inc.
Karen Walker, 514-333-6639 x 232
Specialist – Marketing & Communications
kwalker@fonex.com
or
Zhone Technologies Inc.
Zhone Investor Relations, +1 510-777-7013
Fax: +1 510-777-7001
investor-relations@zhone.com
or
Zhone Public Relations, +1 404-460-8578
aurora.arlet@edelman.com