OCCAM NETWORKS INTRODUCES BROADBAND LOOP CARRIER PLATFORM
Occam Networks, a start-up based in Santa Barbara, California, introduced a Broadband Loop Carrier platform that combines the functionality of a digital loop carrier (DLC), a DSLAM, a media gateway and a loop tester into an environmentally hardened platform that could be deployed in remote terminal cabinets.  Key features of Occam’s platform include the ability to support lifeline POTs on every ADSL port, the capability to support softswitched voice services over a completely packetized local loop, up to 64 Gbps of aggregate system capacity, and the choice of multiple T1, ATM or Gigabit Ethernet transport to the central office.  High bandwidth to the CO would support future VDSL services.  Occam's initial product is a 24 port ADSL and POTS system, with 4xT1/E1 and optional fiber optic 10/100 Ethernet network transport.  The BLC-1100 device, which is currently in trial, measures one rack unit in height (1.75") for installation in smaller remote terminals.  Occam will also offer a modular unit with a redundant, 64 Gbps switching fabric that supports TDM, ATM or native packet transport.  The BLC-2200 device, which is slated for trials in Q4, measures five rack units in height and can provide any combination of ADSL and POTS, G.SHSDL, rate-adapted Gigabit Ethernet, T1/E1, and ATM interfaces.  http://www.occamnetworks.com
Occam Networks, March 30, 2001

• Occam Networks is headed by Lisa Farr, who previously worked as a project manager for Cadence Design Systems’ Telecom/Datacom Design Center. Prior to that, Farr played a key role at StrataCom/Cisco, developing the company’s first voice/data integration product for Frame Relay and ATM networks, as well as in the development of Cisco’s first Voice over IP product.  Occam’s technical team is led Mark Runner, previously a Systems Architect for Cisco Systems.
   
• Occam Network has raised approximately $41 million in venture financing since it was founded in April 1999.  Investors include US Venture Partners, New Enterprise Associates, Norwest Venture Partners, The Anschutz Group, Windward Venture Partners, Crescent Ventures, and Hook Partners.
   
• Occam Networks is named after the 14^th century English philosopher William of Ockham, who originated the principle known as Occam’s Razor – “It is vain to do with more what can be done with less.”

BROADWING CEO SEES ECONOMICS FAVORING LIT FIBER OVER DARK FIBER
Speaking at an investment conference in New York, Rick Ellenberger, president and CEO of Broadwing, said the current economic situation is moving customers toward lit bandwidth services and away from dark fiber.  The economics don't favor the expense of capital to light the fiber.  Broadwing has already sold and installed six OC-192 circuits.  http://www.broadwing.com
Broadwing, March 30, 2001

WILLIAMS BOARD OKs SPINOFF OF WILLIAMS COMMUNICATIONS
Williams' board of directors approved a tax-free spin-off of the company’s communications business to Williams’ shareholders in the form of a dividend.  Williams will distribute approximately 400 million shares, or about 95 percent of the Williams Communications common stock it currently owns, to holders of Williams common shares on the record date of April 9.  Distribution is to occur on April 23. The company says Williams Communications has sufficient capital in hand to meet its needs well into 2002.  http://www.williams.com/news/newsreleases/rel704.html
Williams, March 30, 2001

WILLIAMS COMMUNICATIONS RAISES $1.4 BILLION
Williams Communications raised $1.4 billion in structured notes due 2004.  Williams provided indirect credit support for the transaction through a commitment to issue Williams’ equity in the event of a WCG default. The proceeds will be used for capital spending on telecommunications assets.  Williams Communications also sold its Canadian enterprise services business unit, Williams Communications Canada, to TELUS for an undisclosed sum.  http://www.williams.com/news/newsreleases/rel703.html
Williams Communications, March 30, 2001

VELOCITA (PF.NET) REPORTS PROGRESS ON NATIONAL FIBER BUILD
Velocita Corp., previously known as PF.Net Communications, reported a higher number of customers and an increase in circuits to existing customers over initial segments of its nationwide fiber network.  Velocita has built over 3,250 route miles of conduit in less than 11 months.   http://www.velocita.com/
Velocity, March 30, 2001

• In February, AT&T extended its joint construction partnership contract with Velocita to include an additional 1,300 route miles. This expanded relationship also allows for Velocita to acquire an additional 7,200 miles of dark fiber, allowing the company to grow its own nationwide network from 10,800 miles to approximately 18,500 miles.
   
• Last September, Velocity (PF.net) appointed Buddy Pickle as its CEO.  Pickle formerly served as President and Chief Operating Officer of Teligent and President and Chief Operating Officer of UUNet Technologies.  In June, Robert Annunziata, the former CEO of Global Crossing, agreed to serve as Chairman of the company's board of directors. 
   
• Velocita (PF.Net) has raised more than $700 million in financing to support the build-out of its long-haul fiber backbone.  The network will have a minimum of six conduits and use Lucent's TrueWave RS fiber.   Investors include Odyssey Investment Partners and Koch Industries, which already owns extensive rights-of-way and pipelines across the US. 

BT ORDERED TO PROVIDE WHOLESALE LEASED LINES TO OTHER CARRIERS
OFTEL, the official regulator for the UK telecom industry, ordered BT to negotiate new wholesale leased lines arrangements allowing other carriers to provide a wide range of dedicated telecommunications services.  Operators will be able to gain access to BT's leased lines network and therefore compete more effectively with BT and each other.  The order refers to ten operators that BT must negotiate new wholesale leased lines arrangements with, including Energis Communications, Cable & Wireless (Mercury), MCI WorldCom, Fibrenet (UK), Thus, Global Crossing (UK), GTS Network (Ireland), COLT Telecommunications, NeosCorp and MML Telecommunications.  http://www.oftel.gov.uk/press/releases/2001/pr29_01.htm
OFTEL, March 29, 2001

• In February, BT published terms and conditions for local loop unbundling, including prices for the use of the local copper loop and the method for allocating space at BT exchanges.