Albeni Falls Dam Powers IP Future with Mitel Solutions

Mitel®, a leading provider of IP communications solutions, today announced that Albeni Falls Dam, a power-generating dam located on the Pend Oreille River in Bonner County, Idaho, has selected the Mitel SX-200 IP Communications Platform (ICP) to provide enhanced wireless communications capabilities to its employees. The integration of the Mitel IP platform and SpectraLink (Nasdaq: SLNK - News) NetLink i640 Wireless Telephones eliminates Albeni's code call system, a common means of public notification used in industrial powerhouses, providing direct contact with employees whether inside or outside the dam to further enhance its business communications and increase employee safety.

Albeni selected the Mitel solution over other communications solutions because it enables Albeni's mobile maintenance staff to work more efficiently, productively and safely armed with Wireless Telephones that operate under the harsh and demanding environment of the dam site. The push-to-talk walkie-talkie function allows Albeni to communicate with employees immediately if there is an emergency in the dam area. The SX-200 ICP is equipped with built-in auto-attendant and easy-to-use voicemail solution that ensures calls are routed to employees with desktop sets as well as mobile staff.

"Before our upgrade, we were unable to directly communicate with our mobile maintenance employees within the dam," said Joe Summers, Product Manager, Albeni Falls Dam. "For the equivalent of the cost of a basic paging system, the Mitel solution provides our employees with a direct phone link, the value and flexibility of mobility and the full-features and capabilities of regular desktop phones."

Seamless Migration Path

The Mitel ICP systems enable a gateway to "wireless enable" traditional PBX, safe-guarding the investment Albeni made over a 20-year period. The new integrated Mitel wireless IP solution also allows Albeni to implement a single wireless network within their facility that will support voice and data devices from a single call controller. The solution also is capable of multi-line support, walkie-talkie communications, choice of access points and supports text alerts.

"This is a prime example of how a company can continue to see the benefits of its voice network," said Paul Butcher, President and Chief Operating Officer, Mitel. "The Mitel solution protects Albeni's existing investment in technology while at the same time provides a gateway for an advanced wireless solution and sets the foundation for the future deployment of cutting-edge IP applications that will improve productivity and increase cost savings."

Mitel completed the project with its solution provider, TNT Communications, the oldest established telecom systems integrator providing voice, data, cabling and network design solutions to Eastern Washington, Northern Idaho, and Western Montana.

About Albeni Falls Dam

Albeni Falls Dam was built at the site of a natural falls named after an early settler, Albeni Poirier. Albeni Falls Dam was authorized for construction under the Flood Control Act of 1950. This Act was signed by the United States Congress in response to a great flood that swept over the river valleys of the Columbia basin in 1948. Albeni Falls Dam was built from January 1951 to December of 1955 at a total cost of 34 million dollars. Today, it produces over 200 million kilowatt hours of electrical energy each year.

About Mitel

Mitel is a market leader for voice, video and data convergence over broadband networks. With a focus on the user experience, the company delivers advanced communications solutions that are easily customized for individual business needs. Mitel solutions extend from intuitive desktop appliances and applications through to Applications and Services Gateways that enable business process integration and enhancement. Customers are provided with innovative ways to leverage their resources and migrate to the benefits of IP communications at their own pace. Mitel is headquartered in Ottawa, Canada, with offices, partners and resellers worldwide. For more information please visit www.mitel.com .

Mitel and logo are registered trademarks of Mitel Networks Corporation.

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