Netcom Prevents USENET Death Penalty Order; Anti-SPAM Measures on Track

Business Wire, Feb 23, 1998

SAN JOSE, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Feb. 23, 1998--Netcom On-Line Communication Services, Inc., a leading global Internet service provider and wholly-owned subsidiary of ICG Communications, Inc., (NASDAQ:ICGX) today announced that the USENET Death Penalty ("UDP") order which was to be carried out by an anti-SPAM advocacy group today at 5:00 PM, PST, was averted.

Today, at 5:00 PM, Pacific Standard Time, Netcom was informed that the threat of a USENET Death Penalty, brought about by an independent anti-SPAM advocacy group, will not be implemented. Netcom, one of the largest Internet Service Providers (ISPs) in the industry, received the warning late last week which said that unless Netcom stopped its customers from posting SPAM to USENET bulletin boards, the group would cancel any future postings originating from a Netcom account. During the past few days, Netcom has worked closely with the group to identify and implement actions necessary to meet the group's goals.

"Netcom is committed to providing quality Internet access to all of its customers," said Gene Shimshock, vice president of marketing. "However, we will continue to ensure that Netcom is not used as a vehicle for sending SPAM."

Netcom will continue to combat SPAM and other forms of Internet abuse. Customers and advocacy groups will be kept apprised of Netcom's policies and acceptable usage guidelines, as well as future anti-abuse measures the company takes.

About Netcom

NETCOM On-Line Communication Services, Inc.(tm), an ICG Communications, Inc. company headquartered in San Jose, California, is a leading global Internet service provider with over a decade of Internet connectivity, applications and Web hosting expertise. Netcom delivers a full range of innovative, value-added services for today's individual professional and small-to mid-size business customers who increasingly use the Internet as a mission-critical tool.

Netcom maintains long-term relationships with its clientele by providing flexible and scaleable Internet solutions to meet their evolving needs. All services are backed by the company's expansive high-speed nationwide network, and year-round 24-hour expert customer service. Netcom is a wholly-owned subsidiary of ICG Communications. Additional service and pricing information can be found by calling 1-800-Netcom1 (1-800-638-2661) or by visiting our Web site at http://www.netcom.com/.>About ICG

ICG Communications, Inc., headquartered in Englewood, Colo., is a premier provider of high-quality communications services. ICG has extensive switched fiber-optic networks and offers local, long distance and enhanced telephony and data services in California, Colorado, the Ohio Valley and parts of the Southeastern United States. ICG is a leading national competitive local exchange carrier (CLEC) publicly traded on the Nasdaq National Exchange under the symbol "ICGX." Further information is available on ICG's Website located at http://www.icgcomm.com. -0-

Note to Editors: NETCOM On-Line Communication Services, Inc. is a registered trademark of the company. All other trademarks, names and brands are the property of their respective owners.

CONTACT: Netcom

Emily Chambers, 408/881-3574

emily.chambers@corp.netcom.com

or

JONA Group

Thomas Vanderbilt, 415/552-1515

thomas@jonagroup.com