Vivid Networks and Big Sky Communication to Deploy the First Fiber-to-the-Home Network in the State of Montana

Fiber-to-the-home (FTTH) market leader Optical Solutions Inc. is working with Vivid Networks and Big Sky Communication to deploy the first fiber-to-the-home network in Montana. The new network will deliver converged voice, high-speed data and video services to more than 1000 residents and businesses in the Baxter Meadows development in Bozeman.

"Baxter Meadows is the first ‘fiber powered’ community in Montana, and it will truly be a world class place to live and work," said Brock Williams, president of Vivid Networks. Vivid, a competitive local exchange carrier (CLEC) based in Billings, is deploying the network in Baxter Meadows, 150 miles west of Billings.

Vivid Networks is partnering with Big Sky Communication, a FTTH integrator, to oversee and implement the project. "FiberPath is the best, most proven access technology in the marketplace, and Optical Solutions is the PON vendor with the most experience and deployments in the country," said Shane Linse, president of Big Sky.

Vivid Networks has already started construction of the FiberPath® 400 fiber-to-the-home network, which uses a passive optical network (PON) architecture to deliver converged voice, video and data services from a central office to a customer premise. Once service is initiated, each subscriber will receive high-speed data service, multiple phone lines and hundreds of analog and/or digital cable-TV channels. The first phase is scheduled for completion in the first quarter of 2003.

"This is a very exciting deployment for us," said Brian Brown, vice president of sales and service at Optical Solutions. "Baxter Meadows is providing residents with the big bandwidth only fiber can deliver, and it will be used to further economic development and community services in the area, in addition to helping residents enjoy a whole new world of entertainment."

About Optical Solutions Inc.

Since 1996, Optical Solutions Inc. has been leading the FTTH industry with its patented FiberPath® fiber-to-the-home solution, which incorporates a passive optical network (PON) for broadband delivery of voice, video and high- speed data directly to the home and broader community. Now in its fourth generation, Optical Solutions’ systems can be found live and fully operable in communities throughout America and Canada. Optical Solutions’ customers are facilities-based service providers including independent telephone companies, competitive and incumbent local exchange carriers, utilities, municipalities and housing developers. For more information, please visit: http://www.opticalsolutions.com .

For more information about Big Sky Communication, please call 406-656-5030.