CopperCom Wins at Rural IOC

BOCA RATON, Fla. -- CopperCom today announced the deployment of its Converged Switching eXchange (CSX(R)) next-generation switch at Border to Border Communications, an independent telephone company based in Zapata, Texas. Border to Border Communications selected the CSX softswitch as the foundation for a major infrastructure upgrade that will extend Internet Protocol (IP)-based voice services and fiber to homes into rural areas of south Texas. The CopperCom CSX is replacing Border to Border Communications' 20-year old Class 5 switch.

In keeping with its commitment to delivering the highest quality voice, data and high-speed Internet access services, Border to Border is deploying fiber directly to subscriber homes where possible. In more challenging areas, they will use wireless local loop technology as the access solution. The CopperCom CSX is a perfect vehicle for voice over IP services in either scenario as the company has field experience in both types of deployments.

Border to Border Communications serves approximately 100 ranches and residences in an 850-square-mile area south of Laredo. With approximately one customer every square mile, the carrier's low subscriber density required it to evaluate softswitches that could be implemented in a host-remote configuration. Border to Border chose CopperCom's CSX because of its proven host-remote capabilities, as well as CopperCom's reputation for superior service and product reliability and commitment to the rural telecommunications providers.

"We pride ourselves on responsiveness, and CopperCom understands what reliable service means," said Curtis Hunt, co-owner of Border to Border. "Replacing a legacy switch is a complex process, and CopperCom proved that it has both the legacy voice knowledge and the deep understanding of next-generation VoIP services we need to migrate our network. We have been very happy with the performance and capability of their Voice over IP solution."

"Border to Border shares our focus on using the most advanced technology available to offer customers a steady stream of enhanced features," said Mel Ethem, vice president of sales for CopperCom. "They're committed to delivering the greatest possible value at the highest service levels and we're extremely pleased to be partnering with them to deliver these services to their customers."

CopperCom