ChimeNet and Fibertech Networks Connect With Bristol Hospital.

WALLINGFORD, Conn. & ROCHESTER, N.Y. -- ChimeNet, an affiliate company of the Connecticut Hospital Association, and Fibertech Networks, a leader in building and operating metropolitan-area fiber optic networks within mid-size U.S. cities, have teamed up to connect multiple locations with a managed fiber optics-based solution for Bristol Hospital in Connecticut.

According to David Rackliffe, Assistant Vice President for Corporate Programs of Bristol Hospital, the 134-bed community hospital was looking for connectivity to accommodate increasing data traffic resulting from a growing need to transmit electronic transaction volumes, such as radiologic images from its state-of-the-art Picture Archive and Communication System (PACS).

"This fiber solution from ChimeNet and Fibertech provides us a dedicated infrastructure with the highest levels of security and reliability for our data transactions," he added. "It also offers us a foundation for our data backup and medical imaging systems."

In the delivery of this service, ChimeNet will lease dark fiber, or fiber optics unlit by communications electronics, from portions of Fibertech's existing network in Bristol. Where necessary, Fibertech will build out fiber optic extensions directly into Bristol Hospital buildings to create a seamless, scaleable infrastructure. ChimeNet will then 'light' the network with its own equipment to deploy a high-speed optical network that will not only meet Bristol's infrastructure and data transport needs today, but also allow for bandwidth growth and future application development.

"Patient confidentiality, large data record transfers, and regulatory forces have reshaped the role of information technology within the health care industry," said Michael Hurley, Vice President of Sales and Marketing of Fibertech. "To better move and manage its data requirements, a fiber optic network will provide Bristol Hospital with the most cost-effective, scaleable infrastructure to meet its growing needs."

Added David LaSalata, Manager of Business Development of ChimeNet, "This project showcases our ability to provide tailored, value-added services to the health care industry, and by teaming with Fibertech, allows us to further strengthen the portfolio of services we can offer our customers."

By mid-2005, Fibertech will have installed more than 1,200 miles of fiber in the Connecticut cities of Hartford, Bridgeport, Stamford, and New Haven. In addition to dark fiber, Fibertech offers customers a variety of optical services over its all-fiber networks. The company also has local metro networks operational in Providence, Rhode Island; Columbus, Ohio; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; Syracuse, Rochester, Buffalo, Binghamton, White Plains and Albany, New York; Wilmington, Delaware; Indianapolis, Indiana; and Worcester and Springfield, Massachusetts.

About ChimeNet

ChimeNet, the information technology affiliate company of the Connecticut Hospital Association, was created in 1996 to provide secure connectivity services to the state's acute care hospitals and other healthcare customers.

Headquartered in Wallingford, Connecticut, ChimeNet operates a private data network servicing communities statewide and beyond. Network advantages include full redundancy architecture and generator backup power supply at ChimeNet's state-of-the-art facilities, premium Internet access, fully managed turnkey network security services that are supported 24/7/365, and fully managed client access to industry-specific and exclusive content.

About Fibertech Networks

Headquartered in Rochester, N.Y., Fibertech Networks is a leader in building and operating fiber optic networks throughout mid-size cities in the Eastern and Central regions of the United States. The company has built metro-area networks strategically connecting local Telco central offices, carrier hotels, data centers, office parks and other high traffic locations. Fibertech recently placed sixth on the Rochester Top 100, which ranks privately held companies based on three years of revenue growth.

Founded in 2000 and privately held, Fibertech investors are led by Nautic Partners of Providence, R.I., and Banc of America Capital Investors of Charlotte, N.C. Further information about the company can be found at www.fibertech.com.