MetaSwitch Helps the New Frontier Go Greener

One of the nation’s largest rural communications companies chooses MetaSwitch unified communications solution for energy-efficient next-generation messaging

Las Vegas, NXTcomm 2008: June 2008. MetaSwitch today announced that Citizens Communications Company (NYSE:CZN), which provides services under the name Frontier Communications, is deploying MetaSwitch’s unified messaging solution to deliver voicemail and fax services to business and residential subscribers. Following an initial roll out in select locations, Frontier plans to expand the service to more than 2 million subscribers in 24 states. The centralized MetaSwitch solution will replace 55 older, less feature-rich and less efficient legacy regional voicemail solutions from a variety of manufacturers. In addition to standardizing these services, the solution will result in significantly reduced energy requirements, supporting Frontier’s commitment to environmental responsibility and to wise use of resources for the best customer experience.

“As one of the largest rural telephone companies in the nation, we needed a flexible solution that could immediately scale to millions of subscribers,” said Michael Golob, vice president, engineering & technology for Frontier. “Intense due diligence led us to select MetaSwitch. It has the services we want to offer our customers. In addition to streamlining business operations and upgrading seamlessly into Frontier’s network, MetaSwitch’s centralized unified messaging system enables us to significantly reduce our carbon footprint.”

MetaSwitch’s IP-based voicemail system reduces hardware costs by eliminating the need to support dedicated TDM facilities, enabling Frontier to consolidate real estate resources and reduce “windshield time” and fuel costs to travel to various sites for technical maintenance. Centralizing network support and maintenance for remote locations lets Frontier maximize service continuity by leveraging its existing network infrastructure of off-the-shelf servers as opposed to proprietary hardware. Built from the ground up as a next-generation messaging platform, the IP-based solution is pre-integrated with the company’s class 4/5 softswitch via SIP, but also supports Simplified Message Desk Interface (SMDI) and Voice Profile for Internet Mail (VPIM), enabling the solution to seamlessly replace legacy voicemail systems. Electronic faxing will also reduce paper consumption and landfill dumping and preserve natural resources. Many organizations have reported decreased operating costs resulting from reductions in paper, ink and extra phone lines often required to run a traditional fax service.

“As companies continue to seek new services in order to increase revenue and customer retention, they are also mindful of discovering ways to reduce their environmental impact,” said Graeme MacArthur, chief executive officer, MetaSwitch. “MetaSwitch is committed to producing high-quality, easily deployable technologies that simplify the transition to next-generation networks, reduce operational costs and lower carbon emissions.”

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