DSL.net Expands Nationwide Footprint for DSL, T1 Services Through Agreement with New Edge Networks.

Business Editors

NEW HAVEN, Conn.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Dec. 9, 2002

Together With Agreement to Acquire NAS Network Assets, DSL.net

Positioned to Significantly Broaden Coverage Area

DSL.net, Inc. (NASDAQ: DSLN), a leading nationwide provider of broadband communications services to businesses, today announced that it has reached an agreement that will allow it to provide DSL and T1 services through facilities of New Edge Networks, a national business-class broadband services provider.

With the addition of New Edge Network's DSL and T1-enabled central offices, DSL.net will now have a larger national footprint with the ability to sell its products and services to businesses in hundreds more small and mid-sized cities, including the suburban areas around many of those cities. The agreement will allow DSL.net to expand its coverage area without additional capital expenditures while realizing solid margins through low network access costs.

"The national network backbone that we already operate is one of our unique competitive advantages and this agreement further leverages that network investment - expanding our capability for providing the best possible end-to-end solutions to our customers," said Keith Markley, president and chief operating officer of DSL.net. "By partnering with New Edge Networks and together with our recent agreement to acquire network assets and related subscriber lines of Network Access Solutions Corporation (NAS), we have the potential to enter 2003 well-positioned for strong growth with a significantly broader national footprint."

NAS and its creditors' committee selected DSL.net's bid as the best and highest at a recent auction. If this transaction is approved at a scheduled hearing Dec. 30, 2002, by the bankruptcy court presiding over the NAS reorganization and other closing conditions are satisfied, DSL.net expects to close this transaction promptly after receiving such court approval.

Commenting on its agreement with DSL.net, Dan Moffat, president and CEO of New Edge Networks, noted: "There is increasing demand for business broadband and customers want broad coverage for services like DSL and frame relay. Our network infrastructure fills in the gaps for business customers and continues attracting the attention of national providers like DSL.net."

Vancouver, Wash.-based New Edge Networks' DSL footprint includes 600 central offices located in more than 360 small and mid-size cities in 29 states primarily west of the Appalachian Mountains and in Florida and Georgia.

About New Edge Networks

New Edge Networks is a national business-class broadband services provider that owns one of the largest multi-service data communications networks in the United States. In providing frame relay, ATM, IP and other advanced data services nationally, New Edge has one of the largest DSL coverage footprints for small- and midsize cities across the country. The company also provides dedicated high-speed Internet access in 27 major cities around the country. New Edge Networks offers frame relay access and gateway products through channel partner programs or wholesale relationships. It provides a wide variety of business-class DSL and T-1 solutions through Internet Service Providers and its own TransEdge brand. Top-tier private venture firms, global financial institutions and worldwide technology firms provide financial backing to New Edge Networks. The company's Web site is www.newedgenetworks.com. Telephone: [phone].

About DSL.net

Based in New Haven, Conn., DSL.net, Inc. combines its own DSL facilities, nationwide network infrastructure, and Tier I Internet Service Provider (ISP) capabilities to provide high-speed Internet access and value-added services directly to small- and medium-sized businesses throughout the United States. A certified CLEC throughout the continental United States -- including Washington, D.C. -- and Puerto Rico, DSL.net sells to businesses, primarily through its own direct sales channel. DSL.net augments its direct sales strategy through select system integrators, application service providers and marketing partners. In addition to a number of high-performance, high-speed Internet connectivity solutions specifically designed for business, DSL.net product offerings include Web hosting, DNS management, enhanced e-mail, online data backup and recovery services, firewalls, virtual private networks and nationwide dial-up services. 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 forward-looking statements, including, without limitation, those regarding the completion of the acquisition of the NAS network assets and subscriber lines, 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 completion of the acquisition of the NAS assets, and if completed, the successful integration of those assets into DSL.net, (ii) DSL.net's ability to realize the revenue, earnings and synergies anticipated from the acquisition of the NAS assets, (iii) market demand for DSL.net's products and services, (iv) DSL.net's ability to recruit and retain qualified personnel and manage the growth of its business, (v) competition and (vi) regulatory, legislative and judicial developments, all of which could adversely affect the way DSL.net operates its business. 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, 2001, 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.