CNS Re-Enters IXC Market

Consolidated Network Services (CNS, Booth 807) is re-entering the interexchange carrier wholesale network market in Illinois, Indiana and Missouri after completing several network additions.

CNS is a wholly owned subsidiary of Consolidated Communications Inc., which serves markets in Illinois and Texas and is the 15th largest independent local telephone company in the nation.

CNS recently completed phase one of its redundant network build connecting St. Louis to its local exchange markets in Illinois. The ringed network also extends to Springfield, Ill., and includes a metro ring. The second phase is planned to be operational in 2006 when Terre Haute, Ind., and Indianapolis markets are added to the network.

Consolidated Communications first entered the interexchange carrier marketplace as Consolidated Network Inc. in the mid-1980s and has been anxious to reenter this business and again serve the Indianapolis, St. Louis and Chicago triangle, says Brian Carr, CNS vice president. We recently took advantage of the opportunity to purchase indefeasible right-to-use fibers, which will lower our costs and provide increased capacity and optimization for existing and potential new customers.

Consolidateds network enhancements will allow the company to provide a wholesale network alternative for carriers seeking to interconnect with Consolidated Operator Services in central Illinois.