OAKLAND, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Zhone Technologies, Inc. (NASDAQ:ZHNE - News), a global leader in network access solutions, announced today that Hardy Telecommunications has selected Zhone platforms and SLMS Access Operating System to expand tiered broadband offerings to business and residential customers throughout its rural West Virginia serving area. Hardy will offer Voice over IP (VoIP) and high-speed data services using a combination of Zhone’s ADSL2+ and DSL Reach technologies integrated via the SLMS Access Operating System.

Known as the Mountain State, West Virginia’s topography is characterized by forested mountain ranges and deep valleys, making Zhone’s extended reach DSLAM technology critical to Hardy’s success in delivering broadband coverage to 99 percent of its serving area. Hardy offers service plans with data rates up to and beyond 6 Mbps, well above the national average. As of September 2009, the average broadband speed in the US was 4.2 Mbps, ranking only 18^th internationally.

“Our experience with Zhone DSLAMs and modems, and the entire Zhone team is consistently outstanding, which made it an easy decision to choose Zhone for our ADSL2+ expansion,” said Bobby Armistead, Project and Internet Operations Manager for Hardy Telecommunications. “The products are high value and low-to-no maintenance and that level of reliability is very important to us given the vast geographical challenges and the number of locations we serve.” Hardy currently has over 100 Zhone platforms in 35 locations throughout its serving area, Mr. Armistead added.

“By delivering reliable high-speed data and VoIP with sophisticated call features, Hardy has contributed in a vital way to the quality of life for both businesses and families throughout the area,” said Michael Fischer, VP of US sales for Zhone. “Zhone’s integrated approach to access networking provides clear visibility and greater network control which has proved invaluable given the considerable provisioning challenges presented by the rural topography.”

In addition to tiered broadband over copper and wireless services, Hardy plans to offer tiered bandwidth over fiber, VoIP over copper, VoIP over wireless and VoIP over fiber, further leveraging Zhone’s any service/any media technology portfolio.

About Hardy Telecommunications

Hardy Telecommunications, Inc. is a community owned telecommunications cooperative founded in 1953. Hardy is committed to providing exceptional customer service, innovation and technology at the best value to its members, all while enhancing the quality of life in the communities served. In the future, Hardy Telecommunications will continue to expand its serving area and add new services and technology to meet customer needs. http://www.hardynet.com

About Zhone Technologies — Access for a Converging World

Zhone Technologies, Inc. (NASDAQ: ZHNE - News) is a global leader in multi-service access solutions, serving more than 700 of the world's most innovative network operators. The company offers the industry's only fully-integrated portfolio of MSAP, FTTx, EFM and Wi-Fi access technologies, improving network agility and reducing the costs of delivering the full spectrum of access services, including residential and business broadband, VoIP, and High-Definition IPTV — over copper, fiber, and wireless. Zhone is headquartered in California, and its MSAP products are all manufactured in the USA, in a facility that is emission, waste-water, and CFC free.

Zhone, the Zhone logo, and all Zhone product names are trademarks of Zhone Technologies, Inc. Other brand and product names are trademarks of their respective holders.

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