Choice One Communications (BULLETIN BOARD: CWON) , an Integrated Communications Provider offering facilities-based voice and data telecommunications services, and web hosting, design and development to small and medium-sized businesses, today announced the company has substantially expanded its fiber optic facilities in several key New England markets.

Choice One recently activated intra-city metro fiber rings in Hartford, Connecticut; Springfield, Massachusetts and Providence, Rhode Island. Additionally, the company activated an inter-city fiber network connecting Hartford and New Haven, Connecticut. The fiber networks were acquired from Fibertech Networks, a leader in building and operating dark fiber optic networks throughout mid-size cities in the Eastern and Central regions of the United States.

"This recent investment in fiber clearly demonstrates Choice One's commitment to our smart-build network strategy and to our New England markets," said Kevin Dickens, Choice One's Chief Operating Officer. "The deployment of fiber enables us to optimize our network costs, enhance the quality and reliability of the services we offer and ensure that we have sufficient bandwidth to support the continued growth of our business. These new fiber networks in New England will dramatically reduce our reliance on the incumbent providers and significantly strengthen our competitive advantage in the market."

Choice One provides telecommunications services to thousands of businesses in its New England markets, which include Hartford and New Haven, Connecticut; Portland/Augusta, Maine; Springfield, Massachusetts; Manchester/Portsmouth, New Hampshire and Providence, Rhode Island.

"As an anchor tenant and Fibertech business partner, Choice One has made a long-term commitment to utilizing fiber in second and third-tier markets in the Northeast," stated John Purcell, President and CEO of Fibertech Networks. "Their investment in metro fiber optic networks gives Choice One access to substantial bandwidth that will help the company maintain its position as a leading provider of alternative telecommunications to small and medium-sized businesses in New England."

The company's New England fiber networks were the latest to be activated through Choice One's partnership with Fibertech Networks. In total, Choice One has approximately 1,300 miles of intra-city fiber in 18 markets and approximately 1,000 miles of inter-city fiber.

About Choice One Communications

Headquartered in Rochester, New York, Choice One Communications Inc. (BULLETIN BOARD: CWON) is a leading integrated communications services provider offering voice and data services including Internet and DSL solutions, and web hosting and design, primarily to small and medium-sized businesses in second and third-tier markets.

Choice One currently offers services in 29 markets across 12 Northeast and Midwest states. At September 30, 2002, the company had nearly 500,000 lines in service and more than 100,000 accounts. The company's annualized revenue run rate is approximately $300 million, based on third quarter 2002.

For further information about Choice One, visit our web site at http://www.choiceonecom.com/ or contact us at 1-888-832-5800.

About Fibertech Networks

Fibertech Networks is a leader in building and operating dark fiber optic networks throughout mid-size cities in the Eastern and Central regions of the United States. The company is designing metro-area "carrier-ready" networks strategically connecting local Telco central offices, carrier hotels, data centers and other traffic aggregation points.

Privately held, Fibertech investors are led by Nautic Partners of Providence, R.I., and Bank of America Capital Investors of Charlotte, N.C. Headquartered in Rochester, N.Y., further information about the company can be found at http://www.fibertech.com/ .