The Independent Launch Press Release

Chicago, IL (February 14, 2005) – Telephony magazine, the telecom industry's leading publication for service providers, introduced today the first issue of The Independent, a quarterly supplement dedicated to information for independent service providers. In the first publication exclusively devoted to these independent risk-takers, The Independent’s editorial examines the unique business strategies, operational practices, technology deployments and management insights that are pertinent to the fast-paced world of the independent service provider. With every issue, 7,800 independent subscribers will receive industry-defining news on broadband, triple-play services, regulatory and wireless.

In the debut issue of The Independent, the cover story presents an in-depth examination of Iowa Telecom’s IPO, a high-dividend paying business model, and the impact this will have on the independent market. The premier issue also reports on Mescalero Apache Telecom’s blending of VoIP with fixed wireless, Rio Rancho, New Mexico’s citywide establishment of a Wi-Fi network and SaskTel's preemptive strike on cable competition. “Future issues of The Independent will be developed with extensive feature stories as well as interviews with leading operations managers in the independent community,” explains executive editor Vince Vittore. “Since independents often take the lead when it comes to technology innovation, we will continue to profile these independent service providers' practices and risk-taking endeavors.”

In addition to the print publication, Vittore will also be hosting a monthly Independent E-newsletter that will deliver crucial news, regulatory developments and in-market intelligence that is currently changing the face of the independent sector. This dynamic news and analysis will be delivered direct to the inboxes of 10,000 subscribers.

"Independent service providers have unique interests, concerns and methods, and The Independent supplement and monthly E-newlsetter are our first products to cater directly to that group,” states Group Publisher, Mark Hickey. “We are excited to deliver a comprehensive product that identifies and investigates the business practices, technology deployments and network operations that are representative of independent telco enterprises."

About Telephony Telephony is the leading publication for all communications service providers: new and incumbent, wireline and wireless. Telephony delivers insightful and thoughtful coverage of the news, technologies and business strategies driving the industry. Telephony is delivered to more than 62,761 service providers and industry professionals. Telephony can be found on the web at www.telephonyonline.com. BPA Audit June 2004

About PRIMEDIA PRIMEDIA Business Magazines & Media is a leading producer of targeted publications, Web sites and exhibitions that bring sellers together with qualified buyers. It consists of more than 70 publications, 130 Web sites, approximately 100 e-mail newsletters, more than 20 trade shows and more than 450 directories and books that serve professionals in 20 market sectors including: Agribusiness, Communications, Electrical & Public Services, Entertainment, Marketing and Transportation. More information about the company can be found at http://www.uptilt.com/c.html?s=42n,8cpo,ut9,hrt2,e0g9,6it8,i4ix.

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