Contact: Louise Boyling

Tel: 1-613-688-8000 x2130 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Email: louise.boyling@optelian.com

Optelian Takes CWDM Off the Shelf; Puts Passive Optics in Splice Trays Two New Hardened CWDM & DWDM Modules for Outside Plant Applications

Ottawa, ON/Marietta, GA March 13, 2009

Optelian is pleased to introduce two new hardened modules to aid the installation of CWDM, DWDM and other passive optics in outside plant facilities where rack space is often times unavailable.

First off, Optelian is now offering CWDM in a pigtailed module format. Up to 8 CWDM wavelengths and a 1310nm wavelength can be added or dropped with pass-through wavelengths also supported. Applications can be unidirectional or bidirectional. This compact stand-alone module at less than 3½” x 3½” x 1” fits in the most crowded cabinets and is hardened for harsh outside plant environments.

Secondly, Optelian’s highly-reliable passive optics are now available in splice tray packages. These modules are fully customizable with a choice of WDM, CWDM, and DWDM filters, splitters, circulators, and other optics. They can now be ordered in industry standard splice trays such as Tyco Electronic’s FOSC-B or D-TRAY, and Preformed Line Products (PLP)’s COYOTE.

“Optelian is known for high-quality, reliable, and affordable optical transport equipment. Now outside plant engineers can take advantage of these systems in many more applications,” said Dave Mills, Vice President of Sales at Optelian. “Adding new customers and new services at the edge of the network can be done quickly at the lowest cost, even when existing fibers are all currently in use.”



About Optelian

Optelian designs and manufactures optical transport systems for telecom, multi-service operator (MSO), utility, and enterprise customers worldwide. Since 2002, many of the world’s largest telecommunications network operators have chosen Optelian for quick delivery, custom designs, and great service. Optelian’s carrier-grade system, LightGAIN, saves power and is easy to use. Compact LightGAIN systems support a full range of optical transport applications in all segments of the network.

Optelian sales, service, and marketing are based in Marietta, Georgia; development and manufacturing are based in Ottawa, Ontario. International headquarters are in London, UK, with offices, partners, and distributors worldwide. Optelian is TL 9000-H registered.

For additional information regarding Optelian, please go to www.optelian.com.

Press release

Office of the Ohio Consumers’ Counsel

Contact: Ryan Lippe

(614) 466-7269

Ohio Consumers’ Counsel asks state regulators to reconsider phase-out of AT&T Ohio’s white pages directories

AT&T Ohio’s and other companies’ customers may be affected

COLUMBUS, Ohio - March 13, 2009 - The Office of the Ohio Consumers’ Counsel (OCC) is asking the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio (PUCO) to reconsider its allowance of AT&T Ohio to scale back its distribution of residential white pages directories. The OCC will file its Application for Rehearing later today, highlighting the impact the PUCO’s Feb. 11 decision could have on customers of AT&T Ohio and other telephone companies in AT&T Ohio’s service area.

Based on statewide data from Connect Ohio, a public-private partnership to increase access to broadband technology, the OCC concluded that approximately a half-million AT&T Ohio customers either have no computer or no access to the Internet - AT&T Ohio’s alternative to using the traditional phone book for reference. This includes approximately 410,000 customers without a computer and an additional 82,000 customers without Internet access.

In its original request, AT&T Ohio sought a waiver of an existing Minimum Telephone Service Standard (MTSS) requirement from the PUCO, which would enable the company to discontinue delivery of its printed directory to all but those customers specifically requesting one. Instead, an electronic directory would be available on the Internet and CD-ROM.

“Although some customers may have a limited need for a printed copy of the white pages, we are concerned that a significant number of customers will no longer have access to a resource they have relied upon for decades,” said Janine Migden-Ostrander, Consumers’ Counsel. “Most customers may not be aware that they need to specifically request a copy and as a result, be denied access to important information that they need. There should be a comprehensive informational campaign to educate consumers about their directory options.”

In response to AT&T Ohio’s request to limit distribution, the OCC had recommended an “opt-out” program that would allow customers to elect not to receive a residential white pages directory. Under the OCC’s proposal, delivery would continue to customers who do not opt out. The OCC also requested a phase-in period of up to two years for customers to adjust to the changes. In addition, the OCC called for customers to receive notice of the change in residential white pages delivery through bill messages and bill inserts. Under the PUCO’s decision, customers will be notified only through information in AT&T Ohio’s yellow pages directory.

Several other telephone companies that operate in AT&T Ohio’s area - including Cavalier Telephone, NuVox Communications, Sage Telecom, Talk America and tw telecom - who traditionally have relied on AT&T Ohio to publish directories for their customers also have asked the PUCO to waive their MTSS obligations to distribute the white pages directories to their customers. As with AT&T Ohio’s customers, the OCC is concerned that these companies’ customers will not be adequately notified of the need to contact AT&T Ohio for a printed residential white pages directory.

Customers also should be aware that AT&T Ohio has informed these companies that residential white pages will no longer be automatically delivered to customers in the Cleveland and Columbus markets. The company may identify additional Ohio markets in the future.

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About the Office of the Ohio Consumers’ Counsel

The Office of the Ohio Consumers’ Counsel (OCC), the residential utility consumer advocate, represents the interests of 4.5 million households in proceedings before state and federal regulators and in the courts. The state agency also educates consumers about electric, natural gas, telephone and water issues and resolves complaints from individuals. To receive utility information, brochures, schedule a presentation or file a utility complaint, residential consumers may call 1-877-PICKOCC (1-877-742-5622) toll free in Ohio or visit the OCC Web site at www.pickocc.org.