GRAND RAPIDS, Michigan - October 22, 2002 - US Signal today announced that it is offering TDM private line services to service providers and enterprise customers in Michigan, Indiana, and parts of Illinois. In addition, based on how US Signal's service has been designed, built, and is monitored, this private line DS1 to OC192 offering has been designated a Cisco Powered Network. The US Signal optical backbone features the industry-leading Cisco ONS 15454 Multiservice Provisioning Platform, the Cisco ONS 15327, and Cisco Transport Manager, the integrated multiservice optical management system for the COMET portfolio. The Cisco COMET products provide private line SONET services delivered on a flexible, scalable, and responsive platform.

With US Signal's rapid provisioning capability, flexible collocation solutions, and unmatched density of nearly 100 on/off sites throughout the Midwest, customers are able to access reliable fiber optic connectivity. US Signal's unmatched market density brings customers closer to their business opportunities.

"Cisco is the industry leader in state-of-the-art optical networking equipment, making them the optimal choice for lighting our entire network," said Barry Raterink, President of US Signal. "By applying Cisco's proven technology to our network, which is fully constructed and paid for, we are now offering highly cost competitive, robust connectivity across the underserved markets in the Midwest. These unique strengths are already positioning US Signal as the partner of choice for regional and national telecom providers in need of end-to-end fiber connectivity."

"The goal of the Cisco Powered Network program is to accelerate service provider business," said Jeff Zanardi, Director of Service Provider Marketing, Cisco Systems. "US Signal's designation as a Cisco Powered Network allows them to offer new services to their customers by enabling end-to-end networking and quality of service, simplified network management, and streamlined support. "

US Signal's participation in the Cisco Powered Network program demonstrates to carriers and enterprise customers its commitment to providing industry-leading services that are based on Cisco solutions. In addition, as a member of the Cisco Powered Network program, US Signal is able to team with Cisco through joint marketing and technology sharing activities.