Flashcom and Texas Instruments Join Forces to Simplify Nationwide Delivery of DSL Services - Company Business and Marketing

Cambridge Telcom Report, June 5, 2000

Flashcom Inc., one of the nation's leading providers of broadband communications services, Tuesday announced an agreement with Texas Instruments Incorporated, (NYSE: TXN) (TI), the world leader in digital signal processors (DSPs) and analog technology, to simplify customer access to digital subscriber line (DSL) equipment.

This agreement streamlines the process of obtaining a high-speed DSL Internet access solution and gives Flashcom subscribers access to DSL service at speeds up to 100 times faster than traditional dial-up modems.

"The announcement with Texas Instruments is exciting news for Flashcom because it enables us to simplify the DSL ordering and installation process. By combining efforts, we can jointly increase our customers' overall satisfaction with our broadband service offerings and TI-based DSL equipment," said Richard N. Rasmus, President and CEO of Flashcom.

Industry-leading PC, modem and DSL equipment manufacturers have adopted TI's programmable DSP-based ADSL chipset technology making it easier for consumers to purchase future-proofed and interoperable DSL-ready equipment. Once the customer purchases the DSL equipment, such as a DSL-ready PC or modem with TI technology, they simply contact Flashcom to order the company's high-speed, "Always-On" Internet access service.

TI's programmable DSP-based modem chipset technology features customer-friendly setup tools, plug and play operation and testing software to ensure ease of installation and use. Support is also minimized resulting in higher customer satisfaction due to TI's five generations of rigorously-tested DSL hardware and software.

Both companies bring key strengths to the broadband communications environment. TI provides its leadership and expertise in enabling end-to-end Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line technology (ADSL) for the convergence of voice, video and data and Flashcom brings its position as a leading nationwide DSL provider to consumer and small-to-medium business customers.

The TI/Flashcom relationship strengthens Flashcom's ability to provide subscribers with reliable, secure access and dedicated, high-speed service in over 80 metropolitan statistical areas.

"By combining TI's and Flashcom's key strengths, we will strive to provide consumers with access to the most robust and interoperable technology," said Bill Eversole, general manager for TI's DSL customer premise solutions. "We look forward to working with our customers and Flashcom to deliver broadband services such as e-commerce, telecommuting, Internet sharing, gaming and video conferencing to consumers nationwide."

Flashcom, a leading national provider of broadband communications services, currently delivers DSL services in over 80 metropolitan statistical areas. DSL technology allows Flashcom to mass-market high-speed Internet access and digital broadband applications over copper telephone wires to residential and small- to medium-sized business customers. Flashcom's DSL services make Internet access faster, more affordable and more secure than other "last mile" service solutions.

Flashcom is a closely held company with corporate headquarters in Huntington Beach. For more information on Flashcom, call 1-877-Flashcom or visit www.flashcom.com.

Texas Instruments Incorporated is the world leader in digital signal processing and analog technologies, the semiconductor engines of the Internet age. The company's businesses also include materials and controls, and educational and productivity solutions.

TI is headquartered in Dallas, Texas and has manufacturing or sales operations in more than 25 countries. Texas Instruments is traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol TXN. More information is located on the World Wide Web at: http://www.ti.com