DSL.net Completes Consolidation of Network Assets From Two Acquisitions Made During 2003.

Business Editors/High-Tech Writers

NEW HAVEN, Conn.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Dec. 11, 2003

- Benefits Include More Powerful Broadband Network, Larger Footprint to Meet the Needs of Business Customers; Savings in Network Expenses -

DSL.net, Inc. (NASDAQ: DSLN), a leading nationwide provider of broadband communications services to businesses, said today that it had completed the consolidation of its broadband network with the facilities of two companies that were acquired earlier this year.

The work involved connecting and consolidating core sites of the network assets acquired from Herndon, Va.-based Network Access Solutions Corporation (NAS) and assets from Wilmington, N.C.-based TalkingNets, including core sites within DSL.net's expanded network. The NAS broadband network included approximately 300 central offices throughout the mid-Atlantic and Northeast regions. The acquired TalkingNets integrated voice and data network assets are located in the Washington, D.C., metro region, including parts of Maryland and Virginia.

"By combining these operations and consolidating network assets with our own, we now have a seamless network with greater capacity and a larger footprint to attract business customers looking for private, secure broadband network solutions," said Keith Markley, president and chief operating officer of DSL.net. "Just as important, we have already begun realizing an anticipated $6 million in annualized cost-reduction benefits from the NAS network consolidation alone - in addition to an estimated $6 million in synergies achieved by combining the two companies and eliminating duplicative SG&A (selling, general and administrative) costs."

As a result of the acquisitions, the DSL.net broadband network now has four IP/ATM core sites, four IP core sites and more than a dozen ATM core sites for aggregating network traffic. "The consolidation is very cost effective for us and, at the same time, we are able to add capacity and continue to offer attractive pricing for business-class broadband connections," added Markley. "By consolidating circuits, equipment and facilities, we've also made it easier for our engineers and technicians to manage and monitor our nationwide network. That means even better service for our customers."

DSL.net acquired network assets and related subscriber lines from NAS during the first quarter of 2003 and closed on the TalkingNets transaction during the third quarter of 2003. The NAS acquisition, which provided DSL.net with its own network capabilities in major business-intensive markets throughout the mid-Atlantic and Northeast, doubled the size of the DSL.net broadband network footprint, while the TalkingNets acquisition provided DSL.net with the ability to offer integrated voice and data products to meet the growing demand by businesses for bundled services that include local phone, long-distance and high-speed data.

About DSL.net

DSL.net, Inc. is a leading nationwide provider of broadband communications services to businesses. The Company combines its own facilities, nationwide network infrastructure and Internet Service Provider (ISP) capabilities to provide high-speed Internet access, private network solutions and value-added services directly to small- and medium-sized businesses or larger enterprises looking to connect multiple locations. DSL.net product offerings include T-1 and business-class DSL services, virtual private networks (VPNs), frame relay, Web hosting, DNS management, enhanced e-mail, online data backup and recovery services, firewalls and nationwide dial-up services, as well as integrated voice and data offerings in select markets. For more information, 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 forward-looking 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) the proliferation of various Internet viruses and other network events beyond DSL.net's control that might affect network performance; (ii) DSL.net's unproven business model, which may not be successful; (iii) DSL.net's ability to execute its business plan in a timely manner to generate sufficient revenue, contain certain discretionary spending or achieve certain other business plan objectives; (iv) regulatory, legislative and judicial developments, which could adversely affect the way DSL.net operates its business; (v) competition; and (vi) DSL.net's dependence on wholesale providers to provide it with local DSL and T-1 facilities in areas where it has not deployed its own equipment. 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, 2002, which has been filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

DSL.net is a trademark of DSL.net, Inc. Other company names may be trademarks of their respective owners.