Taqua Switch, AFC Platform Interoperate

HYANNIS, Mass. -- Taqua Systems, Inc., a leading provider of next-generation Class 5 alternative switching platforms for voice and data convergence, today announced that its OCX(R) Class 5 switch demonstrated successful, seamless interoperation - via its robust GR-303 interface - in delivering Class 5 voice services in combination with Advanced Fibre Communications'(AFC) (Nasdaq: AFCI) AccessMAX(TM) family of Integrated Multiservice Service Platforms (IMAPs). Headquartered in Petaluma, Calif., AFC is a leading developer and manufacturer of multiservice broadband solutions for the telecommunications industry. "We congratulate Taqua for demonstrating GR-303 interoperability with AFC's AccessMAX, and look forward to deploying Taqua's OCX and AFC's AccessMAX as the anchor technologies for our next-generation network," said Jason Gay, vice president of network operations for Mid Maine Communications, a facilities-based IOC (Independent Operating Company) and Competitive Local Exchange Carrier (CLEC) offering broadband data and telecommunications services throughout Maine. Taqua Systems Inc.Advanced Fibre Communications Inc. (AFC)