Cinergy MetroNet Selects FONS Pathways FTTP Connectivity Solutions for Broadband Network Deployment Program in Indiana.

MARLBORO, Mass. -- Implementation of FTTP Services to Improve Community's Future Economic Development Prospects

Fiber Optic Network Solutions (FONS) Corporation, a leading provider of optical connectivity products, announced today that Cinergy MetroNet (CMN) has selected FONS Pathways(TM) solutions to supply Fiber-to-the-Premises (FTTP) connectivity to support the construction of a broadband network to serve rural communities. Pathways provides customers a complete end-to-end passive FTTP connectivity solution for central office, outside plant and customer premises applications. FONS will provide fiber optic hardware and equipment to meet CMN's requirements for the implementation of FTTP services.

Among the fiber optic hardware and equipment awarded to FONS by CMN is Fiber Distribution Hubs, RC(TM) Terminals and RC Drops. FONS' Fiber Distribution Hubs will be used to provide connections between fiber optic cables from the central office/hub electronics locations and passive optical splitters in the outside plant (OSP) environment, all installed for underground applications. FONS' RC Terminal-4 and RC Terminal-8 each utilize FONS' rugged connector system providing an environmentally hardened adapter designed to reduce the time and expense of connecting a home to the FTTP network. The RC Terminals will be used to interface between distribution cables and drop cables required in aerial and underground applications. The RC Drop assemblies, factory-terminated and environmentally sealed, provide a high performance and reliable interface for drop cables in the outside plant environment. FONS' RC Drop assemblies use hardened connectors to reduce the cost and time of drop cable deployment, while providing superior durability and reliability in the customer connection segment of the network. According to Michael Noonan, President and CEO at FONS, "We are proud to be part of CMN's unprecedented project and are excited to be able to contribute to the expansion of rural economic development by providing high-quality, cost effective connectivity solutions. FONS recognizes and appreciates the importance of providing advanced communications to all U.S. communities."

This project, part of CMN's "Broadband for the Heartland" initiative, focused on the development of advanced broadband networks in rural communities, is expected to extend the same bundled communication and entertainment services enjoyed by most urban and suburban residents to an aggregate rural population of 147,613. "Cinergy MetroNet is very excited to partner with Fiber Optic Network Solutions," states Mike Farmer, Executive Vice President at CMN. "FONS presented an impressive combination of innovative technical solutions, effectively reducing cost, to provide the advanced FTTP technologies needed to foster economic growth for these communities."

About FONS Corporation (www.fons.com)

Founded in 1992, Fiber Optic Network Solutions (FONS) Corporation designs and manufactures a complete line of high-performance passive fiber-optic components and inter-connect solutions that enable customers to implement FTTP networks. The company's suite of products extend through all areas of the network, including solutions for Central Office/Head End, Outside Plant, Customer Premise and LAN/Data Communications applications. FONS emphasizes independent third party testing and product certification to stand behind claims of offering customers the highest level of performance, reliability and quality available in the industry.

About Cinergy MetroNet

Cinergy MetroNet, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Q-Comm Corporation, provides enhanced broadband services to homes and businesses in rural communities by overbuilding with fiber-optic cable to the premises. Services include both local and long distance telephone, high speed Internet access, and the latest in cable television technology. Cinergy MetroNet enhances broadband infrastructure and improves the quality of life in rural towns across America. Although Cinergy Corp. has licensed the use of its name to Q-Comm, it has no management oversight, control or responsibility over Q-Comm or any of its subsidiaries including Cinergy MetroNet.