LEACO Taps Exalt for Backhaul Network Transition to All-IP

CAMPBELL, Calif., April 11, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Exalt Communications today announced that LEACO, a rural telecommunications and high-speed Internet provider serving southeastern New Mexico, has deployed Exalt microwave backhaul systems to upgrade its infrastructure to an all IP-based network. A mix of Exalt licensed and license-exempt microwave systems is helping LEACO upgrade its network in a highly flexible and cost-effective manner.

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Founded in 1954, LEACO has expanded and transformed its business to become one of the region's leading telecommunications providers of wired and wireless telecommunications and high-speed Internet services to a population of nearly 175,000 people across an area of 10,000 square miles. LEACO provides wireless cellular, Wi-Fi, paging, local and long distance telephone services, wired dial-up, DSL, and high-speed Internet services via a fiber optic ring. Currently in the process of deploying an infrastructure to support a transition to an all-IP core, LEACO's requirements have led the provider to choose microwave backhaul systems from Exalt.

The project is led by LEACO's Vice President of Technology and Operations, Eldon Prax, who is a long-time proponent of Exalt's highly flexible platform approach to microwave backhaul. In fact, Prax, who has been in his current position with LEACO since last fall, estimates that between LEACO and his previous position with one of North America's largest railroad operators, he has deployed over 1,000 Exalt systems.

"We selected Exalt as our microwave technology partner not just because of the technological advantages, but also because Exalt is committed to our business," said Prax. "Being 'Exalt-powered' really means something to a smaller provider like LEACO. At our size and in a highly competitive market, we require networking solutions and a technology partner that can meet our ever-changing requirements. Exalt's highly flexible platform provides the features and agility we require to differentiate our offerings and compete head-to-head with national providers."

LEACO deployed Exalt EX-Series 5 and 6 GHz, and ExploreAir 11 GHz microwave systems. To meet the evolving needs of its customer base, LEACO required a highly flexible system with native support for both Ethernet and TDM to simplify the transition to an all-IP network.

"The requirements necessary not only to compete, but to transform and thrive in the telecommunications industry, have changed significantly since LEACO was founded almost 60 years ago," said Amir Zoufonoun, president and CEO of Exalt Communications. "Unlike many other independent telcos who have disappeared or are struggling to survive, LEACO has made critical investments in technology – Exalt systems among them – that enable the company's continued growth and success. With Exalt, LEACO has the options, performance, capacity, and flexibility needed to evolve its network to IP cost-effectively and on its schedule."

About Exalt Communications
Exalt Communications provides next-generation microwave backhaul systems to mobile operators, service providers, government agencies, and enterprises worldwide. Exalt systems are designed to solve the network bottlenecks associated with the growing demand for IP-based voice, data, and video applications and the resulting migration from TDM to IP-based networks. With a flexible architecture and universal product platform covering multiple market segments, Exalt provides a full range of microwave backhaul systems that meet the demand for cost-effective and flexible alternatives to fiber and leased lines. www.exaltcom.com

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SOURCE Exalt Communications