DSL.net Completes Network-Wide Installation of Nortel's Shasta 5000
Broadband Service Node
Technology Upgrade Enables Company to Offer New, Value-Added Services
NEW HAVEN, Conn.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Feb. 6, 2001--DSL.net, Inc. (Nasdaq:DSLN - news), a direct provider of high-speed Internet access
solutions for small- and mid-sized businesses, has completed installation of Nortel Network's Shasta 5000 Broadband Service Node (BSN) into all of
its Hubs.
The technology upgrade now allows DSL.net to aggregate tens of thousands of subscribers onto one platform and offer highly customized,
enhanced IP services to its subscribers. These enhanced services include firewalls, virtual private networks (VPNs), traffic engineering and captive
portal services.
``With the successful integration of the Shasta 5000 BSN into our network, DSL.net can now offer our existing base of customers a powerful, new
feature-set of value-added services and package these features with our broadband network offering to attract new customers,'' said Keith Markley,
president and chief operating officer of DSL.net. ``It's a great advantage for us to have this capability deployed throughout our entire national
network. Value-added services are a key component to creating lasting relationships with our customers. While many ISPs and Carriers are talking
about enhanced services, DSL.net continues to take the lead in successfully deploying new, innovative products.''
The Shasta 5000 Broadband Service Node provides firewalling, anti-hacking capabilities that are simple to provision, yet offer a form of defense
against those attempting to obtain illicit access to the network. The BSN enables service providers to seamlessly migrate from basic broadband
subscriber aggregation to more profitable value-added services while providing scalable operations. The Shasta 5000 BSN is one of the first
products capable of performing this role. This differentiates it from the existing class of Broadband Remote Access Servers (B-RAS) and
first-generation subscriber management systems currently deployed.
The Shasta 5000 BSN provides a universal aggregation point with capability to support wholesale dial, DSL, fixed and mobile wireless, metro optical
and Ethernet extension, ATM/Frame Relay, and leased line subscribers. It enables interexchange carriers (IXCs), competitive local exchange carriers
(CLECs) and Internet Service Providers (ISPs) to increase their competitive advantage by transitioning from the simple connectivity model enabled
by first-generation subscriber management systems to a cost-effective, network-based, valued-added broadband services model.
About DSL.net
Based in New Haven, Conn., DSL.net, Inc. is a high-speed data communications and Internet access provider which uses digital subscriber line
technology to provide high-speed Internet access solutions to small- and medium-sized businesses, throughout the United States. DSL.net allows
smaller businesses to migrate their operations online and more equally compete in the Internet economy. As of December 1, 2000, DSL.net had
provided service or had installed equipment in over 375 cities. For more information on DSL.net, visit www.dsl.net, e-mail info@dsl.net, or call toll
free 877/DSL-NET1 (877/375-6381).
About Nortel Networks
Nortel Networks (NYSE/TSE:NT) is a global Internet and communications leader with capabilities spanning Optical, Wireless, Local Internet and
eBusiness. The Company had 1999 U.S. GAAP revenues of US$21.3 billion and serves carrier, service provider and enterprise customers globally.
Today, Nortel Networks is creating a high-performance Internet that is more reliable and faster than ever before. It is redefining the economics and
quality of networking and the Internet, promising a new era of collaboration, communications and commerce. For more information on Nortel
Networks, visit www.nortelnetworks.com.
This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section
21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. These statements are subject to a variety of risks and uncertainties, many of which are
beyond DSL.net's control, which could cause actual results to differ materially from those contemplated in these forward-looking statements. In
particular, the risks and uncertainties include, among other things, (i) DSL.net's unproven business model, which may not be successful; (ii)
DSL.net's ability to execute its business plan in a timely manner; (iii) DSL.net's need for additional funds during 2001, which may not be available on
acceptable terms or at all, which could adversely impact DSL.net's ability to implement its business plan; (iv) competition; (v) DSL.net's extremely
limited operating history, which makes it difficult to evaluate its business and prospects; (vi) the difficulty of predicting the new and rapidly
evolving high-speed data communications industry; (vii) regulatory, legislative, and judicial developments, which could adversely affect the way
DSL.net operates its business; and (viii) DSL.net's ability to recruit and retain qualified personnel, establish the necessary infrastructure to support
its business, and manage the growth of its operations. Existing and prospective investors are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these
forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date hereof. DSL.net undertakes no obligation to update or revise the information contained
in this press release, whether as a result of new information, future events or circumstances or otherwise. For additional information regarding these
and other risks faced by DSL.net, see the disclosure contained under ``Risk Factors'' in DSL.net's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended
December 31, 1999, which has been filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
DSL.net's authority to provide certain regulated services is held by its subsidiary companies.
DSL.net is a trademark of DSL.net, Inc. Other product and company names herein may be trademarks of their respective owners.
Contact:
DSL.net
Bill Pankracij, 203/782-3815
wpankracij@dsl.net
or
Lippert/Heilshorn & Associates (Investor Contact)
Jody Burfening/Sanjay Hurry, 212/838-3777
jbs@lhai.com |
