SBC, Westar Satellite Services ink fiber-optic deal

August 29, 2005 San Antonio, TX -- SBC Communications has signed a contract to provide fiber-optic services to Westar Satellite Services of Cedar Hill, Texas. Under the terms of the contract, SBC companies will provide SBC's Broadcast Video TV1 Service, which delivers high-speed fiber-optic connections designed to enable real-time delivery of broadcast-quality video.

SBC companies will also provide Westar with SBC PremierSERV Dedicated Internet Access (DIA) through the company's OPT-E-MAN switched Ethernet connections.

The services will enable Texas-based Westar customers, including broadcasters, government agencies, retail companies, and other organizations, to transfer video and other information to the Westar network co-location facilities and satellite earth station.

In addition, SBC will provide its PremierSERV network management platform to Westar's Dallas-area headquarters facility, delivering full-time network maintenance through a single point of contact to help Westar maximize network reliability and service quality.

"SBC companies' fiber-optic connections allow our Texas customers to instantly transfer broadcast-quality video, data, and voice streams for uplink to satellite or routing to other customers on our network," comments Rob Tannor, CEO of Westar Satellite Services. "SBC companies delivered on their promise of timely deployment by completing the project in less than three months. With the help of SBC companies, we expect to expand Westar's footprint and reach a greater number of customers."

"We appreciate the opportunity to expand our relationship with Westar," adds Bob Ferguson, group president and CEO of SBC Enterprise Business Services. "Our fiber-optic services will provide highly reliable, high-speed connectivity, allowing Westar's Texas customers to uplink and share video and other information quickly and reliably."