[Concentric Network Extends DSL Footprint to Chicago, Boston, New York
City and Washington, D.C.]
Concentric Forms Strategic Relationship with Covad
SAN JOSE, Calif., Jan. 26 /PRNewswire/ -- Concentric Network Corp. (NASDAQ:CNCX), a leader in value-added IP network services, today announced the availability of digital subscriber line (DSL) services to businesses and consumers in metropolitan Chicago, Boston, New York City, and Washington, D.C., following significant successes in San Francisco and Los Angeles. Adding these cities to Concentric's current DSL service area creates the largest IP-based DSL network of any national Internet Service Provider in the United States. By leveraging technical experience and established relationships with carriers, Concentric gives small to medium size businesses, telecommuters and individuals a compelling high-speed Internet access alternative.
In an effort to expedite the deployment of DSL nationwide, Concentric has entered into a strategic relationship with Covad Communications Company, an operating subsidiary of Covad Communications Group, Inc. (NASDAQ:COVD), a leading provider of dedicated high-speed digital communication services, that will create powerful DSL-based business solutions.
ConcentricDSL(TM) provides "always on" connectivity and the same benefits as a leased line, including instant network access, at a substantially lower cost, making this an ideal access solution for small to medium size businesses. Since launching DSL service in late 1997, Concentric has become a provider of choice in the business community, with thousands of business users already installed.
"The addition of these cities marks the latest milestone in our national roll-out plan to deploy and support DSL technology," said Henry R. Nothhaft, chairman, president and CEO of Concentric Network. "DSL is beneficial on two fronts; it allows businesses to cost-effectively connect at higher levels and readily compliments our value-added services, such as Web hosting and Virtual Private Networks. As a result, we can provide small to medium sized businesses a complete suite of services designed to meet their needs."
ConcentricDSL service packages are available in speeds ranging from 144Kbps to 1.5Mbps at prices starting as low as $149 a month, including all circuit and Internet charges. Concentric has agreements with several exchange carriers, enabling Concentric to offer Internet and intranet access to its customers utilizing DSL local loops throughout Chicago, Boston, New York City, and Washington, D.C.
As part of the strategic relationship between Concentric and Covad, the two companies will collaborate on marketing and advertising programs and product development. Concentric and Covad have been working together since February 1998 to offer high-speed digital subscriber line (DSL) services. This strategic relationship will play a significant role in Concentric's plans to expand DSL service offerings to over 20 U.S. markets in 1999.
"Concentric and Covad have had a strong relationship for almost a year now, and we are extremely pleased to move it to a higher level," said Henry R. Nothhaft, chairman, president and CEO of Concentric Network. "We think Covad is a leader in the broadband industry and our confidence in the company's strategy and execution is high. We look forward to working closely with Covad to bring low-cost, high-speed DSL services to individuals, telecommuters, and small and medium-size businesses, who will be the real winners in this relationship."
According to Covad CEO Robert E. Knowling, "Covad recognizes the
importance of partnering with other leading communications companies like Concentric to provide market-leading broadband business solutions to customers. This announcement underscores our mutual commitment to extend the working relationship in ways that will benefit users across the U.S."
In addition to offering a range of service options, Concentric has simplified the ordering, installation, and billing processes. Concentric handles all circuit ordering and installation and provides the hardware required at the customer's location. To simplify the billing process, Concentric offers a single monthly price and bill statement, consolidating both the DSL circuit and the Internet access charges. |
