NEWS RELEASE: Avantel Mexico Selects SmartNode VoIP Gateway Routers

Mexico's Premier IP Carrier Deploys Patton SmartNode(tm) as Their
Chosen Voice-over-IP Gateway for Bundled Voice and Data Services


For Immediate Release

GAITHERSBURG, Maryland - Patton Electronics--an industry leader in
access, connectivity and VoIP--announces today that Avantel has
selected Patton's SmartNode(tm) as the customer-premise VoIP solution
for their PYME Plus IP-based telephone services targeting small and
mid-sized enterprises.

Avantel, "The IP Company" (La Compañía IP), is Mexico's premier
communications service and second-largest long-distance carrier, as
well as providing local phone service. Avantel's new PYME Plus service
package offers dedicated Internet access bundled with local, long
distance, and mobile-cellular minutes plus 800 phone numbers-all for
about 40% less than those combined services would typically cost.

Patton's SmartNode(tm) Modular VoIP Access Router combines a
Voice-over-IP gateway and a secure QoS router in a single low-cost
modular device. The powerful combination enables Avantel to reduce
operating costs while delivering the high-quality integrated voice and
data services their business customers need most-at a price they can
afford.

"Patton offered Avantel the key value proposition of
SmartNode(tm)-namely, the ability to deploy services with a
fully-integrated CPE solution that includes both the Router and the
VoIP Gateway" said Armando Morillo, Patton's Sales Director for Latin
America.

"Patton plays well with others," said Antonio Torre, Product Marketing
Manager for Avantel. "Avantel was looking for a reliable and responsive
VoIP vendor. Patton's SmartNode is flexible and reasonably priced. It
connects seamlessly with Avantel's network platforms and protocols.
Plus, the support Patton has provided is one of the best in the
market-before, during and after the sale. Patton has proved to be a
true business partner, ready and able to adapt, quick to
customize...making sure their solutions work well in our network and
for our customers."

Avantel has deployed hundreds of Patton's SmartNode Model 2300 VoIP
Gateway Routers at customer sites during the initial roll-out of their
IP-based SOHO services.

"IP has become the new foundation for all communications. It's not just
for web surfing anymore," said Scott Whittle, Patton's Director of
Product Management. "Avantel is an industry innovator with the right
focus on all IP-based services. We count it a privilege to launch this
long-term partnership with such a quality-focused service provider."

"Patton is pleased," Mr. Whittle continued, "to combine our advanced
Voice-over-IP technology with Avantel's high-value services to deliver
integrated voice and data communications for businesses throughout
Mexico."


About the SmartNode(tm) family of VoIP Gateway Routers

The SmartNode(tm) family of VoIP gateways and routers offer
compact-desktop and modular voice/data IAD solutions for service
providers and enterprises. The SmartNode 1000 and 4520 series SOHO and
branch office IADs support one or two ISDN BRI So ports or 2-8 analog
ports as well as a full-featured QoS VPN Router. The modular 19"
SmartNode 2300 series are designed for medium and large enterprise
applications featuring on-board LAN and WAN interfaces and a range of
PMC based voice interface cards/expansion modules. Interface cards
provide flexible port configurations for ISDN, T1, E1, PRI, BRI and
FXS. The SmartNode 2400 series supports up to 96/120 Voice-over-IP
connections in a single 1U 19" chassis.


About Avantel

Avantel "The IP Company" solutions in Mexico, offers a wide portfolio
of telecommunications services especially tailored to meet the diverse
needs of companies of all sizes and sectors, from intelligent voice and
data transmission to virtual private networks (VPNs), integrated
telecommunications packages and managed services. Avantel's network,
the country's second largest, is the best positioned to provide
IP-based solutions. Its Data Centers, directly connected to its
backbone, allow it to provide robust, reliable Internet access and
server hosting as well as network design and management.


About Patton

Patton Electronics Company is a US manufacturer and marketer of data
communications products, including VoIP/ToIP gateways & routers, Remote
Access (V.92, V.90, K56Flex, V.34+, and ISDN dial-in), Last Mile/Local
Loop Access (T1, E1, and xDSL modems, NTUs and CSU/DSUs), Multi-Service
Access (voice, intranet, extranet, and Frame Relay access), and
Connectivity (interface converters, short range modems, multiplexers,
and surge protectors).

For more information or to request a free datacom catalog, please
contact .

Patton Electronics Company
7622 Rickenbacker Drive
Gaithersburg, MD 20879 USA
Tel: +1 301.975.1000
Fax: +1 301.869.9293
Email:
Web: http://www.patton.com/

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