DSL.net Named 2nd Fastest Growing Technology Company in Connecticut and 49th in North America; Recognition Part of the 2004 Deloitte Technology Fast 500 Program.

NEW HAVEN, Conn. -- DSL.net, Inc. (AMEX: BIZ), a leading nationwide provider of broadband communications services to businesses, today announced that it has been independently recognized as the second fastest growing technology company in Connecticut and the 49th fastest growing technology company in North America as part of the 2004 Deloitte Technology Fast 500, an annual ranking of the 500 fastest growing technology companies in North America.

The rankings are based on percentage of growth in revenue over the last five years (1999 to 2003). During that time, DSL.net revenue increased by approximately 5,333%. DSL.net was founded in 1998. The Company received its award Thursday evening, Oct. 21, 2004, during a reception hosted by Deloitte and the Connecticut Technology Council (CTC) at Fairfield University.

"DSL.net is honored to be recognized by Deloitte and the CTC as one of the state's and nation's fastest growing technology companies over the last five years," said Kirby G. "Buddy" Pickle, chief executive officer of DSL.net. "These Fast 50 and Fast 500 awards underscore the dedication and hard work of our employees and it also highlights the fact that we continue to consistently deliver a high-quality and reliable broadband service for our business customers."

David Carver, partner, Deloitte's Technology, Media & Telecommunications practice in Connecticut, noted: "To succeed during prosperous times is one thing; to succeed in adversity is much more challenging and that's exactly what the Deloitte Technology Fast 50 winners have done. We applaud DSL.net for its tremendous accomplishments during economically challenging times for being one of the Elite Fast 50 companies."

To qualify for the Technology Fast 50 and Fast 500 awards, companies must have had operating revenues of at least $50,000 in 1999 and $1 million in 2003, and must be public or private companies with headquarters in North America. This is the first year that DSL.net is eligible for the state Fast 50 and North American Fast 500 lists. DSL.net had been named a Deloitte "Rising Star" in 2002 and 2003 based on results over three and four-year periods. For more information on both the Fast 50 or Fast 500 programs, visit www.fast500.com.

About Deloitte

Deloitte refers to one or more of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu, a Swiss Verein, its member firms and their respective subsidiaries and affiliates. As a Swiss Verein (association), neither Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu nor any of its member firms has any liability for each other's acts or omissions. Each of the member firms is a separate and independent legal entity operating under the names "Deloitte," "Deloitte & Touche," "Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu," or other related names. Services are provided by the member firms or their subsidiaries or affiliates and not by the Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Verein.

Deloitte & Touche USA LLP is the U.S. member of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu. In the U.S., services are provided by the subsidiaries of Deloitte & Touche USA LLP (Deloitte & Touche LLP, Deloitte Consulting LLP, Deloitte Tax LLP, and their subsidiaries), and not by Deloitte & Touche USA LLP.

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, DS-3 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).

DSL.net's business is subject to various risks and uncertainties. For additional information on DSL.net, see its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2003, which is on file with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including the disclosure contained under "Rick Factors" in such Annual Report.

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