NorthPoint Launches Network Expansion; Introduces Service in Three New Markets And Extends Leadership Position to 31 Markets, 55 MSAs NorthPoint DSL Now Available In Columbus, Providence and Sacramento SAN FRANCISCO, Nov. 1 /PRNewswire/ -- NorthPoint Communications (Nasdaq: NPNT - news), a leading provider of digital subscriber line (DSL)-based broadband services, today launched the first three markets of its aggressive network expansion plan announced last week. With the introduction of service in Columbus (OH), Providence (RI) and Sacramento (CA), NorthPoint extends the leadership position it has achieved by offering DSL service in more markets and metropolitan statistical areas (MSAs) than any other service provider. NorthPoint currently offers DSL-based high-speed Internet access in 31 markets and 55 MSAs. ''NorthPoint completed its 1999 market expansion plan ahead of schedule and is moving aggressively into the next phase of its effort to deliver the benefits of broadband to more subscribers,'' said Liz Fetter, president and chief operating officer of NorthPoint communications. ''We look forward to helping small and midsize businesses and telecommuters in Columbus, Providence and Sacramento realize the full potential of the Internet by gaining affordable, broadband connectivity.'' NorthPoint Turns Up Sacramento Market NorthPoint's network expansion into Sacramento augments its presence in California -- including San Francisco, Los Angeles and San Diego -- where demand for DSL-based broadband services is especially strong. With its Sacramento launch, the company introduces a new service for its partners, providing rapid connectivity between neighboring markets. The new service enables NorthPoint's partners to connect to its network at a single location -- San Francisco or Sacramento -- and provision service to subscribers in both markets. NorthPoint DSL is currently available from numerous partners in the Bay Area and Sacramento, including national providers Flashcom, Global Crossing, Phoenix Networks and PSN.net. Providence Gains First National DSL Service Provider Following its arrival in Boston and surrounding areas more than a year ago, NorthPoint expands its presence in the New England region with the launch of service in Providence. NorthPoint, the first national DSL service provider in Providence, can immediately serve more than 60 percent of businesses and 50 percent of homes in the Providence area with Internet access at speeds up to 1.5 Mbps. NorthPoint offers a wider variety of speeds than any other service provider in the area. NorthPoint DSL is available from Providence-based provider INTAP, LLC; regional network service providers Network Plus, Net 1 Plus, iCi, CyberAccess and Meganet; and national providers Flashcom, Global Crossing, PSN.net and Phoenix Networks. NorthPoint Extends Presence in Ohio NorthPoint is currently available to 70 percent of businesses and 65 percent of homes in Columbus. NorthPoint DSL is available from national and regional partners, including ExpressLAN, Flashcom, Global Crossing, Phoenix Networks, PSN.net and Verio. NorthPoint's expansion to Columbus builds on its extensive Midwest presence, which includes Chicago, Cleveland, Indianapolis, Detroit and Milwaukee. NorthPoint's near-term expansion plans include further building its presence in Ohio to include Cincinnati and Dayton. NorthPoint DSL uses standard telephone lines to provide access to the Internet at speeds up to 1.5 Mbps. Once limited to dial-up modem connections and speeds of 56 Kbps at best, DSL offers small and midsize businesses, home-based businesses and telecommuters ''always on'' Internet access at speeds that will support advanced applications once reserved only for large businesses able to afford expensive ''T-1'' connections. NorthPoint's Partners Include: Sacramento Flashcom www.flashcom.com Global Crossing www.globalcrossing.com Phoenix Networks www.phoenixnetworks.net PSN.net www.psn.net
Providence
CyberAccess www.cybercom.net Flashcom www.flashcom.com Global Crossing www.globalcrossing.com iCi www.ici.com INTAP, LLC www.intap.net Meganet www.meganet.net Network Plus www.npl.com Net 1 Plus www.net1plus.com Phoenix Networks www.phoenixnetworks.net PSN.net www.psn.net
Columbus
ExpressLAN www.expresslan.com Flashcom www.flashcom.com Global Crossing www.globalcrossing.com Phoenix Networks www.phoenixnetworks.net PSN.net www.psn.net Verio www.verio.com
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