Broadwing, Xavier Team Up in Deal; Leading University Chooses Broadwing as Exclusive Provider for On-Campus Communications.

Business Editors & High Tech Writers

CINCINNATI--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Jan. 18, 2001

Broadwing Inc. (NYSE:BRW) today announced a comprehensive service relationship with Xavier University to become the school's exclusive provider of on-campus communications. Broadwing Communications, a wholly owned subsidiary of Broadwing Inc., is providing data networking, equipment, and IT consulting services, while Cincinnati Bell, another Broadwing Inc. subsidiary, is providing local and long distance connections, equipment, and wireless services.

"Broadwing is the only company that had the technology and flexibility to offer Xavier a comprehensive solution that fit all our communications needs," said Reverend James E. Hoff, S.J., who recently retired as president of Xavier University and spearheaded the plan.

Reverend Michael Graham, S.J., who succeeded Hoff as president, reaffirmed Xavier's relationship with Broadwing. "Broadwing's state-of-the-art network services and Xavier's strong, 17-year relationship with Cincinnati Bell give us complete confidence that our students and faculty will have access to the leading communications technologies, from a company we know and trust."

Broadwing is installing a sophisticated optical data network to connect students throughout campus with a database of detailed course information and online course registration. Broadwing's IT Consulting group is designing and installing next-generation communications applications for Xavier's Schiff Family Conference Center. Located in the Cintas Center, the conference center is designed to offer local businesses leased access to Internet technologies like video conferencing. Broadwing is providing payphone services for the entire Cintas Center, which also houses a sports arena and student dining center. Broadwing is also providing Xavier students long distance service through ATM/calling cards that can also be used for on-campus purchases such as books, clothes, and even late-night pizza. Finally, Xavier students and faculty now have access to Cincinnati Bell Wireless services at a discounted rate.

"Xavier prides itself in providing leading-edge technologies for its students," said Rick Pontin, president and COO of Broadwing Communications. "They had their choice of communications providers, and Broadwing clearly emerged as the only one who could offer Xavier a full range of services, from local and long distance connections to network access to IT consulting, with speed and accountability, and a commitment to customer service that's second to none."

This announcement follows similar agreements with Notre Dame University, Widener University, National-Louis University, and Dayton Public Schools, solidifying Broadwing's reputation as a leading communications provider for educational institutions across the nation.

"Schools, like businesses, are increasingly turning to full communications solutions that offer the reliability and flexibility needed to operate efficiently in today's new economy," said Jack Cassidy, president of Cincinnati Bell. "Together, Broadwing and Cincinnati Bell fashioned a solution that will help Xavier grow and prosper."

Xavier is a highly acclaimed, private university with a rich Jesuit foundation and a mission that promises excellence in all endeavors. Based in Cincinnati, Ohio, Xavier offers a wide range of academic opportunities, a faculty commitment to teaching and individual attention to students. Xavier's core liberal arts curriculum provides students with not only the foundation necessary for academic success but also for a lifetime of continuous learning and career advancement. The core curriculum is rigorous and enriching, and its diversity helps bolster the University's mission of educating the whole person while engaging students in disciplines from fine arts to philosophy and math to history.

About Broadwing

Broadwing Inc (NYSE:BRW) combines unparalleled customer service with the industry's most advanced and flexible 18,000 mile next-generation fiber optic network and award-winning IP backbone, to create data and Internet solutions that are innovative, reliable, and provide businesses a competitive advantage. Broadwing will be the first provider with a fully deployed optical network and sets the standard for customer accountability with the industry's only Installation Guarantee. Headquartered in Cincinnati, Ohio and Austin, Texas with 6,000 employees in 56 sales and service offices across the country, Broadwing can be found on the Web at www.broadwing.com.