OpTel Becomes TVMax

OpTel Inc. said Friday that it has emerged from Chapter 11 bankruptcy
protection with a new name -- TVMax Inc. -- and a plan to roll out digital-video
service.

TVMax -- which offers video and data service to multiple-dwelling units in 11
cities in nine states -- said it would aggressively move digital product onto
its systems within the next 60 days.

In addition to its digital service, TVMax said in a press release that about
20,000 subscribers are eligible to receive high-speed-data services, and the
company will work to grow that footprint in the next 18 months.

OpTel filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in October 1999. Last
August, the company said its unsecured creditors had approved its reorganization
plan.

TVMax passes about 320,000 units and has some 50,000 subscribers in its
largest market.

The company provides service in south Florida; Tampa, Fla.; Atlanta;
Washington, D.C.; Indianapolis; Chicago; Houston; Dallas; Phoenix; Denver; and
San Francisco.