News Release

GTE Launches Internet Connectivity Service To Enable Multiple T1 Access

Works Closely with Cisco Systems to Provide Unique
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Jul 07, 1998

Works Closely with Cisco Systems to Provide Unique Alternative to T3 Access Lines



CAMBRIDGE, Mass. -- July 7, 1998 -- GTE Internetworking, a division of GTECorporation (NYSE: GTE), today introduced its Multi-T1 managed Internetconnectivity service for businesses that need increased bandwidth but findT3 access too expensive. Designed in conjunction with Cisco Systems, thenew Multi-T1 service provides increased capacity and performance throughaggregated T1 lines, offering competitively priced andhigh-speed/high-volume Internet access.

"We quickly realized that our business was growing so fast that we neededmore than a single T1 connection and GTE Internetworking enabled us topurchase additional T1 lines to support our new office and services," saidReginal McLaurin, president and founder of Art Unique, a rapidly growingInternet-based service business. "The Multi-TI service allows us to pursuenew business opportunities with minimal risk because of the flexibility toadd bandwidth easily, quickly and cost-effectively."

With the new Multi-T1 service, customers can bundle between two and six T1lines, getting the capacity and performance ranging from 3Mbps to 9Mbpswithout the expense of a T3 connection. GTE Internetworking's Multi-T1 isenabled by Cisco Express Forwarding (CEF), a Cisco IOS. software functionality, which balances traffic across all T1 lines, generating consistent performance at a level equivalent to a fractional T3.

"Until today, businesses looking to add to their Internet capacity had onlyone option - purchasing a T3 line. Now our customers are free to expandtheir access connections using aggregate, load-balanced, multimegabit, T1lines at a reduced cost," said Richard Kane, service line manager for GTEInternetworking's Managed Connectivity Service. "Our work with Cisco waskey to developing this new service, enabling us to create scalability withthe T1's and to obtain true aggregate bandwidth."

The Multi-T1 service is available in various service level options and canbe contracted with either a flexible or fixed priced plan. The basicinstallation requires the use of a Cisco 4700 series router with four serial ports, and the necessary number of CSU/DSU's for the equivalent number of T1's. GTE Internetworking will lease or sell the hardware needed - enabling customers to receive the same Cisco products and technology that power some of the world's largest business networks.

"Cisco's high-performance, reliable networking solutions enable leadingservice providers like GTE Internetworking to offer differentiatedservices," said Larry Lang, vice president of marketing for Cisco's ServiceProvider line of business. "GTE's relationship with Cisco and ourJumpStart consulting program enables us to develop new services and deliver them to market well ahead of the competition. GTE Internetworking and Cisco worked together to make the Multi-T1 concept a reality through the JumpStart strategic joint marketing program. In the program, GTE Internetworking and Cisco assembled a joint marketing team to create and manage a service delivery plan that included marketing, training, and tools development to support Multi-T1."

GTE Internetworking has been designated a Cisco Powered Network. For itsparticipation in the program, GTE has access to the Cisco Powered Networklogo, marketing support and network technology, enabling it to provideinnovative services and industry-leading solutions.

GTE Internetworking's new Multi-T1 service is now available in 27 locationsincluding: Atlanta, Baltimore, Boston, Chicago, Cleveland, Dallas, Denver,Houston, Los Angeles, Minneapolis, New York City, Palo Alto, Calif.,Philadelphia, Richmond, Va., San Diego and San Jose.

About GTE Internetworking

GTE Internetworking, a unit of GTE Corporation (NYSE:GTE), includes theformer BBN Corporation, which 29 years ago developed the ARPANET, theforerunner to today's Internet, and GTE Intelligent Network Services, whichprovides Internet services to consumers and small businesses. With itsacquisition of Genuity, Inc. in December 1997, GTE Internetworking now has12 global data centers and a unique load balancing technology for Web hosting.

GTE Internetworking offers customers, from consumers to Fortune 500companies, a full spectrum of integrated Internet services using IPnetworking technologies. GTE Internetworking delivers complete networksolutions, including dial-up and dedicated Internet access, high-performanceWeb hosting, managed Internet security, network management, systemsintegration, and Web-based application development for integrating theInternet into business operations. GTE Internetworking draws upon BBN'sexpertise in funded research and development of advanced technologies,including satellites, digital radio, multigigabit routers, security, andspeech, and GTE's strong existing telecommunications services, includinglocal and long distance, wireless, paging, video, and Internet.

Cisco Systems

Cisco Systems, Inc. (NASDAQ:CSCO) is the worldwide leader in networking for the Internet. at http://www.cisco.com.

For more information visit Cisco PR Contacts

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Internet Advantage is a service mark of GTE Internetworking Corporation.

JumpStart, Cisco, Cisco Systems, Cisco IOS and the Cisco Systems logo areregistered trademarks of Cisco Systems, Inc. in the U.S. and certain othercountries. All other trademarks mentioned in the document are the propertyof their respective owners.