As Interpath Solution Partner, Business Communications, Inc. -BCI- To Provide Internet-Based Services.

GREENSBORO, N.C.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--July 13, 1999--

-- A First For BCI, Customers To Benefit From Comprehensive

Portfolio of Business Technologies --

Business Communications, Inc. (BCI), a leading North Carolina interconnect provider, today announced that they have signed an agreement with Interpath Communications, Inc., a rapidly growing network-based Application Service Provider (ASP), to provide Interpath's turn-key, Internet-based services from basic connectivity to sophisticated messaging services. As the demand for Internet-based business services continues to grow, the relationship with Interpath will significantly enhance BCI's ability to meet the needs of current customers and expand its market share.

As an Interpath Solution Partner, BCI can now supply its customers with a comprehensive portfolio of Internet business technologies in conjunction with their voice services. The relationship represents the first such venture for BCI and promises to strengthen its commitment to meeting the communications needs and challenges of businesses by supplying end-to-end Internet-based solutions as well as quality voice services.

"Interpath Solution Partners benefit from the ability to provide their customers with the highest caliber of applications and services, coupled with the unparalleled reliability that is Interpath's trademark," said Keith Bowman, Director of Interpath's Channel Sales division. "As our partners are better able to service their customers, they enhance their own existing revenue streams."

"We are pleased to be a part of Interpath's Solution Partner program," said Linda Whitaker, President of BCI. "Through this relationship, our customers can now take advantage of Internet-based business solutions without the difficulty of deploying and supporting them. As an Interpath agent, our customers can receive whole product solutions for their Internet needs."

Interpath Communications, based in Research Triangle Park, NC, uses its own fiber-optic network to provide a wide range of business services, including consulting and connectivity, intranet/extranet development, business application hosting and other e-business services, to medium and large customers throughout the Mid-Atlantic region.

About Business Communications, Inc.

Founded in 1975, Business Communications, Inc. (a Ronco Communications company) is a certified Woman Owned Corporation providing telephone, voice, data, sound and now internet communications. BCI is well poised to provide the latest technology enabling businesses to move into the future.

BCI provides a broad range of services from Digital PBX and Key Systems to Voice Processing Applications. BCI is the only interconnect with a Specialty Products Division capable of installing Professional Audio Solutions ranging from Small Offices to the Largest Stadiums & Arenas. The BCI Data Division can provide the Data support of a single workstation to Large Local and Wide Area Networks, Frame Relay and ATM. Business Communications, Inc. can be reached at www.ronconet.com.

About Interpath Communications, Inc.

Founded in 1998, Interpath Communications (Research Triangle Park, NC) is the first network-based Application Service Provider (ASP) that taps the matchless power of high-speed, fiber-optic IP networks to provide businesses with turn-key, Internet-based services ranging from consulting and connectivity, to enterprise-scale business applications hosting, to voice- and fax-over-IP. An independently managed subsidiary of Carolina Power & Light (NYSE: CPL)--www.cplc.com--Interpath can be reached at www.interpath.net. Interpath (R) is a registered service mark of Interpath Communications, Inc.