Cambrian Communications Named One of Nine 'Red Hot Start-ups' by America's Network; Cambrian Shatters Last-Mile Bottlenecks in Underserved Metropolitan Markets.

Business Editors/Hi-Tech Writers

FAIRFAX, Va.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--April 18, 2001

Cambrian Communications, a wholesale metropolitan area network (MAN) provider, was named as one of "Nine Red Hot Start-ups" recently published by America's Network magazine.

The publication's annual look at America's most innovative and promising new companies continued to focus on innovation as a central theme though unstable market conditions prompted a closer, more critical look at corporate business models and strong leadership as likely differentiators for future success.

"We are honored to be recognized by one of the leading publications for networking professionals," said Brian Oliver, president and CEO of Cambrian Communications. "This award reinforces our business strategy to take the lead in providing all-optical IP access in currently unserved or underserved, high growth markets."

As it rolls out its network, Cambrian will provide high-speed broadband access in growing, underserved markets linking them with major cities. By doing this, Cambrian shatters the "last-mile bottleneck" or problems with access and speed that currently plague many growing, metropolitan areas located outside major cities.

"Through our network, we will provide other communications companies, emerging service providers, and major private network owners, with the tools they need to be successful - access to new markets, flexible and scalable bandwidth, rapid provisioning of services, and flexible pricing and contracts," said Oliver.

Initially, Cambrian will build metropolitan area networks (MANs) along its redundant all-optical IP backbone, connecting areas in and around New York City, New Jersey, Philadelphia, Baltimore and Washington, DC. The first MAN, located in Baltimore County, is currently under construction. The network is expected to be operational Q4 2001.

When the network is lit, Cambrian will offer Gigabit Ethernet, Optical Wavelength, Virtual Wavelength and Collocation services. Gigabit Ethernet (100 Mgbps to 1 Ggbps) provides lots of bandwidth, quickly scalable, to meet customer's MAN and Wide Area Network (WAN) needs. Optical Wavelength solutions (2.5 Gbps and 10 Gbps) provides services to customers without the expense of dark fiber and optronics.

Virtual Wavelength Solutions (DS-3 to OC-192) provides redundant back-up or reroute capability. Carrier-class collocation services provides the infrastructure, security and prime locations needed for customers to locate their equipment along the network.

Cambrian will be honored during a reception hosted by America's Network on June 6th at SUPERCOMM 2001 in Atlanta, Georgia.

About Cambrian

Cambrian Communications, LLC, based in Fairfax, VA, is a metropolitan area network (MAN) provider delivering all-optical end-to-end network solutions to meet the complex wholesale communications needs of carriers, emerging service providers, and major private network owners.

Cambrian will construct and operate its initial MANs along its fully redundant backbone connecting New York, New Jersey, Philadelphia, Baltimore, and Washington, D.C. Cambrian's management team has proven leadership experience with top communications companies and startups, both domestically and internationally.

Through build and ownership of its own local and long-haul network, privately held Cambrian solves the last-mile bottleneck by providing broadband services to growing, but underserved metropolitan areas. Institutional investors in Cambrian include Duff Ackerman & Goodrich, LLC, and Dominion Telecom Partners. News and information are available at www.cambrian.net.