Stage 2 Networks, a New York-based converged network services provider, announced the approval of its Competitive Local Exchange Carrier applications from the New York State Public Services Commission in accordance with the FCC Telecom Act of 1996.

A provider of hosted PBX (News - Alert) and converged network solutions, Stage 2 Networks offers a robust network with connectivity, quality of service and local number portability available across the country, according to the company.

Depending on the communication requirements of individual customers, Stage 2 Networks is now offering more choices in the form of PRI and TI circuits adding diversity to the existing line of products and services.

In doing so, voice and data transportation into the PBX is allowed, providing a migratory path to next generation technology as well as IP-enabled voice.

'This is another major milestone for Stage 2 and our customers. Our choice of becoming a CLEC was driven by the desire to control one more element in the delivery of voice and data services,'  Joseph P. Gillette, CEO of Stage 2 Networks, said.

Acquiescing with Gillette, Roy Chirdo, CTO, Stage 2 Networks added that customers would now have access to hosted solutions, control over the underlying infrastructure, and this augured well for the support staff.This was an opportunity for Stage 2 networks to work alongside the customers and find solutions that catered to their individual needs.

The Addition of PRI and TI hosted service offering would help companies benefit from a single provider and that in turn would offer more choices and solutions complementing the communications platform.

A TI signal, which provides 1,544 megabits over 24 channels is divided by a Primary Rate Interface. 23 channels are dedicated to voice and one channel is dedicated for data. As data is received on separate dedicated line, there is no waiting on batches of information.

PRIs allow for caller ID with the name associated to the caller ID. This product is used by companies such as inbound call centers where incoming caller name and ID is important. Unlike PRIs, T1 circuits only identify a caller's main directory number and not the complete caller ID.

Such a product is ideal for companies such as outbound call centers or other businesses where caller identification is not necessary.

Stage 2 is well known around the world, for its CLEC capabilities in the New York metro market. It also provides phone line replacement at reduced cost with enhanced functionality. All of Stage 2's products are supported by robust data connectivity that can fully integrate its customers' communication platform for both voice and data services across multiple locations.