SureWest's IP network provides multiple services over fiber and copper

Integrated communications provider SureWest Communications understands how to compete with large companies such as AT&T, SBC, and Comcast for telephone, video, data, and wireless business. Its strategy of technology innovation and enhanced service offerings has made it successful in the Sacramento, California, region. SureWest has launched an IP (Internet Protocol) network to provide customers with voice, video, and data services over both fiber and copper "pipes" as part of this strategy.

"To thrive in the highly competitive and regulated telecommunications marketplace, SureWest utilizes technology advancements to provide our customers useful and speedy new products and services that they can depend on now and in the future," said Brian Strom, SureWest President and CEO.

According to Bill DeMuth, SureWest's chief technology officer, the ability to offer a variety of video, Internet, and traditional telephone services over either fiber or copper is a competitive advantage.

"Our IP technology strategy lets SureWest provide the same new broadband data and video services to both our current ILEC customers over a copper infrastructure and to our growing base of CLEC customers over our new fiber-to-the-premise (FTTP) infrastructure."

DeMuth explains that the SureWest solution utilizes standards-based, non-proprietary systems that are truly interoperable. He says the IP deployment drives down costs for both the entry price and long-term operation.

"A well-conceived network design, such as the one SureWest has initiated, puts the company in command of its cost structure and its service portfolio," said Tom Reiman, president of Sacramento's The Broadband Group, a telecommunications planning and consulting firm. "SureWest has found a formula to simplify operations, lower its cost structure, meet current business needs, and prepare for future bandwidth and business opportunities."

"SureWest is pioneering new network technologies in order to offer advanced services," said Bob Larribeau, senior analyst at Multimedia Research Group. "SureWest's IP-based access network is one of the most advanced in North America today and should enable SureWest, as an independent telco, to continue its success against its much larger competitors."

DeMuth concludes that the flexibility and bandwidth of SureWest's IP network will help it meet the ever-increasing demand for new services. "There is a content revolution emerging," said DeMuth. "Communications companies must be ready to respond rapidly and decisively to what both business customers and home users want in new bandwidth intensive applications that combine video, high-speed Internet, and VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) communications."

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