Covad Communications Receives Interop Infr@structure Award For "Most Innovative CLEC"

Business Wire, Oct 27, 1998

SANTA CLARA, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Oct. 27, 1998--Covad Communications, the first Packet Competitive Local Exchange Carrier and a leading provider of digital communications services, was named by Inter@ctive Week and Networld Interop as the Most Innovative Competitive Local Exchange Carrier (CLEC) at the First Annual Interop Infr@structure Awards.

Covad was selected for the award by a panel of Inter@ctive Week editors and industry analysts from a wide range of nominees. According to the judges, Interop Infr@structure Award winners were chosen for their ability to demonstrate innovation in meeting customer needs and by providing the leading edge of technology among providers of communications services.

Inter@ctive Week and Networld Interop are both Ziff-Davis companies. Ziff-Davis is a leading integrated media and marketing company focused on computing and Internet-related technology, with principal platforms in print publishing, tradeshows and conferences, online content, cable TV, market research and education.

Inter@ctive Week Executive Editor Carol Wilson said, "Of all the categories, this proved most difficult to select because most CLECs establish a market position through innovation. Covad Communications ultimately was chosen as the Most Innovative CLEC because it was the first company to establish a market position as a data CLEC to other network service providers, and it was the first regional CLEC to begin creating a national footprint."

"Being named Most Innovative CLEC by Inter@ctive Week is quite a distinction for Covad," said Robert E. Knowling, President and CEO of Covad. "There are hundreds of CLECs that have come into being over the past couple of years - some focused on data, other focused on delivering voice and some delivering a variety of services. Being recognized as the most innovative of all of these new entrants by a group that closely follows the developments of our industry is truly an honor."

The Interop Infr@structure Award adds to Covad's growing list of recognition from prestigious publications as a leader in the industry.

About Covad Communications Company

Covad Communications is a leading packet-based Competitive Local Exchange Carrier that provides dedicated high-speed digital communication services using Digital Subscriber Line (DSL) technology to enterprise and Internet Service Provider ("ISP") customers. The Company has launched its services in the San Francisco Bay Area, Los Angeles, New York and Boston metropolitan areas and has announced plans to deploy its service network in a total of 22 regions nationwide.

Covad Communications' corporate headquarters are located at 2330 Central Expressway, Santa Clara, Calif., 95050. For more information concerning Covad Communications Company and the TeleSpeed(SM) service visit: http://www.covad.com or email sales@covad.com. Telephone: 408/844-7500 or 1-888-GO-COVAD; FAX: 408/844-7501.