Speakeasy Unaffected by FCC Ruling

SEATTLE August 8, 2005— Speakeasy (www.speakeasy.net), the nation's largest independent broadband provider, expects no changes to its broadband services as a result of the Federal Communications Commission's (FCC) announcement regarding competitive access to Digital Subscriber Line (DSL) service in the upcoming Wireline Broadband Notice of Proposed Rulemaking.

The majority of Speakeasy's services are secured by contracts with Competitive Local Exchange Companies (CLECs). Based on our knowledge of the FCC's meeting, we understand that the ruling is explicit in stating that it does not impact the requirement for incumbent Bell companies to offer their networks to CLECs in an unbundled fashion. Since all of Speakeasy's CLEC partners rely on unbundled network elements -- and they too have commercial wholesale relationships in place with the incumbents -- they will also be untouched by the ruling.

"Speakeasy's business of providing high quality and reliable broadband and Voice Over IP services is unaffected by the FCC ruling. Our relationships are strong and secured with long-standing contracts," said Bruce Chatterley, Speakeasy's president and CEO. "However, we differ from the FCC's point of view that less competition is good for the broadband industry. We have a fundamental belief that choice is good for customers and essential in fostering innovation in our industry. "

The FCC's action is similar to its determination earlier this year that cable modem services are an unregulated information service not subject to common carrier rules, which was also affirmed by the Supreme Court. Last week's action intends to eliminate the Bell companies' obligation to provide broadband access services to independent Internet Service Providers.

About Speakeasy
Speakeasy, the nation's largest independent broadband services company, is focused on meeting the needs of discerning businesses, professionals and those who depend on the Internet for higher productivity in life. Speakeasy manages its own private fiber-optic national network, ensuring fast connections, low latency, and an unparalleled degree of security protection from the public Internet. Speakeasy offers a full range of innovative services, including OneLink dedicated DSL, VoIP, online gaming services, and multiple business-grade connectivity options. Customers rave about the personalized and highly competent support they receive from Speakeasy's Seattle-based customer service team. Speakeasy's broadband services are available in most metropolitan areas within the 48 contiguous United States. Those interested in Speakeasy can visit www.speakeasy.net or call 1.800.556.5829.