3Com Awards U.S. Cities for Improving Education Systems and Public Communications with Technology.

Business Editors/High-Tech Writers

WASHINGTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Jan. 22, 2004

Company's Urban Challenge Campaign Continues National Effort to Create 'Connected Communities'

3Com Corporation, Marlborough, Mass. (Nasdaq: COMS) in collaboration with The United States Conference of Mayors today awarded grants totaling $500,000 in networking equipment and consulting services to five U.S. cities. As a key component to 3Com's Urban Challenge program that helps cities integrate technology into communities and enhance education and public communications systems, the company to-date has committed $5.1M in grants.

"The Urban Challenge program represents 3Com's commitment to help communities across the U.S. integrate technology into their school systems," said Susan Bowman, SVP, human resources, 3Com. "We are determined to help bridge the digital divide existing in this country, allowing children to have the tools for success and help the cities give every student an equal opportunity for a brighter future through technology."

Created in 1999, 3Com's Urban Challenge program helps bridge the digital divide by working directly with mayors who are committed to integrating technology into the fabric of their communities to increase access to educational programs, job-training, health care and other municipal services.

"Students at every level should have access to the best technology possible to further their education," said Hempstead Mayor and Conference President James Garner. "Unfortunately, the reality of the digital divide still challenges many communities. These grants will help close the gap."

3Com's Five Urban Challenge 2003 Winners:

Erie, PA - Mayor Richard E. Filippi

The Erie City School District, led by Superintendent Dr. James E. Barker and the City of Erie, PA, are better preparing the city's students for academic and professional success using the grant award to extend Erie's participation in Project Portal/Erie-WINS (Erie-Wide Area Information Network System). This initiative will connect 21 schools, the city's technology center and administrative and service offices in a powerful, fiber optic network. Each networked site will utilize a full gigabit of bandwidth to distribute voice, data and video applications to all classrooms and offices within the school district.

Braintree, MA - Chairman of the Board of Selectmen Timothy G. Egan

The Town of Braintree, MA, led by Chairman of the Board of Selectmen Timothy G. Egan and Braintree Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Peter A. Kurzberg, is meeting the challenges of the federal "No Child Left Behind" (NCLB) Act with the grant award to upgrade its schools' computer networks that support teaching, learning and student record keeping.

Omaha, NE - Mayor Mike Fahey 

The City of Omaha, NE in cooperation with the Millard Public Schools is using the grant award from 3Com's Urban Challenge program to complete Project WIN, a major initiative designed to create a Wireless Instructional Network (WIN) for Millard's schools. Omaha educators can now provide students and teachers with faster, more productive use of online resources and curricula - Project WIN's foremost objectives.

Utica, NY - Mayor Timothy J. Julian

The Oneida-Herkimer-Madison BOCES in partnership with the City of Utica is dramatically expanding its computer-based learning curricula with the grant award. The Utica City School District will deploy 3Com wireless access points at Utica's Proctor High School, which it is currently renovating and expanding, enabling the school to broaden students' use of advanced academic applications.

Grand Junction, CO - Mayor Jim Spehar

Mesa County Valley School District 51, led by Superintendent Dr. Tim Mills, is using a grant award to provide a strong network infrastructure to support the ParentBridge Project. ParentBridge a web-based system that provides pertinent, student-centered information to parents, teachers and students via a secure web connection that serves more than 20,000 students and their families.

3Com's Urban Challenge was first announced in July 1999 as an ongoing relationship with The United States Conference of Mayors. Winners are determined based on written input from the city detailing what their city would do for educational and community services if granted technology and services from 3Com.

About 3Com Corporation

3Com is a leading provider of innovative, practical and high-value voice and data networking products, services and solutions for enterprises of all sizes and public sector organizations. For further information, please visit www.3com.com, or the press site www.3com.com/pressbox.