Big Net, Covad, and Efficient Networks Provide Ford Employees High-speed Broadband Internet Access Services
13 September 2000
Big Net, Covad, and Efficient Networks Provide Ford Employees High-speed Broadband Internet Access Services
DALLAS & SANTA CLARA, Calif., & PONTIAC, Mich.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Sept. 13, 2000--Ford Motor Company has begun offering the option of high-speed broadband digital subscriber line (DSL) access for a nominal fee to its U.S.-based employees and other Ford affiliates enrolled in Model E, the Internet access program designed to get eligible employees on line at home.
Covad Communications and Big Net, Inc. will partner to provide high-speed broadband DSL connections for the Ford Model E program. Efficient Networks will provide its SpeedStream(R) DSL customer premises equipment (CPE). The broadband access program will augment Ford's previously announced program for employees and affiliates to receive a People PC computer, a color printer and dial-up Internet usage for home use for $5 per month. The DSL service option will be offered to 178,000 U.S.-based employees for an additional fee.
"We applaud Ford for its far sightedness in bringing its entire work force access to e-business technology and skills," said Robert E. Knowling, chairman, CEO and president of Covad. "Now, with DSL, employees based in the United States can really enjoy the high-speed, always-on benefits of the Internet. Covad, with the nation's largest national DSL network, can scale to meet the provisioning needs of eligible Ford employees based in the United States so they can experience the Internet as it should be."
"High speed Internet access will move users to the new frontier of connectivity," said Duane Rao, chairman, CEO of Big Net. "The DSL product will enable Model E members to effectively use advanced technology to create new opportunities. Just as important, employees will be much more productive with their Internet time."
Efficient Networks is a leading worldwide provider of DSL customer premises equipment (CPE) for the broadband access market. "We were chosen by Big Net to provide the DSL equipment because of our broad product range," says Mark Floyd, president and CEO of Efficient. "This opportunity really boosts Efficient's national presence."
The program will offer Covad broadband connectivity to all eligible U.S.-based Model E participants. Big Net will provide Model E members with unlimited Internet service and in-home technical support for up to three years. They will also receive the set-up for DSL, Efficient's SpeedStream DSL equipment, and Internet registration connected to the People PC service and Model E portal.
Covad DSL allows users to quickly navigate the Internet at broadband speeds with an always-on connection that eliminates the frustrations due to dial-up hang-ups and busy signals. Many of the most popular Internet uses such as downloading audio or video files, shopping, and file transfers are made easier by a high-speed DSL connection.
About Big Net
Big Net, Inc. is a nationwide provider of high-speed Digital Subscriber Line (DSL) access to business and residential users. Headquartered in Pontiac - Oakland County, Michigan, Big Net features a complete line of Internet offerings including dedicated and dial-up connectivity, web and application hosting and value-added communication services.
This news release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Actual results may differ materially from those expressed or implied in these statements, including but not limited to economic conditions in the Internet and communications industries, risks associated with conducting business in foreign countries and other factors.
About Efficient Networks
Efficient Networks, Inc. is a leading worldwide provider of broadband access products that employ digital subscriber line (DSL) technology. The company's SpeedStream(R) family of DSL solutions provides high-performance remote access for small and medium businesses, branch offices, telecommuters, and consumers. Working globally with central office vendors, incumbent local exchange carriers, competitive local exchange carriers, international carriers and Internet service providers, Efficient's solutions enable next generation broadband applications. Efficient Networks is based in Dallas, Texas, with additional facilities in Asia and Europe. For more information, visit www.efficient.com.
About Covad
Covad is the leading national broadband services provider of high-speed Internet and network access utilizing Digital Subscriber Line (DSL) technology. It offers DSL, IP and dial-up services through Internet Service Providers, telecommunications carriers, enterprises, affinity groups, PC OEMs and ASPs to small and medium-sized businesses and home users. Covad services are currently available across the United States in 98 of the top Metropolitan Statistical Areas (MSAs). By the end of 2000, Covad services are expected to be available in 165 MSAs (which includes MSAs that will be added as a result of the acquisition of BlueStar Communications). At that time Covad's network is targeted to reach more than 45 percent of all US homes and 50 percent of all US businesses. Corporate headquarters is located at 4250 Burton Drive, Santa Clara, CA 95054. Telephone: 888/GO-COVAD. Web Site: www.covad.com.
Covad Safe Harbor Statement under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 The statements contained in this release which are not historical facts may be deemed to contain forward-looking statements, including but not limited to statements regarding the intention to deploy our network in new and existing MSAs, the timing and breadth of coverage in each MSA, and our ability to provide high-quality, media-rich content. Actual results may differ materially from those anticipated in any forward-looking statements as a result of certain risks and uncertainties, including, without limitation, the company's dependence on incumbent local exchange carriers for collocation, unbundled network elements, transport and other facilities, development of necessary technologies and operations, ability to manage growth of our operations, and the need to raise additional capital. For other risks and uncertainties applicable to our business refer to the Company's Securities and Exchange Commission filings.