NECA Services Partners with ATS to Offer OSS, Billing Solutions to Over 1,000 Telcos

In a partnership that will bring best-in-class operation support systems (OSS) and billing services to over 1,000 independent and rural exchange carriers at outstanding prices, NECA Services, Inc. (NSI) has teamed with Advanced Technologies & Services, Inc. (ATS). NSI will offer its customers ATS leading OSS and billing solutions, including revenue and service assurance at the switch, intercarrier billing and validation, network optimization and network automation solutions.

NECA Services Partners with ATS to Offer OSS, Billing Solutions to Over 1,000 Telcos

Wayne, NJ, September 23, 2002 -- In a partnership that will bring best-in-class operation support systems (OSS) and billing services to over 1,000 independent and rural exchange carriers at outstanding prices, NECA Services, Inc. (NSI) has teamed with Advanced Technologies & Services, Inc. (ATS). NSI will offer its customers ATS leading OSS and billing solutions, including revenue and service assurance at the switch, intercarrier billing and validation, network optimization and network automation solutions.

With telecom companies currently focusing on getting the most out of their existing facilities, outsourcing key operations and billing support services has become increasingly important. Yet, these types of services have not been oriented toward small and midsize carriers. The NSI-ATS partnership aims to fill that gap.

This is a natural extension of our traditional billing and collection programs, as well as some of the other new services we are now providing to our numerous clients," observes Jack Miller, executive director -- business development at NECA Services. We are excited to offer our customers these best-in-class solutions at competitive prices."

We are very pleased that NECA Services finds value in adapting our industry-leading solutions to serve its mostly small and midsize customers," states Randall Guthrie, ATS president. We look forward to supporting NECA Services in bringing these valuable solutions -- proven at solving the problems of some of the largest carriers -- to bear on the unique problems small telcos face."

NECA Services, Inc. was formed in 2000 to pursue new business opportunities, drawing on the skills and experience of NECA's professional staff. NECA, established in 1984, is an association of over 1,000 independent and rural ILECs that administers interstate access tariffs, various government universal service programs, and engages in related activities.

Advanced Technologies & Services, Inc. was founded in 1995 and is a leading provider of operating support service and billing solutions, including revenue and service assurance at the switch, intercarrier billing, network management and planning reports, and network automation. An Inc. 500 Fastest Growing Company," ATS has recovered revenues and reduced costs of over $1 billion for its clients since its founding.

###