Equal Access Networks to Build Broadband Access for New Hampshire's Monadnock Region.

Business/Technology Editors

SPRINGFIELD, Mass.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--July 24, 2001

High Speed Network Provides Increased Broadband Availability and Reliability at a Lower Cost to Businesses in New Hampshire's Monadnock 

Region

Equal Access Networks, LLC (EAN), a leading provider of broadband access networks for businesses in under-served areas, today announced an agreement with Monadnock Connect Incorporated (MCi), a not-for-profit organization operating within the alliance of Monadnock Business Ventures (MBV) and the Monadnock Economic Development Corporation (MEDC), to build a regional broadband access network serving businesses and institutions in southwestern New Hampshire.

New Hampshire Governor Jeanne Shaheen will be on hand to witness the official signing of the agreement today at a press conference at Franklin Pierce College in Rindge, NH. The college was chosen as the signing location because it played a key role in the selection process and is one of the institutions that benefit most from the new broadband network.

"We are working to make sure that every part of New Hampshire has the high-speed, affordable telecommunications services we need to compete in the 21st century economy," Gov. Jeanne Shaheen said. "That's why we partnered with Monadnock Connect and provided the funding needed to launch this effort. Today's agreement will play a crucial role in bringing affordable high-speed Internet access, broadband and advanced telecommunication services to the western part of New Hampshire, making it easier for the region to compete for businesses, boosting economic development and expanding the career opportunities available to citizens."

Equal Access Networks and Global Crossing Telecommunications, Inc., a subsidiary of Global Crossing Ltd. (NYSE: GX) pioneered a similar solution with Berkshire Connect, in Berkshire County, MA. MCi chose the same EAN/Global Crossing Telecommunications solution that offers MCi businesses and institutions services and rates comparable to those enjoyed by Fortune 100 businesses in major urban centers such as Boston, New York and Chicago.

Equal Access Networks will invest its own private funds in building an independent broadband access network to provide greater availability, reliability and scalability to businesses and institutions in the region. Global Crossing will provide voice, data, video and Internet services over the world's most extensive global IP-based fiber optic network.

"Equal Access Networks is pleased to partner with MCi in bringing the benefits of broadband access to southwestern New Hampshire," said Daniel J. Kelley, president of Equal Access Networks. "Businesses and institutions in the region recognize that broadband access will provide significant capability, cost and service advantages. As a result of this deal, southwestern New Hampshire will become an even more attractive place to live and work."

MCi is a public/private collaboration of the Monadnock Economic Development Corporation, Monadnock Business Ventures (serving 39 towns) and numerous business and nonprofit agencies with a goal of joining together to attract telecommunications providers to the area, while lowering the cost for businesses and nonprofits.

"Global Crossing Telecommunications recognizes the value of introducing broadband access to this area of New Hampshire," said Dan Boynton, Global Crossing Telecommunications vice president for New England. "Global Crossing Telecommunications and Equal Access Networks have been able to bring the benefits of broadband access to many regions across New England."

About Equal Access Networks

Equal Access Networks builds, owns and operates independent local and regional broadband infrastructure networks that provide broadband access and advanced telecommunications services to business and industry in underserved markets. The company enables businesses to participate in the global marketplace and communicate more efficiently and cost-effectively with customers, vendors and employees. Equal Access Networks, based in Springfield, MA developed its first network in Berkshires County, MA and has additional projects underway across the United States.