Here is todays MFNX pr piece.......
Metromedia Fiber Network and AboveNet to be Major Internet Transit Providers to America Online
NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Feb. 22, 2000--
MFN to Provide Dark Fiber and AboveNet to Provide Co-Location
Services and Internet Connectivity to AOL
Metromedia Fiber Network, Inc. (MFN) (Nasdaq: MFNX) and its subsidiary AboveNet today announced that America Online, Inc. (AOL) (NYSE: AOL) has chosen the two companies to provide AOL with IP network infrastructure capabilities.
AOL has also completed an agreement with AboveNet to provide co-location services and to be one of AOL's Internet transit providers.
AOL will be adding additional dark fiber to its metropolitan area network in the Washington, D.C. area and will also acquire high-capacity (OC48) optical network infrastructure between New York and Washington, D.C. and dark fiber in the New York and San Francisco metropolitan areas. Some of the fiber will be deployed directly into AboveNet's Washington, D.C. Internet Service Exchange (ISX) facility where AOL is co-locating part of its network to take advantage of AboveNet's Internet connectivity for increased network control and expansion.
MFN is deploying optical IP architecture over a dedicated fiber optic network that reaches throughout the local loop in 67 cities in North America and Europe. The combination of an unprecedented, 29,000 route-mile end-to-end network, with up to multi-terabit per second capacity, will allow companies like AOL to increase the capacity of their communications networks. AOL will benefit from an alternative local loop strategy by continuing to offer its members the best possible online performance as well as the ability to rapidly increase bandwidth needed to receive video, audio and other data-rich applications. This infrastructure is augmented by the highest standards of redundancy and security, resulting in an exceptionally robust, secure and reliable environment.
"The demand for data, text, and image-intensive Internet applications is increasing at an exponential rate, driving the bandwidth required to move those applications to greater levels and straining the industry's traditional copper-based infrastructure," said Nick Tanzi, president and chief operating officer of Metromedia Fiber Network. "AOL recognizes MFN's optical IP infrastructure as an effective alternative to relying on traditional telecommunications networks for Internet connectivity and capacity growth to meet this demand."
MFN and AboveNet optical IP networks provide superior Internet connectivity and capacity that will assist AOL in meeting anticipated growth in its subscriber base and use of data rich Internet applications. In addition to its current dark fiber lease agreement with MFN in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area, AOL's TeraPOP is a strong peering partner with AboveNet for improved Internet connectivity. The unique architecture of the AboveNet Global One-Hop Network enables all end-users of AboveNet's over 100 ISP customers to benefit from increased performance and reliability as they reach AOL content and customers.
"We're pleased to work with Metromedia Fiber Network's optical IP infrastructure and with AboveNet's advanced architecture, both of which will assist us as we continually expand our capacity with the goal of improving the Internet online experience for our members," said Joe Barrett, AOL Vice President for Internet Operations. "The addition of OC48 capacity to AOL's network and significantly expanded transit capacity through AboveNet positions us well for additional growth."
About Metromedia Fiber Network, Inc.
Metromedia Fiber Network, Inc., the leading provider of end-to-end optical network solutions, is revolutionizing the fiber optic industry. By offering virtually unlimited, unmetered bandwidth at a fixed cost, Metromedia Fiber Network is eliminating the bandwidth barrier and redefining the way broadband capacity is sold. Metromedia Fiber Network is extending metropolitan fiber optic infrastructure to the end user in strategic top-tier markets, enabling its customers to implement the latest data, video, Internet and multimedia applications. In addition to its current expansion in 51 cities in North America, Metromedia Fiber Network is establishing an international presence with planned fiber optic network builds in 16 cities throughout Europe.
Together with its subsidiaries, AboveNet Communications, Inc., a leading provider of co-location and Internet connectivity solutions, and Paix.net, Inc., the leading neutral Internet Exchange, Metromedia Fiber Network is unleashing the full potential of the Internet. The combined company facilitates the explosive growth of e-commerce and advanced Internet applications by delivering secure, reliable and scalable optical networks and IP services to Internet content and service providers, carriers and enterprise users worldwide. For more information about Metromedia Fiber Network, please visit the company's Web site at www.mmfn.com.
About AboveNet Communications, Inc.
AboveNet Communications, Inc., a subsidiary of Metromedia Fiber Network, Inc., is a leading provider of Internet connectivity and co-location solutions for high bandwidth and business-critical applications. Headquartered in San Jose, Calif., AboveNet is the architect of the Internet Service Exchange (ISX)--a world class network that provides co-location services and Internet connectivity for content providers, ISPs and application service providers. The AboveNet Global One-Hop Network is designed to deliver fast, scalable and reliable connections to the Internet and improves the Internet experience for end-users. With its Tier 1 status and ISO 9002 certification, AboveNet is seeking to serve the global community of the Internet. For more information on AboveNet and its service offering call 800/475-2733 or visit the company's Web site at www.above.net.
AboveNet, Internet Service Exchange, ISX, and AboveNet Global One-Hop Network are trademarks of AboveNet Communications, Inc. All other company or brand names may be trademarks of the respective companies with which they are associated. |
