TAMPA, Fla., Jan. 31 /PRNewswire/ -- DIRECTV, Inc., the nation's leading digital television service provider, is continuously expanding the entertainment channels and services it provides to its more than 15 million customers. This expansion includes local and high definition (HDTV) programming in more than 141 markets in the U.S.

Switch and Data, a leading provider of carrier-neutral colocation and Internet exchange services, is accelerating DIRECTV's expansion with the local and regional data centers required to enable the delivery of critical content, including local standard and high definition local programming to its customers.

DIRECTV uses Switch and Data's data centers in key markets for colocation of their specialized equipment to access local programming (standard definition and high definition) from the local television stations.

Switch and Data data centers also serve as DIRECTV's regional network hub in four markets where they consolidate local collection facilities (LCF). From these hubs, the signals are consolidated again on DIRECTV's backbone and backhauled to Los Angeles, Denver, New Hampshire or Minneapolis where they uplink it to their satellites for transmission to customer dishes.

"Switch and Data provides the reliable and redundant local and regional facilities DIRECTV needs to deliver and expand their services. Our presence in 23 markets in North America allows DIRECTV to maintain consistency in the roll-out of new programming," states Keith Olsen, Chief Executive Office at Switch and Data. "DIRECTV's customers rely on them to deliver quality programming and we are pleased to have been a key component in DIRECTV's local channel expansion over the last five years."

Switch and Data manages all aspects of the physical infrastructure installation -- from power to carrier connections to roof access. DIRECTV is able to leverage Switch and Data's extensive footprint of data centers while relying on a single point of contact for billing and technical support for critical operational efficiency.

"Local channels, along with our fully integrated program guide and award- winning digital quality signal, provide the best viewing experience for DIRECTV customers," said Romulo Pontual, chief technology officer, DIRECTV, Inc. "As a reliable and efficient provider of data center services, Switch and Data has played an important role in the success of our local channel initiative."

About DIRECTV, Inc.

DIRECTV is the nation's leading digital multichannel television service provider with more than 15 million customers. DIRECTV and the Cyclone Design logo are registered trademarks of DIRECTV, Inc. . DIRECTV is a world-leading provider of digital multichannel television entertainment. DIRECTV is approximately 34 percent owned by News Corporation. For more information visit http://www.directv.com/.

About Switch and Data

Switch and Data is a leading provider of exchange and managed infrastructure services. Based in Tampa, Florida, Switch and Data operates the largest footprint of neutral Internet exchange and managed infrastructure facilities in North America supporting more than 800 customers. The company's PAIX services are available in more markets than any other neutral Internet exchange provider in North America. For more information, please visit http://www.switchanddata.com/.

CONTACT: Duncan Elliott of Switch and Data, +813-207-7786,
delliott@switchanddata.com

Web site: http://www.switchanddata.com/
http://www.directv.com/