DSL.net Selected by American Express Travel Related Services as Preferred Broadband Internet Access Provider.

Business/Technology Editors

NEW HAVEN, Conn.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--May 3, 2000

Dedicated High-Speed Connection from DSL.net Offers Affiliated

Travel Agencies a "Direct Flight" to the Internet

DSL.net, Inc. (NASDAQ: DSLN), a direct national provider of high-speed data communications and Internet solutions for small and medium-sized businesses, today announced it has been selected as the preferred provider of broadband Internet access for the American Express (NYSE: AXP) U.S. Representative Travel Network. The Representative Travel Network is a group of independently owned and operated travel agencies, licensed by American Express to provide travel and travel related products to the general public.

Under this agreement, DSL.net will immediately begin to roll out its comprehensive offering of business-class Internet access services to over 400 American Express Representative travel agencies throughout the United States. DSL.net provides an "always on" symmetric digital subscriber line (SDSL) connection that delivers guaranteed Internet access speeds up to over 25 times faster than ordinary dial-up connections. Faster Internet access enables businesses to be more productive and efficient, and allows them to take advantage of applications and services once only available to large corporations.

"We are excited to be able to offer our high-speed access service to the agencies of the American Express Representative Travel Network, many of which are smaller businesses looking for a way to leverage the Internet for growth and competitive advantage," said David Struwas, president and CEO of DSL.net. "To the small business owner, professional installation, reliability and customer service are important criteria in making a technology decision. DSL.net's national network and relationships with top-level service providers creates a powerful Internet solution custom-made for small business needs. American Express travel agencies that deploy DSL.net access services will enjoy the speed and convenience of a 'direct flight' to the Internet at an all-inclusive cost that fits their budget."

"American Express is pleased to be working with DSL.net to bring high-speed access to our member travel agencies," said Lorig Yekhpairian, vice president, American Express U.S. Representative Travel Network. "Faster Internet connections can offer many benefits, including making the information-gathering and reservation process easier for customers, and enabling agencies to better promote and manage their businesses. DSL.net's focus on small business solutions was a key factor in our decision to recommend them to our network members."

New Haven Travel Grows with Help from DSL.net

New Haven Travel Service Inc., based in New Haven, Conn., is an American Express Representative Travel Network agency that has deployed SDSL technology from DSL.net as an integral part of the company's daily operations. With a growing business servicing corporate and leisure markets, the 20-person agency has also built a national reputation providing specialized travel management for amateur and professional soccer teams and enthusiasts.

Through its high-speed Internet link from DSL.net, New Haven Travel provides its clients with Web-based reservations, expanded research capabilities, and improved on-line reporting for expense management. In addition, a company offshoot, Promised Land Technologies, uses its high-speed DSL connection from DSL.net to design and build Web extranet sites for the travel industry.

"We needed faster Internet access to grow our businesses and offer customers expanded on-line services, but the cost of a dedicated T-1 line was well outside our budget," said Stanley Dalnekoff, president and CEO of New Haven Travel. "Working with DSL.net, we were able to deploy a reliable and high quality Internet access solution using SDSL at near-T-1 speeds for a fraction of the cost. The on-line travel operations have allowed us to expand our business beyond our immediate local markets and offer new services that save our clients money. Our DSL connection is the backbone of our company."

American Express Representative Travel Network agencies interested in learning more about DSL.net's high-speed Internet access and related services should contact DSL.net toll-free at 1-877-564-1174, via e-mail at [e-mail], or visit www.dsl.net.

About American Express

American Express Company is a diversified worldwide travel, financial and network services company founded in 1850. It is a world leader in charge and credit cards, Travelers Cheques, travel, financial planning, business services, insurance and international banking.

About DSL.net

Based in New Haven, Conn., DSL.net, Inc. is a high-speed data communications and Internet access solutions provider that uses digital subscriber line technology to provide high-speed Internet access services to small and medium-sized businesses, primarily in second and third tier cities throughout the United States. As of Feb. 1, 2000, DSL.net had provided service or had installed equipment in more than 140 cities. For more information regarding DSL.net products and services visit www.dsl.net, e-mail [e-mail], or call 1-877-DSL-NET1 (1-877-375-6381).

FORWARD LOOKING STATEMENTS

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 those described under "Risk Factors" in DSL.net's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended Dec. 31, 1999 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, which include, among other things, (i) DSL.net's extremely limited operating history, which makes it difficult to evaluate its business and prospects; (ii) the difficulty of predicting the new and rapidly evolving high-speed data communications industry; (iii) DSL.net's unproven business model, which may not be successful; (iv) DSL.net's ability to negotiate, enter into and renew interconnection and collocation agreements with traditional telephone companies; (v) regulatory, legislative, and judicial developments, which could adversely affect the way DSL.net operates its business; and (vi) 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 to update or revise the information contained in this press release, whether as a result of new information, future events or circumstances or otherwise.

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

"DSL.net," "Direct Flight" and "Direct Flight to the Internet" are trademarks of DSL.net, Inc. Other product and company names herein may be trademarks of their respective owners.