Datanet Achieves Increased Functionality with AboveNet’s Metro-Ethernet Service

LONDON, January 24, 2004 – AboveNet Communications UK Ltd., a leading provider of fiber connectivity solutions for business, and a subsidiary of AboveNet Inc., announced today that it has signed a new contract with Datanet, a provider of Business Class Internet services, giving them access onto AboveNet’s recently launched London Metro-Ethernet network. The move shows continued success by AboveNet to expand the uptake of its lit service offerings.

Metro-Ethernet, which was launched in October 2004 and currently connects over 24 of London’s datacentres, will offer Datanet, an existing customer of AboveNet, with a private network solution that will enable them to connect each of their business sites across the city with 100Mb Ethernet connectivity.

Andrew Chant, Network Manager at Datanet, said: “"We chose AboveNet’s Metro-Ethernet solution because it is more cost effective and flexible than typical SDH services. Datanet required a simple but reliable solution to link our business across three locations in the UK: Telehouse, IXEurope, Heathrow and Redbus and could grow with us to as many locations as needed. AboveNet offered the best reach across London and we are confident that we have chosen the right provider to supply us with the service and security we command as a business moving forward.”

Datanet selected AboveNet’s Metro-Ethernet platform to take advantage of a number of its service benefits including security. AboveNet’s solution is built solely on its own dark fibre, ensuring that all Ethernet traffic is kept on the one network, allowing no room for the compromise of data from external sources. The fixed cost per port billing will also enable Datanet to take benefit from a full 100Mb port capacity without paying for burstable traffic above a smaller committed rate.

“With AboveNet’s Metro-Ethernet service, Datanet has chosen a product that offers high bandwidth, dedicated fibre solutions, an increased number of connected locations and unsurpassed reliability,” said John Dowbiggin, Managing Director of AboveNet Communications UK Ltd. “AboveNet does not rely on any other network provider to supply connectivity. We own and manage all of our metropolitan ducts and fibre. 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 is available in either 50Mb or 100Mb capacities and is subject to a one-off connection fee per site. By combining its metropolitan optical network with Ethernet technology, AboveNet has created a solution that links multiple sites in and around the city, enabling both enterprise and carrier customers to connect via a number of neutral datacentres.

About AboveNet, Inc.
AboveNet, Inc. provides fiber connectivity solutions for businesses. Its private optical network, delivers key network and IP services in and between 12 top U.S. metro markets and London. AboveNet’s network is widely used in demanding markets such as financial services, where the majority of top investment banks, and five of the top 10 U.S. banks rely on AboveNet for mission critical services.

About Datanet
Datanet was formed in 1996, the early days of the Internet, as a provider of Internet Services to UK Business. Datanet provides: • VPN Solutions • Application Hosting • Internet Security • Internet Integration and Connectivity, all based on our highly resilient IP infrastructure and complimented by our professional and responsive customer support. InfoLibra - Datanet's "Internet Architects" deliver business benefits based on Internet Technologies, Powered by Datanet. Next generation Internet Solutions to grow your business together with Datanet and InfoLibra.

Datanet - Brilliant Internet Solutions to Important Business Problems www.datanet.co.uk.

# # #

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 Forms S-3 and 8-K.