DSL.net Appoints Paul J. Keeler to Board of Directors.

Business Editors

NEW HAVEN, Conn.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Aug. 9, 2001

DSL.net, Inc. (NASDAQ NM: DSLN), a leading, nationwide, direct provider of high-speed Internet access solutions for small- and medium-sized businesses, has appointed Paul J. Keeler to its board of directors.

Mr. Keeler has over 24 years of executive-level experience in the telecom and financial services industries with such market leaders as MCI Communications Corporation, Reuters and Westinghouse Communications Software, Inc. He most recently served as a principal and head of global sales and service at Morgan Stanley & Company, Inc., a joint venture between Morgan Stanley and Capital Group Companies. Mr. Keeler has also held senior management positions at Morgan Stanley Technology Services, and was with Tianchi Telecommunications Corporation as president, chief executive officer and vice chairman of the board of directors.

"We are extremely pleased that Paul Keeler has joined our board, " said David F. Struwas, chairman of the board and chief executive officer of DSL.net. "His leadership and experience in the telecommunications and financial services industries will be tremendous assets to the success of our future growth plans."

About DSL.net

Based in New Haven, Conn., DSL.net, Inc. is a high-speed data communications and Internet access provider that uses digital subscriber line technology to provide high-speed Internet access solutions to small- and medium-sized businesses throughout the United States. DSL.net allows smaller businesses to migrate their operations online and more effectively compete in the Internet economy. For more information on DSL.net, visit www.dsl.net, e-mail [e-mail], or call 1-877-DSL-NET1 (1-877-375-6381).

This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. These statements are subject to a variety of risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond DSL.net's control, which could cause actual results to differ materially from those contemplated in these forward-looking statements. In particular, the risks and uncertainties include, among other things, (i) DSL.net's unproven business model, which may not be successful; (ii) DSL.net's ability to execute its business plan in a timely manner; (iii) DSL.net's need for additional funds during 2001, which may not be available on acceptable terms or at all, which could adversely impact DSL.net's ability to implement its business plan; (iv) competition; (v) DSL.net's extremely limited operating history, which makes it difficult to evaluate its business and prospects; (vi) the difficulty of predicting the new and rapidly evolving high-speed data communications industry; (vii) regulatory, legislative, and judicial developments, which could adversely affect the way DSL.net operates its business; and (viii) DSL.net's ability to recruit and retain qualified personnel, establish the necessary infrastructure to support its business, and manage the growth of its operations. Existing and prospective investors are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date hereof. DSL.net undertakes no obligation, and disclaims any obligation, to update or revise the information contained in this press release, whether as a result of new information, future events or circumstances or otherwise. For additional information regarding these and other risks faced by DSL.net, see the disclosure contained under "Risk Factors" in DSL.net's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2000, which has been filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

DSL.net is a trademark of DSL.net, Inc. Other trademarks contained herein are the property of their respective owners.

DSL.net's authority to provide certain regulated services is held by its subsidiary companies