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RCN Metro: MetroCast and RCN Metro Expand Relationship Enabling MetroCast to Deliver Reliable, High-Speed Service to Rural Mark

^{Published on 2009-07-21 05:06:15, Last Modified on 2009-07-21 05:06:22 - Market Wire}
 

HERNDON, VA and FRAZER, PA--(Marketwire - July 21, 2009) - MetroCast Communications, a leading provider of digital television, high-speed internet and digital phone services, and RCN Metro Optical Networks, a division of RCN Corporation (NASDAQ: [ RCNI ]) and a premier provider of fiber optic-based network solutions, announced today an agreement that will essentially quadruple the capacity of MetroCast's existing network in the Northeast and consolidate the communication company's IP services to the two largest Internet POPs on the East coast.

The selection of RCN Metro for additional Wavelength transport service significantly accelerates MetroCast's transition to a more expansive private network with virtually unlimited capacity. For MetroCast business and residential customers, this means enhanced access to high-speed Internet, video and other communications services.

"The expansion of our network is a major undertaking for MetroCast but will give us a competitive advantage because we will be one of the first medium-sized operators to approach connectivity between our markets in this manner and we are putting an infrastructure in place now that can effortlessly scale over time. RCN Metro's Wavelength Service is effectively the cornerstone of the project," said Joshua S. Barstow, MetroCast's VP of Advanced Services. "Our goal is to deliver the best video, Internet and phone service available to our more rural, east coast markets and this network is a major step forward in realizing that commitment."

By installing RCN Metro's 10 Gigabit Wavelength Service, MetroCast is able to centralize the network, thereby reducing the number of connections, and thus reduce the number of Internet Protocol (IP) providers needed to deliver bulk IP to an individual market. The result will be dramatically improved transport capacity that will not only enhance the end user experience but also create a more attractive environment for content delivery.

"We are pleased that we are expanding our relationship with MetroCast," said Felipe Alvarez, President of RCN Metro. "Our ability to understand our clients' needs and design a comprehensive solution that meets those needs is what sets us apart in the marketplace. Like MetroCast, RCN Metro has long served rural markets, and we strongly believe in the value of providing reliable, high-capacity solutions to these locations and giving these customers a viable alternative to the status quo," concluded Alvarez.

About RCN Metro Optical Networks

RCN Metro, [ http://www.rcnmetro.com ], is a premier provider of high-capacity transport services for carriers as well as large and medium-sized businesses. RCN Metro offers a comprehensive suite of services including: Ethernet, SONET, Wavelength, Video Transport, Internet and more. With a network leveraging unique rights-of-way, spanning from Maine to Virginia and out to Chicago, RCN Metro deploys custom solutions to service providers as well as companies in the finance, hospitality, media, government, health care and education industries. RCN Metro is a wholly owned division of RCN Corporation.

About RCN Corporation

RCN Corporation, (NASDAQ: [ RCNI ]) [ http://www.rcn.com ], is a competitive broadband services provider delivering all-digital and high definition video, high-speed internet and premium voice services to residential and small-medium business customers under the brand names of RCN and RCN Business Services, respectively. In addition, through its RCN Metro Optical Networks business unit, RCN delivers fiber-based high-capacity data transport services to large commercial customers, primarily large enterprises and carriers, targeting the metropolitan central business districts in the company's geographic markets. RCN's primary service areas include Washington, D.C., Philadelphia, Lehigh Valley (PA), New York City, Boston and Chicago. RCNI-G

About MetroCast

MetroCast, [ http://www.metrocast.com ], serves over 135 communities in the states of New Hampshire, Maine, Pennsylvania, Maryland, Virginia, Connecticut, South Carolina, Mississippi and Alabama. MetroCast provides quality entertainment and information choices to residential and commercial customers over its advanced fiber optic networks. MetroCast is committed to ensuring quality service with a variety of choices to meet the needs and interests of each and every customer. MetroCast continues to introduce new technology and provide new advanced services, products and networks increasing the value of its subscribers' home entertainment and information choices.