11/21/2005

QSC supplies network connectivity for the Gothaer Group

Branch offices now communicating with headquarters over fast data lines

Cologne, November 21, 2005. QSC AG (QSC), a nationwide telecommunication provider with its own DSL network, has now supplied the Gothaer Insurance Companies and some 1,200 of their branch offices throughout Germany with high-performance network connections for a Virtual Private Network (VPN) and central Internet access, handling both the logistics as well as on-site installation of the connections.

"Our objective was to build a future-proof, scalable infrastructure and to significantly lower our previous connection fees," explains Dr. Herbert Schmitz, whose responsibilities on the Gothaer Management Board also include information technology and telecommunications. In a joint project with IDG, Gothaer´s IT/TC service provider, QSC AG supplied the branch offices with broadband DSL Internet access, linking them with the headquarters of the Gothaer Insurance Companies in Cologne via a VPN. Headquarters, itself, was equipped with a scalable STM-1 connection, whose total bandwidth of 155 Mbit/s satisfies the high demands required for a VPN.

In connection with this project, QSC AG not only supplied the online access hardware; together with its logistics partner DB Telematik, it also handled physical delivery of the equipment as well as all required installation work at each of the some 1,200 locations.

"This major contract has again given QSC an opportunity to demonstrate that it is a reliable and flexible partner in implementing large networking projects," notes Bernd Puschendorf, Chief Sales and Marketing Officer at QSC AG. "Together with our logistics partners, QSC has proven its ability to replace traditional network structures with modern, future-proof broadband access within a matter of months."

About Gothaer

With premium income of over € 4 billion and some 3.5 million insured members, the Gothaer Group is one of Germany´s largest insurance companies, offering all lines of insurance. Gothaer believes in providing its customers with high-quality, personal advice. As a mutual insurance company, Gothaer embraces the concept of solidarity among the insured base.

About QSC AG

Cologne-based QSC AG (QSC) is a nationwide telecommunication provider with its own DSL network, supplying businesses and premium residential customers with a comprehensive portfolio of broadband communication options ranging from leased lines in various bandwidths to voice and data services right through to custom enterprise networks (VPN). QSC operates on a nearly nationwide scale and connects together with its subsidiary celox more than 110 German cities with its own broadband network infrastructure. The group presently employs a workforce of some 460 people and is a member of the TecDAX 30, representing Germany´s 30 leading public technology companies.

For further information please contact:

QSC AG
Dennis Knake
Corporate Communications
Mathias-Brüggen-Str. 55
50829 Cologne, Germany
Fon: +49 (0)221/6698-285
Fax: +49 (0)221/6698-289
E-mail: presse@qsc.de