ROSEVILLE, Calif., September 18, 2002 - Integrated communications provider SureWest Communications (Nasdaq: SURW) announced today it has deployed the Cisco ONS 15327 and Cisco ONS 15454 self-healing fiber optic rings as a transport mechanism for providing reliable voice and data services. A self-healing ring provides for automatic network backup designed for 100% redundancy, so if there is a point of failure, the service continues to function. SureWest's goal is a significant improvement in network flexibility.

"Our customers demand and depend on a high degree of system reliability," said Bill DeMuth, Vice President and Chief Technology Officer, SureWest Communications. "We have approximately 25 Cisco nodes for DS-3, OC-3, OC-12, and OC-48, along with 10/100 Megabit and 1 Gigabit Ethernet services, which are integral facets of our service to data and voice customers. The main benefits of the Cisco optical platform are its self-healing optical ring and ability to deliver multiple services."

In self-healing SONET (Synchronous Optical NETwork) ring architecture two fiber cables are deployed in a ring. The bi-directional (data traffic can move in either direction) cables connect to separate terminals at each node. So, if a ring is severed in one place, the data reverses direction meaning there is no interruption of data or voice transmission.

"Deployment of the Cisco optical platform has resulted in efficiencies for SureWest," continued DeMuth. "The ability to deliver both TDM and Ethernet services on a single platform allows quick service turn-up and provides both TDM and Ethernet customers with the benefits that SONET self-healing rings provide."

"SureWest is using Cisco optical solutions to achieve increased efficiency and reliability -- benefits service providers require to maintain customer loyalty," said Rob Koslowsky, Director of Marketing at Cisco. "Both SureWest and its customers can benefit from our innovative optical solutions."

"The self-healing rings create the type of reliability that customers such as major financial institutions demand," added DeMuth. "Even in the case of a backbone fiber being cut, the customer would not see any service interruption. Using these self-healing rings improves a network's survivability and availability while providing operational efficiencies."

SureWest is utilizing the Cisco ONS 15454 at remote sites to increase bandwidth rather than deploying more fiber. In addition, the Cisco ONS 15327 has been deployed at several large customer sites to provide robust voice and data services.

About SureWest Communications

With nearly 90 years in Northern California, SureWest Communications and its family of companies represent an integrated network of highly reliable advanced communications products and services with the highest standards of customer care. Founded as Roseville Telephone Company, the company has expanded to provide digital cable TV, fiber optics, PCS wireless, DSL, high-speed Internet access, data transport, local and long distance telephone service, and directories. For more information, visit the SureWest web site at www.surewest.com