DSL.net Expands with New Edge

NEW HAVEN, Conn. -- DSL.net, Inc. (NASDAQ: DSLN), a leading nationwide provider of broadband communications services to businesses, today announced that it has reached an agreement that will allow it to provide DSL and T1 services through facilities of New Edge Networks, a national business-class broadband services provider.With the addition of New Edge Network's DSL and T1-enabled central offices, DSL.net will now have a larger national footprint with the ability to sell its products and services to businesses in hundreds more small and mid-sized cities, including the suburban areas around many of those cities. The agreement will allow DSL.net to expand its coverage area without additional capital expenditures while realizing solid margins through low network access costs."The national network backbone that we already operate is one of our unique competitive advantages and this agreement further leverages that network investment - expanding our capability for providing the best possible end-to-end solutions to our customers," said Keith Markley, president and chief operating officer of DSL.net. "By partnering with New Edge Networks and together with our recent agreement to acquire network assets and related subscriber lines of Network Access Solutions Corporation (NAS), we have the potential to enter 2003 well-positioned for strong growth with a significantly broader national footprint."NAS and its creditors' committee selected DSL.net's bid as the best and highest at a recent auction. If this transaction is approved at a scheduled hearing Dec. 30, 2002 by the bankruptcy court presiding over the NAS reorganization and other closing conditions are satisfied, DSL.net expects to close this transaction promptly after receiving such court approval.DSL.net Inc.New Edge Network Inc.Network Access Solutions Corp.