WASHINGTON, D.C., January 29, 2002 - Cogent Communications, a Tier One, next generation, optical Internet service provider, announced today that it has entered into an agreement with American Fiber Systems, Inc. (AFS), a leading provider of dark-fiber metropolitan networks in second- and third-tier cities throughout the United States, to secure dark fiber strands on AFS's Kansas City network.

Cogent's nationwide, end-to-end optical network provides radically priced Internet service in 20 of the largest cities in the United States. Cogent will further its presence in Kansas City by "lighting" its metropolitan rings in the Kansas City area, meeting the demand generated by its 100 Mbps at $1,000 per month service.

"Cogent's business success is largely the result of impressive technology which enables Cogent to provide bandwidth at costs never before seen in the Internet service provider market," said Dave Danchak, AFS vice president of sales and business development. "We are pleased to provide a cost-effective infrastructure that enables Cogent to continue to offer radical pricing while remaining a true, facilities-based provider. And we are particularly pleased to be chosen as one of its partners to enable Cogent to achieve its mission of delivering Internet access at unsurpassed speeds, reliability and value for its end users."

According to Danchak, the Kansas City agreement is only the beginning of a mutually beneficial partnership that could enhance and streamline Cogent's operations, now that the Kansas City metro ring has been completed and is ready for use.

"By leasing metropolitan dark fiber from AFS, we have been able to better meet the demand for low priced, high bandwidth Internet connectivity that exists in Kansas City," said Dave Schaeffer, CEO and founder, Cogent Communications.

About American Fiber Systems

American Fiber Systems, Inc. (AFS) is an independent provider of metropolitan dark fiber optic communications networks for carriers and service providers in mid-sized U.S. cities. The company is designing, deploying and leasing high-fiber-count, full-spectrum, dark-fiber networks in underserved second- and third-tier cities to help solve the bandwidth crisis and enable high-speed communications nationwide. The company was founded in 1999 and is privately held. For more information, visit the company's Web site at www.americanfibersystems.com. Media Contact for American Fiber Systems: Bob DeRosa, 585-340-5400 x 104, Esta dirección de correo electrónico está siendo protegida contra los robots de spam. Necesita tener JavaScript habilitado para poder verlo..

About Cogent Communications

Cogent Communications is a next generation optical ISP focused on delivering ultra-high speed Internet access and transport services to businesses in the multi-tenant marketplace and to service providers located in major metropolitan areas throughout the United States. Cogent's facilities-based, all-optical end-to-end IP network enables non-oversubscribed 100 Mbps and 1000 Mbps connectivity for radically low, unmetered pricing levels. Cogent's signature service offered to commercial end-users of 100 Mbps for $1,000, offers 100 times the observed bandwidth of a T-1 connection at two-thirds of the cost. The Cogent Solution makes ultra-high speed Internet access an affordable reality for small and medium-sized businesses, as well as large enterprises and service providers.

Cogent's network consists of a dedicated nationwide multiple OC-192 fiber backbone, multiple intra-city OC-48 fiber rings, and optically-interfaced high-speed routers. Cogent has been recognized as the first IP Optical Cisco Powered Network (CPN). Cogent is currently servicing 20 metropolitan markets. Cogent Communications is a privately held company headquartered at 1015 31st Street, NW, Washington, D.C. 20007. For more information, visit www.cogentco.com. Cogent Communications can be reached at (202) 295-4200 or via email at Esta dirección de correo electrónico está siendo protegida contra los robots de spam. Necesita tener JavaScript habilitado para poder verlo..

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