GST Telecommunications Inc. (Vancouver, WA) announced completion of the first phase of its Virtual Integrated Transport and Access (VITA) network with the turn-up of 13 cities on the network. The VITA network uses a combination of Internet protocol, packet, frame, cell technology, and next-generation switching equipment in conjunction with the central office switches GST already operates throughout its western U.S. footprint. The second phase of the network is expected to be fully operational by early 1999 and will add five more cities.