Intermedia plans major DSL expansion

(Telephony) - Intermedia Communications announced today that it will roll out DSL service in more than 1300 U.S. cities via Rhythms NetConnections.

The length and value of the deal were not disclosed. The contract will not be affected by WorldCom's pending acquisition of Intermedia, because the merger stipulates that Intermedia is to remain a distinct entity, said Frank Pulask, senior manager of IP products for Intermedia.

The move significantly expands Intermedia’s DSL footprint, which previously covered only 12 tier one cities such as Boston, New York and Chicago.

With this rollout, which began last Friday, Intermedia will complete its coverage of tier one cities and extend to about half of the country’s tier two markets, said Frank Pulaski, senior manager of IP products for Intermedia. The company will move into tier three and four markets with future announcements, he added.

For Intermedia, which focuses on small and medium-sized business, the rollout is viewed as an extension of data service the company makes available to corporate offices, such as T-1 and OC-X services. DSL, said Pulaski, is a fit for those companies’ remote offices that do not justify such high-end services. “We think that this bundle gives us another strength towards that mid-market company that has remote sites,” he said.

In keeping with its corporate focus, Intermedia is offering enhanced security features for its DSL service. Optional security includes a firewall and virtual private network service.