2008-11-08 19:36:02 -
www.zhone.com - Zhone Investor Relations Molly Del Toro, +1-510-777-7013 Fax: +1-510-777-7001 investor-relations@zhone.com or Zhone Public Relations Tracy Oliver, +1-510-665-7984 Mobile: +1-925-640-0989 tracy@skycastlemedia.com or Consolidated Public Relations Laura ZuHone, +1-217-234-5965 laura.zuhone@consolidated.com Zhone Technologies, Inc. (NASDAQ:ZHNE), the global leader in single-platform delivery of voice, DSL, EFM, FTTx and wireless services, announced that Consolidated Communications Holdings, Inc., (NASDAQ:CNSL) has selected Zhone's award winning
Wi-Fi system, SkyZhone(TM) to support a landmark community Wi-Fi project within the Houston Metro.
As a leading independent carrier in the U.S., Consolidated Communications has built a reputation by offering services that foster connection and build community spirit. To that end, Consolidated recently brought Zhone's carrier-grade Wi-Fi to the Conroe ISD, Woodforest Bank Stadium and Natatorium. The Texas-sized arena is no ordinary high school sports stadium. It ranks among the top three in the state in modern amenities, and spans 60 acres with seating for more than 10,000 people. Notably, the entire complex required only one SkyZhone access point and was installed and ready within a day. Signal repeaters were on hand for the installation, but weren't required. With SkyZhone, the 60 acre stadium and indoor aquatic center is now free-roaming with reliable wireless connectivity up to 10 Mbps. SkyZhone was announced in June of this year and is recognized for technology innovation with a breakthrough engineering design that solves coverage, capacity and power challenges that surrounded first generation Wi-Fi systems.
"Anyone with a compatible Wi-Fi client, whether using a laptop, PDA, or mobile phone, can easily take advantage of free wireless Internet provided by Consolidated Communications and the SkyZhone access point across the Conroe ISD Natatorium and sports complex," said Bob Udell, senior vice president for Consolidated Communications. "Installing SkyZhone Wi-Fi was an opportunity for us to give something back to our customers through the local school district, who is a great partner."
"Wireless access within the stadium gives our students a sense of open access to the world and all of its opportunities," said Dr. Don Stockton, superintendent of schools.
"Increasingly, our Telco customers are seeing SkyZhone Wi-Fi as a low maintenance and cost efficient way to introduce value added services that instill customer loyalty and become a seamless part of community life," said Steven Glapa, vice president of marketing and product management for Zhone. "We see SkyZhone as a breakthrough design that makes reliable, ubiquitous Wi-Fi obtainable for the first time."
About Woodforest Bank Stadium and Natatorium
The Conroe ISD Woodforest Bank Stadium and Natatorium is an ultra modern sports complex spanning 60 acres with stadium seating for 10,000 and a state-of-the-art indoor aquatic center. Athletes, NFL running back Rock Cartwright, Major League All-Star, Jeromy Burnitz and BMX Olympian Kyle Bennett were all graduates of Conroe ISD.
About Consolidated Communications Holdings
Founded in 1894, Consolidated Communications Holdings, Inc., (NASDAQ:CNSL) is a family of companies providing advanced voice, data and video services to both business and residential customers. Services include local and long distance high-speed Internet, digital TV, wireless phone, private line, carrier services and VoIP. Serving markets in Illinois and Texas, Consolidated Communications operates the 12th largest local telephone company in the nation. Its related businesses complement its core telecommunications business and include directory services, business systems, retail and operator services, call completion services, and fully-integrated telemarketing and fulfillment services. Additional information about Consolidated Communications Holdings, Inc. and its products and services is available at www.consolidated.com.
About Zhone Technologies -- Access for a Converging World
Zhone Technologies, Inc. (NASDAQ:ZHNE) is a global leader in multi-service access network solutions, serving more than 700 of the world's most innovative network operators. The company offers the industry's broadest fully-integrated portfolio of MSAP, FTTx, EFM and Wi-Fi access technologies, enabling a full suite of services, including residential and business broadband, VoIP, and High-Definition IPTV. Zhone's converged multi-service access platform helps operators rapidly deploy premium services using copper, fiber, and wireless while improving network agility and reducing costs. www.zhone.com
SkyZhone Wi-Fi Proves an Easy Win as Carriers Seek New Ways to
Build Customer Relationship and Strengthen Community
