CLEC US Lec Corpa (MM)

Launch signals expansion of successful managed firewall IP/VPN service CHARLOTTE, N.C., Dec. 21 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- US LEC Corp. (NASDAQ:CLEC), a full-service provider of IP, data and voice solutions to businesses and enterprise organizations throughout the Eastern United States, today announced the launch of its Small/Medium Branch (SMB) Firewall service. This new offering expands upon the success of its existing firewall IP/VPN service and responds to the large customer demand for a complete turnkey solution able to effectively service small and medium branches and businesses with firewall protection. "The launch of the SMB Firewall service allows US LEC to better serve the needs of our customers with small branch offices or those with more simplistic Internet access needs, supplying a cost-effective and robust firewall option," said Jeffrey Blackey, senior vice president of marketing and business development at US LEC. "This solution provides businesses with the freedom and peace of mind to concentrate on running their business, allowing US LEC to support their network through our state-of-the-art NOC and 24 x 7 network maintenance." Firewalls provide considerable protection by controlling the type of traffic that travels between the company computers and the Internet. Controlled by a device placed between the customer's LAN and their Internet access provider, the firewall is configured with a set of rules that match a security policy dictated by the company's security needs. In addition to the protection that a firewall provides from Internet "hackers," an Internet Protocol based Virtual Private Network enables secure communication over the public Internet through the use of advanced encryption protocols and methods. Offered as a site-to-site connection, SMB Firewall enables workers, contractors and smaller offices to securely connect to vendors and other institutions. US LEC's SMB Firewall is designed to cost-effectively serve the needs of branch offices as well as offices with uncomplicated needs for Internet protection, such as the encryption of financial data when processing loan information or the maintenance of a multimedia website via a broadband connection. Aiding in the requirement to adhere to consumer privacy and protection initiatives, the SMB Firewall service includes 24 x 7 monitoring as well as cost-effective repair and replacement options. About US LEC Based in Charlotte, N.C., US LEC is a full-service provider of IP, data and voice solutions to medium and large businesses and enterprise organizations throughout 16 Eastern states and the District of Columbia. US LEC offers advanced, IP-based, data and voice services such as MPLS VPN and Ethernet, as well as comprehensive Dynamic T(SM) VoIP-enabled services and features. The company also offers local and long distance services and data services such as frame relay, Multi-Link Frame Relay and ATM. US LEC provides a broad array of complementary services, including conferencing, data backup and recovery, data center services and Web hosting, as well as managed firewall and router services for advanced data networking. US LEC also offers selected voice services in 27 additional states and provides enhanced data services, selected Internet services and MegaPOP(R) (local dial-up Internet access for ISPs) nationwide. For more information about US LEC, visit http://www.uslec.com/. Except for the historical information contained herein, this report contains forward-looking statements, subject to uncertainties and risks, including the demand for US LEC's services, the ability of the Company to introduce additional products, the ability of the Company to successfully attract and retain personnel, competition in existing and potential additional markets, uncertainties regarding its dealings with ILECs and other telecommunications carriers and facilities providers, regulatory uncertainties, the possibility of adverse decisions related to reciprocal compensation and access charges owing to the Company, as well as the Company's ability to begin operations in additional markets. These and other applicable risks are summarized in the "Caution Regarding Forward-Looking Statements" and "Risk Factors" sections and elsewhere in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the period ended December 31, 2005, and in subsequent reports, which are on file with the Securities and Exchange Commission. US LEC is a registered service mark of US LEC Corp. US LEC and Design (R) is a registered service mark and trademark of US LEC Corp. StarNet(TM) and MegaPOP(R) are service marks of US LEC Corp. Media Contact: Paul Wilson, US LEC, 704-319-6875, Investor Contact: James Stawski, US LEC, 704-319-1189, DATASOURCE: US LEC Corp. CONTACT: Media, Paul Wilson, +1-704-319-6875, or , or Investors, James Stawski, +1-704-319-1189, or , both of US LEC Web site: http://www.uslec.com/

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