American Fiber Systems Signs Optical Network Agreement with OSC Networking

COLUMBUS, Ohio (Apr 4, 2003) — 

For more information, contact:
American Fiber Systems, Inc.
John Marchaesi
585-340-5400 x130
jmarchaesi@americanfibersystems.com

Dark Fiber Provides Ultimate Broadband Connectivity Throughout Greater Cleveland Area, Universities and Research Institutions

ROCHESTER, NY, March 24, 2003 - American Fiber Systems (AFS), a leading national provider of metropolitan fiber optic networks, today announced that it has signed a 20-year agreement with OSC Networking’s OSCnet for dark fiber services in Cleveland.

According to Al Stutz, OSC Networking Director, “The AFS Cleveland metro fiber network is an integral part of OSC Networking’s planned 1,600-mile fiber network that promises to make high-speed, high-bandwidth connectivity available at universities and other research institutions throughout the state of Ohio.”

“We’re excited to support OSC Networking’s vision for unrestricted access to the country’s most advanced networks and computing resources in an effort to promote research and education in the Greater Cleveland community,” said John Marchaesi, Senior VP of Sales and Market Development for AFS. “The primary focus of our company is to deliver the advantages of optical networking, providing fault-tolerant and future-proof technology that enables connectivity throughout Cleveland and the broadband world.”

Under the agreement, OSC Networking has the option to acquire additional fiber on the AFS network, which extends throughout the Cleveland metropolitan area and surrounding communities, connecting the central business district, primary communication centers and business parks.

AFS also operates dark fiber metropolitan networks in Kansas City, Minneapolis/St. Paul, Nashville, and Salt Lake City. In addition, AFS designs and delivers custom fiber network solutions for enterprise customers throughout the nation.

About American Fiber Systems

American Fiber Systems, Inc. is an independent provider of metropolitan dark fiber optic communications networks for enterprises, carriers and service providers in mid-sized U.S. cities. The company designs, deploys and leases full-spectrum, dark fiber networks nationwide to enable advanced communication network solutions. Founded in 1999 and based in Rochester, N.Y., the company is funded by Sierra Venture Partners, Lucent Venture Partners, Bay Star Capital and others. For more information, please visit www.americanfibersystems.com.

About OSC Networking

OSC Networking is an Ohio-based regional Internet service providing connectivity to 91 college and university networks throughout the state, as well as government agencies, corporate research centers, and non-profit institutions. OSC Networking continually investigates and implements the latest in advanced technologies to serve and support the information architecture of its clients. OSC Networking peers with more than 100 ISPs both nationally and internationally, and maintains data centers throughout the country. OSC Networking is a division of the Ohio Supercomputer Center, a technology initiative of the Ohio Board of Regents. For more information, see http://tfn.oar.net/.