SureWest Expands its FTTP Network

As of 30-June-2004, SureWest Communications was serving over 32,000 revenue-generating units (primary voice, video and data subscribers over its IP-based FTTP network in the Sacramento, California region. Subscribers to SureWest's data service, a dedicated 10mbps synchronous fiber connection, increased by 85% year-over-year to nearly 11,400. SureWest also now offers fiber service for the small-and-medium-enterprise (SME) business market.



In SureWest's incumbent local exchange (ILEC) territory, total DSL subscribers -- including those employing new modems to receive video over ADSL -- increased 17.8% year-over-year. Combined video and data DSL penetration of residences is now 22.6%.



SureWest's ILEC lines decreased 1.9% from second quarter 2003 levels due to continued wireless substitution, the replacement of traditional business access lines with digital trunks and a reduction in second lines. However, year-over-year growth in DSL subscribers offset second line losses, and nearly 30% of SureWest Wireless subscriber base resides in the ILEC territory. http://www.surewest.com