StarNet Taps 3Com Executive as CTO.

Business Editors/High-Tech Writers

PALATINE, Ill.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Jan. 28, 2002

StarNet, Inc., a leading provider of Internet Access services, has announced the appointment of Phil Robinson, former CTO of 3Com's consumer products business, to the position of Chief Technology Officer. Robinson will lead the global deployment of StarNet's fixed wireless service, StarNetWX, as well as operations of the industry-leading MegaPOP wholesale dial-up network.

Robinson joins StarNet from 3Com Corporation of Santa Clara, CA, where he was CTO of 3Com's Residential Connectivity Division. In this role, Robinson set and communicated the technical strategy and direction for product lines including cable and DSL modems, residential wireless, phone-line, Ethernet networking and Internet appliances. Prior to this, Mr. Robinson spearheaded the U.S. Robotics / 3Com cable modem head-end development effort. He has also co-founded two data communications start-ups, and has been active in industry standards committees, chairing the Consumer Electronics Association R7.3 Powerline Networking committee, and serving on the Board of Directors of the HomePlug Alliance.

"StarNet's growth, both in the dial-up network space and in our new StarNetWX wireless service, created a requirement for a higher level of technical leadership," stated StarNet CEO, Russ Intravartolo. "Phil's technical achievements combined with his great personality made it an easy decision for us. We consider Phil's resolution to join our team an honor."

Phil Robinson revealed "StarNet, through smart planning and flawless execution, has increased revenues and maintained profitability while their competitors have closed shop. With solid customers like MSN, Juno, and NetZero, the StarNet MegaPOP service continues to post impressive growth. Equally exciting to me is the StarNetWX residential and business fixed-wireless service now deployed profitably in many suburbs of Chicago and launching across the country. I am thrilled to be a part of the explosive growth we see in StarNet's immediate future."

About StarNet, Inc.

StarNet, Inc. is a leading North American Internet Access Provider specializing in technology solutions for homes and businesses. An innovator in quality Internet access solutions since 1995, StarNet supplies access technologies ranging from a dial-up access connection to state-of-the-art fixed wireless Internet access.

MegaPOP is StarNet's wholesale dial-up access division, providing connectivity from over 1,200 access locations in the US and in Canada. MegaPOP's customer base includes global access providers such as MSN, Juno and NetZero (United Online) as well as 1,000 other ISPs who re-sell the network capacity.

StarNetWX is StarNet's new high-speed fixed wireless retail division currently offering broadband Internet service to residential and business customers in select areas of Illinois and Nevada.

In 2001, StarNet was recognized as one of the 500 fastest growing, privately held, companies in America by Inc.Magazine.