GRAND RAPIDS, MICH. — US Signal, a leading provider of network infrastructure in the Midwest, today announced that it has joined the Wireless Broadband Alliance (WBA), an operator-led organization driving the next generation Wi-Fi experience. “As a member of the WBA, US Signal will help to address the growing needs of additional bandwidth for mobile devices and smartphones by increasing access options in the markets we serve,” says Trevor Bidle, vice president of engineering, US Signal.

The WBA is comprised of 71 companies which include major fixed operators such as BT, Comcast and Time Warner Cable; and seven of the top 10 mobile operator groups (by revenue) as well as leading technology companies such as Cisco, Google and Intel. It recently welcomed seven new members including BSG, BSkyB, DOCOMO interTouch, SK Telecom, US Signal, Trustive and TeliaSonera Mobile Networks.

The mission and vision of the WBA is fitting to that of US Signal. The Wireless Broadband Alliance (WBA) is an operator-led industry organization focused on driving the next generation Wi-Fi experience through technology innovation, interoperability and robust security. Its Next Generation Hotspot program will drastically simplify public Wi-Fi access for local users and those traveling abroad, eliminating manual login authentication procedures, and improving mobile broadband services by intelligently offloading data traffic from cellular networks. This initiative will fuel the next generation of Wi-Fi service offerings which are designed to provide a cellular-style experience.

“The WBA is delighted to welcome US Signal to our unique industry group representing leading fixed and mobile operators from around the world. We are driving the next generation of Wi-Fi and transform the user experience by marrying seamless connectivity, security and speed. We are excited about the strengths and capabilities that US Signal has in enabling this experience for its customers around the United States,” said Shrikant Shenwai, CEO, Wireless Broadband Alliance.

To learn more about WBA, visit www.wballiance.com.

In June of 2011, US Signal introduced a comprehensive cloud-based solution through its Managed Data Center private Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS) offering. The Managed Data Center is built with dedicated resource pools designed to rapidly provision and host virtual private servers accessible through US Signal’s Dedicated Internet, MPLS, and Ethernet wide-area network solutions.

How Cloud Based Advanced Security Works
The new Cloud Based Advanced Security provides cloud users with an additional level of security through a virtual firewall. The virtual firewall is placed in a highly redundant carrier-grade cloud and provides a robust feature set, including a state-of-the-art firewall; content filtering; anti-spyware, anti-malware, virus protection, web proxy, intrusion detection and prevention.

Virtual private cloud environments are designed to allow customers to augment or replace legacy computer infrastructures without ongoing capital investment in equipment. Customers receive the additional benefit of a virtual installation with the resulting ability to add supplementary servers in a timely fashion. US Signal’s Cloud Based Advanced Security offering makes working via the cloud safe and secure, creating a trustworthy virtual infrastructure.

“Cloud Based Advanced Security is an extremely economical solution when coupled with US Signal’s Internet and private WAN services (like MPLS and VES) to provide seamless networking solutions,” says Trevor Bidle, vice president of engineering. “With the recent advancements in cloud-based computing and security technologies, we offer carrier-grade performance at a fraction of an enterprise IT budget.”

The Benefits of Cloud Based Advanced Security
Moving a network firewall into US Signal’s Cloud Based Advanced Security offering saves money by reducing the cost for last-mile bandwidth. Using Internet security such as IPsec and SSL VPN, remote locations are able to access a private network, using any public Internet connection.

Overall, US Signal’s Managed Data Center reduces customer capital expenditures by replacing large physical server deployments with rapidly scalable virtual environments. In addition, the Managed Data Center increases customer data security by placing data behind US Signal’s carrier-grade firewalls. US Signal’s Managed Data Center is built on Cisco and HP platforms using 3PAR storage arrays.

Background on Virtual Private Clouds
Virtual private clouds are created with customized virtual private servers featuring dedicated CPU, memory, and storage resources. They offer customers a redundant computing environment with unparalleled security and storage not available in the public cloud.

Customers can access their cloud and storage environments in the Managed Data Center using US Signal’s data products like MPLS and Virtual Ethernet or by using IPsec VPN in conjunction with Managed Security and Dedicated Internet Access.

US Signal’s Managed Data Center offering is supported by the company’s Network Operations Center. “Bringing together network and data center services provides an end-to-end service level agreement unavailable with public cloud offerings,” says Steve Vander Pol, product manager. “As technology evolves, US Signal continues to be the industry leader in the Midwest by providing comprehensive solutions for our customers that result in simplifying and streamlining their business network needs.”

To learn more about US Signal’s Managed Data Center, visit www.ussignalcom.com.

US Signal was selected from nearly 250 nominees comprised of carriers, resellers, master agencies, and hardware and software vendors.

Read the full article here.

What exactly is Managed Data Center?

Virtual Private Cloud environments allow customers the ability to augment or replace legacy computer hardware infrastructures without investing capital in equipment that may be insufficient or obsolete in a short time.  Customers get the additional benefits of a virtual installation with the ability to add supplementary servers quickly.

“Our new Managed Data Center and security offerings provide customers with the performance, availability, and quality they have come to expect from US Signal at a price point that will help them address ever-increasing budget pressures,” says Aaron Shaver, director of product development. “With the recent advancements in cloud-based computing and security technologies, we are able to offer carrier-grade performance at a fraction of an enterprise IT budget.”

How it works

Virtual Private Clouds are created with customized Virtual Private Servers built with dedicated CPU, memory, and storage resources, offering customers a redundant computing environment with unparalleled security and storage not available in the public cloud.

Customers can access their cloud and storage environments in the Managed Data Center using US Signal’s data products like MPLS and Virtual Ethernet or by using IPsec VPN in conjunction with Managed Security and Dedicated Internet Access.

US Signal’s Managed Data Center offering is supported by the company’s Network Operations Center. “Bringing together network and data center services provides an end-to-end Service Level Agreement unavailable with public cloud offerings,” says Steve Vander Pol, product manager. “As technology evolves, US Signal continues to push the envelope of unified communications by providing comprehensive solutions for our customers that result in simplifying and streamlining their business network needs.”

The Benefits

Virtual Private Cloud environments are particularly valuable in helping companies reduce costs while increasing data security. US Signal’s Managed Data Center reduces customer capital expenditures by replacing large physical server deployments with rapidly scalable virtual environments. In addition, the Managed Data Center also increases customer data security by placing data behind US Signal’s carrier-grade firewalls. US Signal’s Managed Data Center is Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS) built on Cisco and HP platforms utilizing 3PAR Storage Arrays.

To learn more about US Signal’s Managed Data Center, visit www.ussignalcom.com.

“By adding more access points to increase our extensive network reach and also providing multiple network access options including fiber, copper, and switched Ethernet, US Signal continues to deliver high quality bandwidth and managed services where customers demand it,” said Trevor Bidle, vice president of engineering.

The expansion is part of US Signal’s commitment to being the most dependable, flexible, and reliable provider of data bandwidth in the Midwest. Increasing US Signal’s market density is critical to the company’s strategy to connect growing small- and medium-size markets to larger cities.  The expansion includes adding network access in the following cities:

The expansion will increase US Signal’s footprint to more than 9,000 route miles of long-haul fiber and more than 1,100 miles of fiber optic metro rings in 24 markets connecting regions in Michigan, Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Wisconsin, Iowa, Minnesota and Missouri. The US Signal network provides on-off ramps comprised of major carrier hotel locations, incumbent telephone company central offices, and other lit buildings.

“Increasing network density in Ohio and Indiana is critical to addressing the increased demand for US Signal’s state-of-the-art networking services,” said Kirk Dombek, director of business development.  “As US Signal adds network access points, more customers will have cost-effective, reliable access to next generation data networking products and managed services.”

The expansion is part of US Signal’s commitment to being the most dependable, flexible and reliable provider of data bandwidth in the Midwest. Increasing US Signal’s market density is critical to the company’s strategy to connect growing small and medium-size markets to larger cities.  The addition of Data Center BZ allows US Signal access to a hub in Ohio that is quickly becoming a leader in technology and connectivity providers. The expansion includes central offices in:

• Warsaw, IN  (WRSWINXA)
• Lima, OH  (LIMAOHXA)
• Akron, OH  (AKRNOH25)
• Cleveland, OH  (CLEVOH64)
• Columbus, OH  (WOTNOH88)
• Worthington, OH  (DCBZOH00) (data center)

The new US Signal data center is located at 535 Scherers in Worthington, Ohio. The addition of this data center will continue to strengthen US Signal’s network presence throughout the Midwest. To learn more, visit http://www.datacenter.bz/.

US Signal’s network now includes more than 9000 route miles of long-haul fiber and more than 1100 miles of fiber optic metro rings in 23 markets connecting regions in Michigan, Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Wisconsin and Missouri. The US Signal network provides on-off ramps comprised of major carrier hotel locations, incumbent telephone company central offices and other lit buildings.

“We are pleased to announce the completion of our Southern Illinois expansion,” said Stephen Oyer, US Signal’s co-chief operations officer. “Expanding our fiber routes throughout our footprint is critical to US Signal’s strategy of responding to customer demand.”

This expansion will add approximately 1,000 miles of long-haul fiber to the US Signal network. The expansion is part of US Signal’s commitment to being the most dependable, flexible, and reliable provider of data bandwidth in the Midwest. As the nature of the work environment evolves to embrace mobility, US Signal’s expanded presence allows its customers to remain connected and have access to the information they need when they need it, using the stable network provided by US Signal. The expansion includes central offices in the cities listed below:

• Bloomington, Ill. (BLTNILXD)
• Peoria, Ill. (PEORILPJ)
• Springfield, Ill. (SPFDILES)
• Mattoon, Ill. (MTONILXC)
• Centralia, Ill. (CENLILCE)
• St. Louis, Mo. (STLSMO01 and STLSMOZC)
• Terre Haute, Ind. (TRRHINXA)

“This expansion is a key component to US Signal’s philosophy of connecting key markets with advanced data transport services,” says Kirk Dombek, director of business development.  “The newly completed long haul routes enable US Signal to deliver advanced products like Virtual Ethernet Service, which provides access to a fully meshed, scalable and reliable network to support any data bandwidth providing a multitude of options for our customers.”

According to Dombek, “The value of Ethernet for businesses is the ability to mix and match any of the available Ethernet access types not only in metro areas, but also across the entire US Signal footprint. Virtual Ethernet Service reduces the complexity of a customer’s network configuration and, therefore, interface costs are greatly reduced and multiple access types are offered.”

US Signal’s network now includes more than 9000 route miles of long-haul fiber and more than 1100 miles of fiber optic metro rings in 23 markets connecting regions in Michigan, Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Wisconsin and Missouri. The US Signal network provides on-off ramps comprised of major carrier hotel locations, incumbent telephone company central offices and other lit buildings.

Headquartered in Grand Rapids, MI, US Signal’s network includes more than 7,000 route miles of long-haul fiber and more than 900 miles of fiber optic metro rings in 22 markets connecting regions in Michigan, Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Wisconsin and Missouri. The US Signal network provides on-off ramps comprised of major carrier hotel locations, incumbent telephone company central offices and other lit buildings.

“US Signal is a nice fit,” says ValuLink CEO Clem Wyman. “We do a lot of business with customers who have locations in the Dayton, Columbus, and greater Chicagoland markets, all of which are sweet spots for US Signal.  Their peering arrangements are such that with the right mix of in-footprint locations, US Signal can provide totally secure MPLS networks to customers with locations in their region and pretty much anywhere in the country, as well.”  Wyman said US Signal has “a quality network, excellent customer service and, is priced to win.  They also have a deep commitment to their agent channel.”

Wyman is a widely recognized telecommunications expert who is often asked to speak to customer and industry groups on topics such as VoIP, SIP trunks, and Unified Communications.

With the addition of US Signal, ValuLink, which has offices in Louisville, KY, and Greenville, SC, now has over 50 service providers it can quote for customers, depending on where they are located.  Via T1 Town, ValuLink also is able to deliver other business value-add services ranging from Merchant Services accounts, to full, variable-expense cost containment evaluation services, to mobile marketing services such as Short Codes, among others.

US Signal, a leading provider of MPLS data networks and dedicated Internet access in the Midwest, today announced its selection of Broadvox as their first preferred SIP provider.  US Signal and Broadvox have established a dedicated connection providing US Signal Internet customer’s seamless access to the Broadvox VoIP/SIP services.

Utilizing VoIP on the US Signal network, customers have experienced unmatched voice service while reducing monthly phone bills.  Now with the US Signal and Broadvox peering relationship, US Signal Internet customers can enjoy same QoS provided excellence previously unavailable when using VoIP over the Internet.  US Signal customers adding SIP trunking services from Broadvox can access the Public Switched Telephone network (PSTN) without expensive local PSTN gateways and costly ISDN Primary Rate Interfaces (PRIs).

“US Signal is excited to launch our “Preferred SIP Provider Program” and we targeted Broadvox as our first preferred SIP provider because of their robust product offering and history of excellence.  We are very happy about our peering connection and the simplicity it brings to meeting our customers VoIP and SIP trunking needs” said Steve Vander Pol, product manager for US Signal. “Using the US Signal network with QoS to access Broadvox SIP services provides the customer with a dedicated connection backed by a strong Service Level Agreement to ensure a high level of voice quality.”

“Broadvox is very pleased to offer its services to customers of US Signal. US Signal has a well-deserved reputation for delivering quality broadband and service,” said David Byrd, vice president of Marketing and Sales. “US Signal has an experienced and growing channel to sell and support its markets. This peering relationship will enable Broadvox to provide SIP Trunks to expand those revenue opportunities and an industry leading SLA.”

About US Signal

The US Signal debt-free, fiber optic network is one of the largest, fully deployed networks in the Midwest, covering Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Ohio, Missouri and Wisconsin. With more than 7,000 miles of long-haul fiber and over 900 miles of fiber optic metro rings in strategic tier-one, tier-two and tier-three markets, the US Signal optical backbone features Cisco Systems Dense Wave Division Multiplexing (DWDM) technology and is designed with a SONET, redundant architecture. All of US Signal’s services are delivered over this protected network to ensure resiliency, flexibility and scalability.

About Broadvox

Founded in 2001, Broadvox is a worldwide leader in providing integrated managed VoIP services to SMBs, enterprises and carriers. It has deployed one of the largest, full-featured global VoIP networks and is trusted by more than 250 telecommunications carriers, CLECs, ISPs and several thousand enterprises to terminate and originate over ten billion minutes annually. The Broadvox network operations center provides the reliability, security and quality of service required by the world’s most discriminating customers. Broadvox offers SIP Trunking, SIP origination and termination services and hosted communications solutions. Broadvox is headquartered in Dallas, Texas. Please visit www.Broadvox.com for additional information.

Details on this contest, including a list of all 50 winners, are published in the October issue of PHONE+ magazine and in the online Channel Program Guide. The winners also will be recognized at the Channel Partners Conference & Expo in Washington, D.C., Sept. 20-22.

US Signal was selected from among hundreds of companies — carriers, resellers, master agencies and hardware and software vendors — that submitted their channel programs for the 2010 ballot. Winners were determined by the more than 1,500 votes submitted Aug. 10-20 by indirect sales partners.

“PHONE+ is proud to recognize these channel programs for their exceptional service to the channel,” said Larry Lannon, group publisher for PHONE+.
“These companies set a high standard for others in the indirect channel; how much they’re appreciated is evidenced by the number of partners that turned out to vote for their favorites.”

US Signal is a full-service fiber-optic solutions provider, offering a wide range of carrier-class telecommunications solutions to carrier, wholesale and enterprise customers throughout the Midwest. US Signal offers unlimited highspeed capacity, colocation services and also works with customers to design and build new network construction projects.

PHONE+ is the country’s leading resource for communication distribution channels. For more than two decades, PHONE+ has been the undisputed leader in providing news, analysis, education and peer-topeer networking to the indirect sales channels serving the communications industry. It is the unrivaled resource for agents, brokers, VARs, systems integrators, interconnects and dealers that provide cloudbased communications and computing services and associated CPE, applications and managed and professional services.

PHONE+ includes a monthly print publication, a Web resource, daily and weekly e-newsletters, webinars, e-books, directories and buyer’s guides. PHONE+ is available on Twitter and Facebook and
it hosts the channel community at the Channel Partners Network on LinkedIn.

PHONE+ also hosts the twice annual Channel Partners Conference & Expo. The fall conference is Sept. 20-22 at the Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center in Washington, D.C. The spring
conference is set for March 13-15, 2011, at the Aria Resort & Casino in Las Vegas.