Covista Communications, Inc. (NASDAQ: CVST) has reported that its New York City switching facility and certain of the Company's network capabilities have been temporarily disabled as a result of the facility's proximity to the World Trade Center.

Local police and fire officials have sealed off all access to the facility. All electric power to the surrounding area has been cut off, and emergency power generation was knocked out when the Trade Center towers collapsed. Emergency expansion of the Company's other facilities is under way to expedite restoration of Covista service. The impact on Covista's operating results, if any, which is not anticipated to be material in any event, is not currently ascertainable.

John Leach, Covista's President and CEO, said, "While we continue to absorb the enormity of the human tragedy, we also must cope with circumstances that uniquely affect the telecommunications industry. Covista will continue to operate and to provide service through this crisis, using our own alternate switch sites and other network facilities. Restoration of interrupted service will be accomplished as quickly and seamlessly as possible." Mr. Leach concluded, "Tuesday's disastrous events shocked and deeply saddened all of us at Covista. Our sincerest sympathies are with all the victims of this terrible tragedy."

Covista Communications, Inc.