"These partnerships will allow TEMPEST to provide high-speed data connections via xDSL (Digital Subscriber Line) and future technologies," said Curtis Anderson, Chairman/CEO of TEMPEST. "We will be able to provide our clients with 'around-the-clock' support and reliability that is not possible with other service providers. NorthPoint will help us provide our clients with extensive geographic Internet access and Comstar's fully redundant systems will add to our own network's reliability."

The partnership with NorthPoint Communications will allow TEMPEST to expand into nationwide coverage. This means TEMPEST's clients will be able to access the TNL network locally from more than 1,000 POPs (Points of Presence) with future access to local dialing areas internationally.

TEMPEST's partnership with Comstar.net provides extendible functionality of DSL technology in businesses and organizations by enabling such advances as SDSL (Symmetrical Digital Subscriber Line) without the need to require expensive client upgrades. SDSL allows a truly dedicated connection to the Internet -- speeds are the same for both the upload and the download.

TEMPEST believes that xDSL technology is beneficial for those wishing to connect to the Internet for the following reasons:

About TNL

TEMPEST Network/Laboratories International, Inc. is a privately held company that aims to be the leading provider of products and services in the Internet and online industries. The company actively pursues alliances with leading companies, organizations and individuals interested in "superior technology beyond innovation.™" See www.tempestlabs.net for more information.

About NorthPoint

NorthPoint Communications Group, Inc., a leading broadband provider based in San Francisco, is building a global network designed to deliver affordable, dedicated high-speed Internet access, streaming content and other value-added services to consumers and businesses around the world. The company currently operates DSL-based local networks in 37 major U.S. markets. By the end of 2000, NorthPoint plans to pass half of all homes and businesses in the U.S. and, through its strategic global partnerships with Versatel in Europe and Call-Net in Canada, has embarked on the industry's most ambitious global broadband deployment to date. NorthPoint provides DSL-based Internet access service -- at speeds up to 1.5 Mbps, more than 25 times faster than common dial-up modems -- through national and regional Internet Service Providers, global partnerships, competitive local exchange carriers, long-distance carriers, retailers, value-added resellers and other partners. 

About Comstar.net

Comstar.net is a business class Internet Service Provider based in Atlanta, Georgia, and was founded by ex-MindSpring employees Cary Howell and Ed Landa.  Comstar.net specializes in serving businesses that need dependable Internet communications or have mission-critical Internet commerce applications.   Comstar.net simplifies communications administration and offers plans that can grow as the business grows.   Comstar.net's solutions are delivered over a redundant network and are backed by a knowledgeable and responsive staff.