 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 | ||
|
|
||
News Releases
New Edge Networks Pens Agreement with US Online, a Leading Network of ISPs, to Provide DSL Service
VANCOUVER, Wash. – (Sept. 14, 2000) – New Edge Networks, the leading national wholesale broadband services provider in small, midsize and semirural markets, today announced an agreement to provide high-speed Internet access through US Online for its 46-state network of local Internet services providers (ISPs).
Based in Wenatchee, Wash., US Online provides a full range of Internet services through more than 140 independent ISPs representing more than 500,000 end-users in more than 2,200 cities.
US Online Network expects to begin offering high-speed Internet access using New Edge Networks' DSL (digital subscriber line) technology within 30 days. Consumers can choose among various DSL options and speeds to meet their business and home computer needs.
“New Edge Networks’ advanced network and the ability to deliver a variety of services gives our partners a distinct advantage in the smaller cities and towns they serve,” said Karl Nelson, director of Telecommunication Services for US Online. “Providing high-speed Internet access to our network of ISPs will revolutionize how they and their subscribers use the Internet.”
Subscriber numbers will continue to grow rapidly. Analysts project that up to 50 percent of businesses with fewer than 20 employees will have broadband access within five years. For businesses with under 100 employees, the projection jumps to three out of four having broadband access.
“Delivering DSL to US Online’s partners and their customers is a giant step in addressing the insatiable demand for broadband services in underserved communities,” said Brian McDonald, vice president – marketing for New Edge Networks. “We’re unleashing the power of the Internet with consumer and business-class DSL services for US Online’s network of customers and end-users. Now they have the right tool with which to compete and succeed in the new economy. With DSL, large Internet files download in the blink of an eye, and content-rich audio and video programs become a reality, not just wishful thinking.”
DSL technology uses existing standard phone wires in businesses and homes to provide access to the Internet and corporate data networks at guaranteed speeds of 1.5 million bits per second and faster compared to 28,800 or 56,000 bits per second through traditional analog modems. DSL technology’s other key benefits include an “always on” connection eliminating dial up, waiting and frustrating disconnects; secure access using dedicated facilities; and reliability because the network is monitored around the clock.
For US Online, New Edge Networks’ facilities-based national data communications network can deliver enhanced broadband services, and it eliminates the need for an ISP to have a local physical presence and capital spending that discourages or delays investments for offering new broadband services in smaller cities and towns. New Edge Networks’ national backbone ring is based on Asynchronous Transfer Mode, or ATM technology.
About US Online
US Online Network launched in July 1998 to provide local ISPs a platform to protect, grow and prosper in the dynamic Internet access market. Since it’s founding, the Network has grown to 140 ISPs serving more than 2,200 cities in the United States. US Online is the industry’s largest network of local ISPs. US Online is a privately held corporation funded by ISPs, strategic partners and private investors. Together, the network is building a world class, global Internet Service Provider network – one community at a time. Benefits: US Online provides implication of many daily tasks an ISP must perform, allowing them to focus on building their customer base. A few examples of services available from US Online are the outsourcing of technical support and utilizing a professionally developed startup CD with a remote signup server. US Online also provides value-added services an ISP can provide its subscribers such as national roaming and an extensive portal for their start page; features typically unobtainable or impractical for most local ISPs. Perhaps the most notable benefit US Online can provide is the savings it can pass on to the ISP (in some cases more than $50,000 per year) in reduced costs on telecommunication, Internet backbone and equipment purchases.
About New Edge Networks
Based in Vancouver, Wash., New Edge Networks is the leading national wholesale broadband services provider in small, midsize and semi-rural markets. The company is authorized to provide service in 48 states and plans to offer service in all 50 states by early next year. Since its founding in June 1999, New Edge Networks has been backed by top-tier private venture firms, global financial institutions and worldwide technology firms. These include: Accel Partners, Comdisco Ventures, Crosspoint Venture Partners, Goldman Sachs & Co., Greylock, Intel Corporation, Meritech Capital Partners and Morgan Stanley Dean Witter. The company's Web site address is www.newedgenetworks.com
Contact:
Sal Cinquegrani
(360) 906-9723
ATTN: New Edge Networks news releases contain information that is accurate as of the date they are issued. Information contained in past news releases may become out of date and the company does not assume responsibility for updating information contained in past news releases.