DSL.net To Offer Service to Customers Under Covad Safety Net Program.

Business Editors/High Tech Writers

NEW HAVEN, Conn.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Dec. 12, 2000

Program Provides New Channel to Acquire Additional Customers

DSL.net, Inc. (NASDAQ NM: DSLN), a direct provider of high-speed Internet access solutions for small- and mid-sized businesses, today announced it will be participating in Covad Safety Net, a program that provides Covad broadband customers an opportunity to maintain their DSL service while switching ISPs.

The program is available to customers of financially distressed ISPs who feel their current ISP can no longer support them. By offering its ISP services to these new customers, DSL.net will be able to establish direct relationships with them.

Keith Markley, president and chief operating officer of DSL.net, stated, "DSL.net is very pleased to offer continued service to customers who feel their current ISP can no longer support their vital broadband access, and in turn, add these customers to the DSL.net network. From its inception, DSL.net has concentrated on providing business-class DSL access directly to the end-user at a price that makes good, economic sense. That continued discipline positions us to gain customers from other companies who now are leaving the DSL business."

Added Markley, "Although we are primarily a facilities-based provider, we believe that resale opportunities like these give us the chance to add valuable new DSL lines and revenue to our growing customer base, while allowing us to maintain direct relationships with the end-user customer. With DSL.net, businesses have a single point of contact for the access and services they need to compete and win in today's business climate."

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, primarily in second and third tier cities throughout the United States. DSL.net allows smaller businesses to migrate their operations online and more equally compete in the Internet economy. As of November 1, 2000, DSL.net had provided service or had installed equipment in over 375 cities. For more information on DSL.net, visit http://www.dsl.net , e-mail [e-mail], or call toll free 1-877-DSL-NET1 (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 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, 1999, which has been filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

DSL.net's authority to provide certain regulated services is held by its subsidiary companies. DSL.net is a trademark of DSL.net, Inc. Other product and company names herein may be trademarks of their respective owners.