Z-Tel Selects Netrake's nCite-TM- Session Controllers to Support Secure IP Interconnection for Launch of Nationwide VoIP Residential and Business Services

[June 22, 2004]

Z-Tel Selects Netrake's nCite-TM- Session Controllers to Support Secure IP Interconnection for Launch of Nationwide VoIP Residential and Business Services

CHICAGO --(Business Wire)-- June 22, 2004 -- Carrier Chose nCite Because of its Ability to Deliver Unparalleled Reliability, Scalability and Security Along with First-rate Customer Service for Carrier's VoIP Service Needs

Netrake, the premier provider of session controllers interconnecting global VoIP networks, today announced that Z-Tel Communications, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Z-Tel Technologies, Inc. (NASDAQ/SC: ZTEL), has selected and deployed Netrake's carrier-class session controllers. As a leading provider of local, long distance and enhanced telecommunications services, Z-Tel will use the session controllers to support its nationwide rollout of voice over Internet protocol ("VoIP") services for its residential and business users (both small-to-medium business customers as well as multiple-dwelling units).

Z-Tel selected Netrake's session controller because of its security features, ease of deployment and operations, and scalability. With a highly affordable cost per session, Netrake's session controller delivers a compelling business proposition to service providers of all sizes and provides the performance and stability that carriers and their customers expect when offering VoIP services.

Other important criteria in Z-Tel's decision to purchase Netrake nCite session controllers include the ability of nCite(TM) to support VoIP Peering, as well as, new residential and enterprise VoIP customers on the same platform. The industry leading session capacity of the nCite(TM) platform will simplify Z-Tel's deployment and operations and ensure substantial growth potential for these multiple applications in the future.

Z-Tel is purchasing Netrake's nCite(TM) session controllers to support its migration from Unbundled Network Element-Platform (UNE-P) to more of a facilities-based model that utilizes VoIP as its backbone. Z-Tel will use the session controllers to interconnect VoIP networks with several large VoIP service providers and to deliver new VoIP services to their residential and enterprise customers. With Z-Tel's infrastructure, facilities, and provisioning capabilities, it is well positioned to leverage VoIP technology.

"Netrake delivered on its promises by providing exceptional customer service, fast deployment and superior functionality. We are now ready to scale as well as to support high performance and advanced features in our VoIP service from day one," said Gregg Smith, president and chief executive officer for Z-Tel. "Through our strategic relationship with Netrake, we will offer our customers the highest level of service quality and security."

"After evaluating other session controller vendors, Z-Tel found Netrake's nCite platform to be the most reliable and secure solution on the market today and the one that operates with the highest level of ease and integration," said Bruce Hill, president and CEO of Netrake. "We are proud to help Z-Tel expand its services into the next-generation of telecom while also enabling the carrier to easily scale and manage its growing VoIP network needs."

About Z-Tel

Z-Tel offers consumers and businesses nationwide enhanced wire line and broadband telecommunications services. All Z-Tel products include proprietary services, such as Web-accessible, voice-activated calling and messaging features, which are designed to meet customers' communications needs intelligently and intuitively. Z-Tel is a member of the Cisco Powered Network Program and makes its services available on a wholesale basis to other communications and utility companies, including Sprint. For more information about Z-Tel and its innovative services, please visit www.ztel.com.

About NETRAKE

Netrake is the premier provider of session controllers delivering real-time control of voice and multimedia across IP networks for Tier 1 carriers and other leading service providers. Utilizing Netrake's unparalleled processing power and unique "deep packet inspection" capabilities, its nCite session controllers provide superior reliability, scalability, security and network management capabilities all in a single chassis. Netrake is Connecting the World's Voice(TM) by offering service providers a cost-effective method of interconnecting global VoIP networks. Netrake is a privately held company, headquartered in Plano, Texas. For more information, contact us at 1-800-254-6177 or visit www.netrake.com.

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