Network Access Solutions Names New President & Chief Operating Officer; Seasoned Telecom Executive to Lead Company Through Next Phase of Development - Nicholas J. Williams - Company Operations

Cambridge Telcom Report, Feb 21, 2000

Network Access Solutions (NAS), one of the nation's leading broadband solutions companies, announced that Nicholas J. Williams has joined the company as president and chief operating officer. Mr. Williams will assume responsibility for all day- to-day operations reporting to Jon Aust, chairman and CEO.

"Nick has had a tremendously successful 25-year career in the telecom and data communications field holding senior management positions with market leaders such as AT&T Paradyne, IBM and, most recently, as CEO of Premisys Communications," said Aust. "His in-depth industry knowledge, ability to successfully and aggressively execute business plans, and expertise at building customer-oriented companies makes him an outstanding addition to our management team as we complete the build-out of the nation's most extensive broadband DSL network."

NAS will be expanding its network as part of a recently-announced strategic agreement with SBC Communications and Telefonos de Mexico (Telmex). Under the terms of the agreement, SBC and Telmex will invest $150 million in the form of a convertible preferred security to help fund expansion of NAS' network into BellSouth and US West territories. NAS will provide DSL service for SBC out of region. The companies also intend to enter into an agreement that gives NAS the ability to sell SBC Telecom services in areas where NAS operates. Together, SBC and NAS will create an unrivaled broadband network that will reach 90% of businesses and residences in the nation's top 50 markets.

Prior to joining NAS, Williams, 53, held senior management positions with IBM Corporation, AT&T Paradyne, and Tellabs Corporation. Most recently, he served as president and CEO of California-based Premisys Communications where he led the company into a position of market leadership and profitability through the development of customer-oriented services and support.

Before entering the private sector, Williams spent five years in the U.S. Marine Corps as a marine aircraft officer and an avionics division officer and aviator. He holds a B.S. degree in operations analysis from the U.S. Naval Academy.

"I am extremely pleased to have the opportunity to work with such a dynamic, market leader," said Williams. "I believe the broadband services industry represents one of the hottest sectors for growth during the next decade because we're building the infrastructure for the New Economy. I'm looking forward to playing a key role in the evolution of this industry at NAS."

Network Access Solutions (NAS) is one of the nation's leading broadband solutions companies. Founded in 1995, the company currently provides an expansive portfolio of Digital Subscriber Line (DSL) and broadband networking services in the Bell Atlantic region. The Bell Atlantic region is home to 35% of the world's data communications traffic and the densest collection of businesses in the U.S.

NAS gives customers access to a deep DSL network footprint and a robust broadband services "bundle" which includes network consulting, integration, management and security services. NAS' hallmark DSL service -- CopperNet -- provides high-speed, "always on" local, metropolitan and wide-area connectivity. CopperNet is a seamless, cost-effective replacement for traditional T-1 and ISDN lines, and can save companies of all sizes as much as 70% in local facilities expenses, depending upon their requirements. The NAS network supports traditional and packet-based services such as ATM, frame relay, and IP. FMI: http://www.nas-corp.com.