Neutral Tandem Reinforces Commitment to Nation's Telecommunication Infrastructure

Leading Tandem Provider Becomes Government Emergency Telecommunications Service Compliant Within Its IP-based Tandem Network


CHICAGO, Jan. 14, 2008 (PRIME NEWSWIRE) -- Neutral Tandem Inc. (Nasdaq:TNDM), a leading provider of tandem services to wireless, wireline, cable telephony, and VoIP providers, announced its compliance with the Government Emergency Telecommunications Service (GETS) for Neutral Tandem's IP-based switching architecture. GETS is a White House-directed emergency telecommunications service managed by the Department of Homeland Security. It provides emergency access and priority processing in the local and long distance segments of the Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN), including for wireless calls.

"We are committed to improving the integrity of the nation's telecommunications infrastructure," said Rian Wren, Chief Executive Officer at Neutral Tandem. "Becoming not only the first competitive tandem service provider to secure this certification but also the first IP-based GETS-compliant tandem service provider, is consistent with the significant nationwide investments Neutral Tandem has made in providing diverse tandem switching for competitive carriers."

"Expanding GETS to Neutral Tandem increases the robustness of this critical telecommunication service for National Security / Emergency Preparedness (NS/EP) individuals, and takes a step forward in evolving GETS to the Next Generation IP Networks," commented Dennis Berg, Deputy Program Director at Computer Sciences Corporation (CSC), the National Communication System's integration contractor.

Neutral Tandem has invested millions of dollars building critical network infrastructure in the U.S., particularly in the Atlantic and Gulf State regions threatened by Hurricanes and Tropical Storms. Neutral Tandem currently provides service in nineteen markets in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, and Texas.

"One of our central focuses has been building out our infrastructure within the Gulf states. We are now operational in nine Florida markets and are one of the few carriers to invest in post-Katrina New Orleans," said Mr. Wren.

Within the Atlantic and Gulf State Regions, Neutral Tandem is operational in Birmingham and Huntsville, Alabama; Fort Myers, Gainesville, Jacksonville, Miami, Orlando, Pensacola, Tallahassee and Tampa, Florida; Atlanta, Macon and Savannah, Georgia; New Orleans, Louisiana; Jackson, Mississippi; Charleston, Columbia, and Greenville, South Carolina; and Dallas, Texas. The Company expects to be operational in Montgomery, Alabama and Daytona Beach, Florida within the first quarter of 2008.

About Neutral Tandem, Inc.

Headquartered in Chicago, Neutral Tandem, Inc. is a leading provider of tandem services primarily to wireless, wireline, cable and VoIP providers. Founded in 2003, Neutral Tandem facilitates inter-carrier communications with a cost-effective alternative to the Incumbent Local Exchange Carrier (ILEC) network. Neutral Tandem's solutions build redundancy, security and operational efficiencies into the nation's telecommunications infrastructure. As of November 30, 2007, Neutral Tandem was capable of connecting approximately 245 million telephone numbers assigned to carriers. Please visit Neutral Tandem's website at: www.neutraltandem.com.

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