New Edge Networks and Microsoft Form Alliance to Bring MSN HighSpeed to Consumers Nationwide.

Business Editors

VANCOUVER, Wash. & REDMOND, Wash.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Nov. 28, 2000

New Edge Networks and Microsoft today announced that they have reached an agreement designed to accelerate the national deployment of MSN HighSpeed consumer broadband DSL service.

Under the terms of the agreement, New Edge Networks will serve as DSL service provider in small cities, towns and semi-rural areas served by the company. The service will be available beginning early next year through MSN's retail channels as well as online through www.free.msn.com.

"This alliance brings broadband DSL deeper into the consumer mainstream and helps bridge the digital divide in underserved communities where broadband demand is as strong as it is in the major cities," said Dan Moffat, president, CEO and co-founder of New Edge Networks. "For New Edge Networks, the alliance with MSN validates the value of our national broadband DSL network, coverage and reach into small cities around the country."

MSN HighSpeed brings the functionality of dial-up service to the next level with always connected speeds up to 25 times faster than standard dial-up. With MSN HighSpeed, consumers can use the same home phone line for simultaneous voice and data communications, avoiding the need to order a separate line from their local telephone company. Additionally, MSN High Speed makes it easy to get connected with an end-to-end experience from initial purchase through professional installation.

"We are committed to bringing MSN HighSpeed to every neighborhood in the United States and working closely with New Edge Networks allows us to deliver on that promise," said Ted Kummert, Vice President of MSN Internet Access. "Now we will be able to offer an easy and affordable way for even more consumers to take advantage of the best of the Web by optimizing their connection with MSN HighSpeed."

Since last December, New Edge Networks has installed broadband DSL network equipment in more than 560 telephone company central offices in 29 states. More than 435 of these sites are now operational for broadband DSL service in more than 270 cities and towns in 21 states.

About MSN

MSN gives consumers a new home on the Internet-- a central place where they can get everything they need from the Web and make the most out of their time online. With more than 210 million visitors per month, the MSN integrated network of content and services is the most popular destination on the Internet. MSN is available in 33 markets and in 17 languages-- a broader global presence than any other portal. MSN takes advantage of the Microsoft .NET platform to offer leading services, any time, any place and on any device, with the most integrated and personalized user experience for communications, search, shopping, personal finance and entertainment. MSN Internet Access and the recently introduced MSN Explorer offer the quickest, most personal and exciting ways to get on to and take advantage of the Web. Best-of-breed services include the MSN Hotmail Web-based e-mail service, the world's largest e-mail system; MSN Messenger Service, one of the fastest growing instant messaging services on the Web; MSN Search, the second most popular online search service; MSN Mobile, the customizable wireless information service; the award-winning MSN MoneyCentral online personal finance guide; MSN eShop, the one-stop online shopping resource; and MSN Custom Web Sites, the easy way to share information on the Web. MSN is located on the Web at http://www.msn.com/.

About New Edge Networks

Based in Vancouver, Wash., New Edge Networks was founded in June 1999 to provide wholesale broadband DSL service nationally in small, midsize and semi-rural markets through local, regional and national Internet service providers, communications companies, and other strategic relationships. The company is certified to provide service in 49 states, and is focusing on introducing data service first and later overlaying voice, video and other value add services such as frame relay. The company's national ATM backbone network currently has more than 560 nodes making it one of the largest in the country. The company's Web site is www.newedgenetworks.com.