World Wide Packets Announces Gigabit Residential Gateway

[Gene Hastings <hastings@info-ren.org>]

http://www.worldwidepackets.com/wwp-news-press-ethernet.html

August 7, 2000

World Wide Packets Deploys First Gigabit Ethernet Broadband Solution
Subscriber Gateway Device in Beta Testing with Grant County Washington
PUD

(Spokane, Wash.) - World Wide Packets, a premier solutions provider for
optical broadband connectivity, today announced that its first product,
a Gigabit Ethernet subscriber gateway, has been installed and will be
part of extensive beta testing being conducted by the Grant County
Washington Public Utility District (PUD).

The Grant County PUD pilot project, known as ZIPP, will provide nearly
100 residential test sites in Ephrata, Washington with Gigabit Ethernet
broadband connectivity for voice, video and data over the PUD's new
fiber optic network. World Wide Packets' subscriber gateway solution
delivers a Gigabit of bandwidth, offering subscribers up to 1,000 times
faster Internet access at prices comparable to much slower access
devices, based on technologies like xDSL and cable modems.

"Our subscriber gateway solution leverages the capacity of fiber, the
predominance of IP as the protocol of choice, and the simplicity of
Ethernet to deliver world class performance," said Bernard Daines, World
Wide Packets president and chief executive officer. "In the coming
months we will be delivering an optical Gigabit Ethernet aggregator and
comprehensive management and provisioning software, which combined
provide a cost effective Gigabit Ethernet broadband access solution with
long-term investment protection."

World Wide Packets' subscriber access device provides the gateway to a
new world of channelized bandwidth which revolutionizes not only the
speed, but also the way in which voice, video and data are
simultaneously transported. Service providers can connect seamlessly to
Grant County PUD subscribers over standard Ethernet links, which allows
for service deployment flexibility. Subscribers will be able to select
from a variety of service providers for Internet data access, voice, and
video services.

"Participants in our fiber optic pilot test have an opportunity to
change the way the county is connected by being the first to access
competitive high-speed Internet connections and streaming digital
video," said Jonathan Moore, Grant County PUD's senior
telecommunications engineer. "These initial participants represent the
future for Grant County as we expand our utility network and as service
providers deliver services on our growing high-speed fiber optic
system."

Involvement in the Grant County PUD testing represents an interim step
in the product launch phase for World Wide Packets' subscriber gateway
access device. The company plans to announce its initial solution later
this year. Large-scale commercial distribution of all products is slated
for early 2001.

"With World Wide Packets last mile solutions, subscribers will be able
to download a favorite movie in seconds whenever they want, consult with
a medical specialist in a remote location, or telecommute with access to
all workplace files and applications," Daines said. "These are just some
of the options residents of Ephrata may experience as they take part in
this innovative and progressive pilot project and experience true
e-livingTM."

About World Wide Packets

World Wide Packets is a premier solutions provider for optical broadband
connectivity. The company designs, develops and manufactures optical
access network solutions that are expected to revolutionize
entertainment, e-business/e-commerce, education and e-livingTM. The term
e-living captures the essence of lifestyle choices which utilize
technology, in concert with knowledge appliances, to enhance day-to-day
experiences, including telecommuting, healthcare, distance learning, and
other traditional service options. World Wide Packets is a privately
held corporation, established by Bernard Daines, founder of Packet
Engines, Grand Junction Networks and Tidewater Associates. For more
information on World Wide Packets, please visit our web site at
www.worldwidepackets.com.

Ethernet-to-the-Subscriber, e-living, World Wide Packets and the World
Wide Packets logo are trademarks of World Wide Packets, Inc. All other
trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

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Contact:
Nancy Goodspeed
World Wide Packets
Phone: 509.242.9000 Ext. 274
FAX: 509.242.9001
E-Mail: nancy.goodspeed@worldwidepackets.com