IXC builds out for data >BY BETH SNYDER, Switching & Transmission Editor

Getting data from one place to another as quickly and efficiently as possible has become a priority for many companies. Long-distance hauler IXC Communications has seen the jump in demand and is offering data transport in addition to its already established voice services.

The fifth-largest long-distance carrier reported that it will build out fiber with frame relay and asynchronous transfer mode backbone switches in 10 major market cities. IXC already owns and operates core voice switches in five cities.

"There is an incredible demand for data out there," said Meri Braziel, IXC vice president of marketing. "Even the switchless resellers on the voice side are interested. Like everyone else, they're looking to add services.

IXC will sell data capacity to other carriers, systems integrators, resellers and Internet service providers. The interexchange carrier has installed Newbridge Networks' 36170 MainStreet ATM backbone switch in Atlanta, Chicago, Dallas, Houston, Los Angeles, New York, Philadelphia, San Francisco, Washington and Austin, Texas.

IXC's plan is to continue to concentrate on offering the core backbone pipe for transmission to companies that resell broadband services. As part of the sale, IXC will offer technical support and training as well as access to its network management system to create virtual private networks. Unlike most other carriers, IXC does not offer data services to end users.

However, IXC is looking at extending the pipe's reach by deploying access or edge frame relay switches, according to Braziel. Then instead of hooking up an ISP-owned frame relay switch, IXC would lease out its frame relay edge switch to the ISP, allowing the service provider to avoid up-front switch costs.

The growth plan to even more new cities will depend on demand, Braziel said. IXC will add new data switches where customers want them.

The new buildout includes 7000 miles of digital fiber and 100 points of presence.