UD and state complete high-speed data network

4:14 p.m., Nov. 20, 2003--City Signal Communications, a leading provider of metro dark-fiber optic networks in the Mid-Atlantic states, announced today it has completed construction on a network for the University of Delaware that will supply the infrastructure for UD’s dedicated Internet and data transit. The 100-mile fiber ring will provide UD unlimited bandwidth and result in lower fixed costs, effectively addressing the current and future needs of both UD and the state of Delaware’s Department of Technology and Information (DTI).

UD and DTI recently formed a partnership to share new and existing network resources. In working together, and with the addition of City Signal’s state-of-the-art fiber network, UD and DTI have created a redundant fiber connection that will not only provide increased bandwidth, but will ensure critical redundancy for the state’s information transport network.

“The partnership is a demonstration of the value of collaboration and sharing resources,” said UD President David P. Roselle. “The fiber ring provides network access at more than 20 times the speed with no increase in cost. It will also facilitate research and instructional use of Internet 2, as well as enhance access to the Internet for our students, faculty and staff.”

The partnership is also a significant milestone for the state. “Building collaborative partnerships that benefit the state of Delaware is one of the primary goals of the Department of Technology and Information,” said state CIO Thomas Jarrett. “By leveraging our existing relationship with the University of Delaware and partnering with City Signal, we will be able to provide better quality service to state agencies, who in turn service state taxpayers and business entities from around the world." In improving its data network, DTI’s collaboration with UD fulfilled a variety of goals, including: significantly increasing bandwidth for the same price that was paid before; gaining a secondary network provider to allow for redundancy and the ability to support critical, bandwidth-intensive initiatives like e-Government and video applications; a redundant fiber connection to competitively-priced Internet and Internet 2 service providers in Philadelphia; and the opportunity for enhanced collaboration with UD on future technological initiatives.

“City Signal is certainly proud to be entrusted with carrying much of the critical data traffic generated by the University of Delaware and the state Department of Technology and Information,” said John Foley, City Signal president and CEO. “The collaboration and shared vision of these two prestigious entities will result in a world-class network in the state of Delaware. At the same time, integrating City Signal’s dark fiber network will allow them to cut fixed transport costs and improve the speed and efficiency of their applications.”

The University is on schedule to light the new network and transition services sometime in November.

About the Department of Technology and Information
The department, created by an act of the Delaware General Assembly in 2001, is the primary technology enabler of technology solutions for Delaware state agencies. The secretary of the department is the state's chief information officer and also serves as the governor's primary technology advisor. The department serves all state of Delaware agencies, including approximately 35,000 state employees and teachers as well as 117,000 students in 19 school districts statewide. Under the leadership of DTI, the state of Delaware has been nationally recognized for several groundbreaking technology initiatives. The state of Delaware is a leading corporate domicile. More than half a million business entities have their legal home in Delaware including more than 50 percent of all U.S. publicly traded companies and 58 percent of the Fortune 500.

About City Signal Communications
City Signal Communications delivers metro dark fiber solutions enabling service providers and enterprise customers to deploy broadband applications. Located in key Mid-Atlantic and Midwest markets of the United States, its multi-ring networks provide customers with last mile connectivity to key buildings in the central business district and suburban communities. CSC’s strategy is to push the edge of its networks deep into the suburban landscape.

Founded in 1999 and based in suburban Philadelphia, the company has received funding from MC Venture Partners, BB&T Capital Partners and Bank of America. For more information, visit the company's web site at [www.citysignal.com].

About UD
The University of Delaware has grown from its founding as a small private academy in 1743 to a major university. As one of the oldest land-grant institutions, as well as a sea-grant, space-grant and urban-grant institution, Delaware offers an impressive collection of educational resources. Undergraduates may choose to major in any one or more of over 100 academic majors. The University's distinguished faculty includes internationally known scientists, authors and teachers, who are committed to continuing the University of Delaware's tradition in providing one of the highest quality undergraduate educations available.

The University enrolls over 16,000 undergraduates and nearly 3,000 graduate students. As a state-assisted, privately controlled institution, the University seeks to enroll students from diverse backgrounds and a wide variety of geographic regions. Currently, 60 percent of Newark campus undergraduates are nonresidents who represent nearly every state and several foreign countries. The University of Delaware is strongly committed to enrolling and retaining minority students.

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