CNET Selects AboveNet to Deliver Content, Applications and Services.

SAN JOSE, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Dec. 15, 1999--

AboveNet Communications Inc., a subsidiary of Metromedia Fiber Network, Inc. (Nasdaq: MFNX) and the architect of a global one-hop network that brings together high-bandwidth content sites, ISPs, and Application Service Providers in centralized co-location facilities, today announced that CNET, Inc. (Nasdaq: CNET), the source for computers and technology, is co-locating servers for its broad range of fast-growing Internet sites and obtaining Internet connectivity at AboveNet's San Jose Internet Service Exchange (ISX) facility.

AboveNet's fault-tolerant, scalable, high-bandwidth Internet connectivity will enable CNET.com users to obtain quick and reliable access to content and applications from CNET's broad range of services.

Last year, CNET co-located servers for CNET Download.com at AboveNet. CNET Download.com is the leading free-to-download software portal for freeware, shareware and product demos. The service averages over a million downloads per day with file sizes ranging from 1Kb to over 100Mb's. It has particularly high traffic when popular software, especially games, become available. Based on the performance and scalability of AboveNet's network, even during periods when traffic to its site spiked, CNET decided to migrate the servers for its other sites to AboveNet.

Another factor in CNET's decision to extend its agreement with AboveNet is the excess capacity that AboveNet maintains on its network to meet fluctuations in bandwidth needs among its clients. CNET will be relying on the AboveNet capacity to meet anticipated demand from its current $100 million dollar advertising campaign promoting CNET services.

"The fact that CNET, has chosen AboveNet says volumes about our superior network performance," said David Rand, Senior Vice President and Chief Technology Officer at AboveNet. "Mega-content providers, like CNET, know AboveNet is committed to giving their customers scalable and reliable access to their business-critical sites."

AboveNet's Global "One-Hop" Network

AboveNet's unique network model enables it to offer one hop connectivity and network performance to its clients. At each of AboveNet's ISX facilities, content and service providers connect to each other in a LAN environment and then directly connect to the rest of the Internet through an extensive network of more than 300 private and public peering agreements with all of the top ISPs and backbone providers worldwide. This architecture can reduce the multiple network hops information often takes to reach its final destination on the Internet, and can allow AboveNet to keep the information on its network intact until it can be delivered as close as possible to its final destination. The resulting "one-hop" network is highly redundant and is designed to deliver superior network performance.

AboveNet further ensures the performance of its network by providing its clients access to its significant bandwidth, which currently totals over 24.7 Gbps, giving clients the bandwidth they need as they grow.

About CNET

CNET, Inc. is at the leading edge of media companies, producing a branded Internet network and television programming for both targeted and general audiences. Online and on television, CNET is the leading authority on computers, the Internet and digital technologies. CNET's network serves millions of users each day. CNET television programming airs on CNBC, USA Network, the Sci-Fi Channel and in national syndication, as well 61 foreign countries. CNET currently has investments in cash and marketable securities that today are valued at over $700 million including its 13 percent stake in NBC Internet Inc.

About AboveNet and Metromedia Fiber Network

AboveNet Communications, the architect of the global one-hop network and a leading provider of Internet connectivity and co-location solutions for high-bandwidth and business critical applications, is a subsidiary of Metromedia Fiber Network. Metromedia Fiber Network is building metropolitan fiber optic infrastructure in the local loop in strategic major metropolitan markets, enabling technologically sophisticated organizations to implement the latest data, video, Internet and multimedia applications. The combined company will facilitate the explosive growth of e-commerce and advanced Internet applications by delivering secure, reliable and scalable optical networks to Internet content and service providers, carriers and enterprise users worldwide. For more information on AboveNet and its service offering call 800/475-2733 or visit the company's Web site at www.above.net. For more information about Metromedia Fiber Network, please visit the company's Web site at www.mmfn.com.

AboveNet, Internet Service Exchange, ISX, and AboveNet Global One-Hop Network are trademarks of AboveNet Communications, Inc. All other company or brand names may be trademarks of the respective companies with which they are associated.

This news release contains certain forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. Factors that could cause or contribute to such risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, general economic and business conditions, competition, changes in technology and methods of marketing, and various other factors beyond the Company's control. This also includes such factors as described from time to time in the SEC filings by Metromedia Fiber Network, including the most recently filed Forms S-3, 10-K and10-Q.