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ANPI Named RICA's Preferred Provider of VoIP Services

Telecom Consortium, ANPI, to Provide Their "No Boundaries" VoIP Solution to RICA Members

Associated Network Partners, Inc. (ANPI) and the Rural Independent Competitive Alliance (RICA) are pleased to announce the formation of a strategic partnership designed to enable RICA members to participate in the assembly of a nationwide, next generation based Independent Telco VoIP network.

As RICA's exclusively endorsed VoIP solution provider, ANPI will offer design, sales and support of a facilities-based approach to voice over IP. RICA members will benefit from aggregated pricing, specialized training opportunities and a combined focus on diversification of revenue streams and enrichment of margins associated with traditional TDM-based services.

The RICA/ANPI partnership will enable members to deploy emerging technology in a manner that maximizes utilization of their existing networks, according to RICA Chairman Paul Schuetzler. "Both RICA and ANPI recognize the strength that independents gain when working together. This partnership offers members the opportunity to learn not only from their peers in RICA, but from ANPI as well. We see VoIP becoming an expansion/growth strategy for many RICA member companies. Having the expertise, experience and innovative approach of ANPI as a resource is a tremendous benefit."

Likewise, ANPI CEO Dave Lewis expresses his enthusiasm. "We're very excited about the strategic relationship with RICA. In this time of great change and volatility, long-term strategic collaborations are important if we are to successfully respond to our changing marketplace and continue to successfully bring innovative services to rural America. RICA is recognized for its progressive leadership, and we're looking forward to jointly developing products and training curricula that help the Independent realize the opportunities that are clearly before us through technologies such as VoIP."

RICA is the single largest CLEC association in the nation, with 78 voting members. The association is dedicated to being recognized as the voice of small rural competitive exchange carriers and seeks to provide opportunities, education and support for its membership. ANPI is a consortium owned by 325+ Independent Telephone Companies spanning 38 states within the U.S. In addition to VoIP, ANPI also provides Independents with wholesale long distance, toll-free service, national directory assistance, and marketing services. For more information, interested parties can visit www.rica-alliance.org or www.anpi.org.

Distributed by Market Wire