Touch America Acquires Fraud Protection Software from Equinox Information Systems

PROTECTOR 10.0 AND SHOWCDR TO HELP TOUCH AMERICA PREVENT FRAUD

Nashville, TN — May 31, 2002 - Nashville-based Equinox Information Systems today announced that Touch America (NYSE: TAA), a national broadband products and services company, has implemented Protector 10.0 and ShowCDR for fraud management and call detail record (CDR) reporting initiatives.

Protector 10.0 provides real-time fraud protection to carriers by identifying instances in which a customer's actual usage varies from expected usage in a manner that suggests fraudulent activity. ShowCDR is a complementary software system that provides real-time searching and reporting capabilities for telecoms that require up-to-the-minute data to manage their network of switches. 

"We chose the Protector 10.0 fraud management system to significantly reduce telecom fraud costs," explained Stacy Shearer, Touch America's director of Billing and Revenue Assurance. "Coupled with ShowCDR, these two software applications play an important role in simplifying our network management processes, helping our customers, and reducing costs due to telecom fraud."

"We are excited that Touch America has chosen to deploy Equinox software to help manage its network," said Scot Rand, who is responsible for North American business development for Equinox. "This technology investment clearly demonstrates Touch America's commitment to protecting their customers from telecom fraud."

About Touch America
Touch America, Inc. is a national broadband fiber optic network and product and services telecommunications company, providing customized voice, data and video transport, as well as Internet services, to wholesale and business customers. Branded TOUCHAMERICA, the company's state-of-the-art 23,000-mile fiber optic network will span 26,000 miles, cross 40 states, and reach more than 140 major cities in 2002, making it one of the largest and highest capacity long haul networks in the United States. The company provides the latest in IP, ATM and Frame Relay protocols and private line services for transporting information with speed, privacy and convenience. Touch America has approximately 800 employees in 21 offices in 17 states and the District of Columbia. More information can be found at www.tamerica.com.

About Equinox
Founded in 1986, with hundreds of customers worldwide, Equinox Information Systems is a global provider of software solutions for the telecommunications industry. Providing a full range of software applications, which are backed by exceptional customer support, the company offers solutions in areas critical to profitability and network efficiency, including mediation, fraud detection, CDR and switch administration, and network management, as well as custom application development. For more information, visit Equinox at www.equinoxis.com.