AboveNet UK Launches Metro-Ethernet Now Available in 24 London Datacentres

Metro-Ethernet Brings Affordable Ethernet Connectivity to Enterprise and Carrier Markets

London – October 25, 2004 — AboveNet Communications UK Ltd, a subsidiary of AboveNet Inc., a premier metro network access provider for businesses, today launched the first phase of its new Ethernet network, Metro-Ethernet. AboveNet’s Metro-Ethernet product combines its extensive London fibre with the versatility of Ethernet technology to create a network that connects multiple sites in and around the city. The product is designed for both the Enterprise and Carrier markets, and will enable customers to connect into this network via a number of neutral datacentres.

The London Datacentres introduced in Phase One of AboveNet’s Metro-Ethernet deployment include amongst others: Cityfringe, Global Switch 1 & 2, Interxion London, and IXEurope’s City & West London facilities, Redbus Interhouse’s Harbour Exchange & Sovereign House, TeleCity’s Harbour Exchange and Bonnington House facilities, Telehouse East and Telehouse North. Future phases of Metro-Ethernet’s launch will see a similar number of new London sites planned for connectivity by the end of 2004.

Customers will benefit from connecting into this network at these locations via dedicated Ethernet ports and, for a small monthly fee, will be able to transfer their business data across AboveNet’s private, switched Ethernet network to as many locations as they have connectivity.

Brett Johnson, AboveNet’s sales director said, “Our aim is to build our London Metro-Ethernet network into more carrier neutral datacentres than any other Metro-Ethernet provider. We have one major advantage, and are extremely fortunate that we own and manage all of our metropolitan ducts and fibre; we therefore have not relied on any other network provider to supply us with connectivity in order to build this solution. Our target is to connect every major datacentre in London and make AboveNet’s optical solutions available to any business committed to transporting its business data on a secure and highly scaleable network.”

Metro-Ethernet takes advantage of the ubiquity of Ethernet within corporations to create a seamless and affordable way for businesses to connect multiple sites across London. Customers also can access an increased number of hubs from which they can connect directly into AboveNet’s full suite of managed optical services, including those enabling connectivity across the Atlantic and out to 12 major US Metropolitan Area Networks (MAN’s).

“This product will enable us to do a number of things,” said John Dowbiggin AboveNet’s MD. “Primarily, we will offer this service to businesses not yet in need of high bandwidth, dedicated fibre solutions. Secondly, it will introduce AboveNet’s capabilities to companies that are already transferring their data across shared Ethernet platforms, but are in need of an increased number of connected locations. AboveNet offers this added flexibility, as well as providing a service over its own dark fibre network, giving customers reassurance that Metro-Ethernet can scale exponentially when their needs dictate.”
AboveNet continues to develop and release high-end optical products and services that provide increasingly scaleable solutions to its customers. AboveNet continues to maintain a high-capacity IP network, Trans-Atlantic capacity to the US and premier fibred metro networks in key metropolitan areas that have become the company’s hallmark.

About AboveNet, Inc.
AboveNet, Inc. provides high bandwidth connectivity solutions for business and carriers. Its private optical network delivers key network and IP services in and among top U.S. metro markets and globally. AboveNet's network is widely used in demanding markets such as financial services, media, health care, retail and government.

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This news release contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. Factors that could cause or contribute to such risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, general economic and business conditions, competition, changes in technology and methods of marketing, and various other factors beyond the Company’s control. This also includes such factors as are described from time to time in the SEC reports filed by AboveNet, Inc., including the most recently filed Form 8-K.