CSW COMMUNICATIONS AND FIRST PACIFIC NETWORKS ANNOUNCE SUCCESSFUL COMPLETION OF PHASE 1 AND CONTINUATION OF THE LAREDO, TEXAS CUSTOMER CHOICE & CONTROL PROGRAM.

DALLAS, Texas & SAN JOSE, CA.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Jan. 16, 1996-- CSW Communications, Inc. and First Pacific Networks, Inc. (NASDAQ: FPNX) today announced jointly the successful completion of Phase 1 and the continuation of the Laredo, Texas Customer Choice & Control(TM) ("CCC(TM)") program, which offers electric consumers and utilities the power of choice and control over their electric service. The CCC(TM) team plans to continue the expansion of the program in Laredo and to begin the development of other key markets throughout 1996 and beyond. The program, first announced in March, 1994, is the nation's leading and largest interactive power management program.

The Customer Choice & Control(TM) program, which incorporates First Pacific Networks' PowerView(R) interactive power management system, is operating over the world's first operational mid-split hybrid fiber/coaxial 750 Mhz two-way communications network. First Pacific Networks' PowerView(R) system consists of a microprocessor-based device on the outside of the home that provides communications between a network of appliances and the electric utility's host computer. The customer uses a small interactive device in the home to program the system with his or her energy consumption choices and to monitor the results. The system offers customer-controlled loan management, in-home billing estimates, choice of price tiers and consequently lower electric bills. Electric utilities benefit as well from demand-side management, automated meter reading, outage detection and enhanced customer service.

CSW Communications and First Pacific Networks - working together with American Innovations, Scientific Atlanta, Echelon, Raytheon and Light Media - are helping to make the Laredo Customer Choice & Control(TM) program deployment the nations leading and largest interactive energy management trial. First Pacific Networks' PowerView(R) system, combined with enhancements developed during Phase 1 of the Laredo Customer Choice & Control(TM) program, is resulting in a mass deployable product well ahead of the rest of the market. The PowerView(R) family of products will also include an enhancement for high-speed data connectivity that allows utilities and consumers a path for new savings and revenue opportunities.

Bill Morrow, Managing Director of CSW Communications, stated: "Our interactive live customer trial in Laredo has exceeded our Phase 1 expectations and the market, both consumer and utility, is expanding. The combination of the First Pacific Networks' PowerView(R) system and the Customer Choice & Control(TM) program allows us to deliver a mass deployable product well ahead of the rest of the market. We have had utilities from literally around the world visiting our Laredo program and talking about the capabilities of the system and the power of the Customer Choice & Control(TM) program for use in their markets."

M. Peter Thomas, President and Chief Executive Officer of First Pacific Networks, added: "The PowerView(R) system was designed when it became evident that electric utilities required a comprehensive communications solution for reducing operating costs, while providing increased value to their customers. This benchmark solution, together with the Laredo Customer Choice & Control(TM) program, is providing valuable input on continuing refinements and enhancements that are making the PowerView(R) system the technological platform of choice that meets the needs of the innovative and competitive electric utility. While the success of the CCC(TM) program has not yet translated into a commercial order for First Pacific Networks, the accomplishments to date and the industry prospects are material in and of themselves."

CSW Communications, Inc. is a subsidiary of Central & South West Corporation.

First Pacific Networks, Inc. develops and markets products for telephone, data, and energy management communications over hybrid fiber/coaxial cable networks, both domestically and internationally.

CONTACT: Bill Morrow

CSW Communications, Inc.

[phone]

or

James Hirschy

First Pacific Networks, Inc.

[phone]

or

Van Negris

Kehoe, White, Savage & Co., Inc.

[phone]