NetworkIP Announces 'e.Cable' High-Speed Broadband Solution for Cable Operators Nov 27, 2000 NetworkIP, an industry leading e.Communications service provider of converged voice and Internet platform services, today announced the launch of e.Cable, a broadband cable modem solution that allows cable operators to provide self-provisioned, high-speed Internet and data services to their subscribers. The cable operator can now market and offer privately branded high-speed Internet service, via a DOCSIS-compliant infrastructure, with absolutely no back office investment. e.Cable provides the subscriber quick and easy self-installation of high-speed Internet service and the ability to manage their own service accounts online. NetworkIP's real-time Web-based e.Services Network (e.SN) control system provides the cable operator with a paperless, prepaid environment including back office requirements such as provisioning, billing, technical support, reporting, and service control. Other services that cable providers will be able to offer through the use of e.Cable's e.SN include email accounts, Web Hosting accounts, and varying service levels for Internet access. "Our e.Cable product allows us to leverage our successful B2B business model to enable cable providers to offer a private branded, value-added service to their subscribers today while minimizing the risk and capital investment required. It's a win-win situation for all," said Pete Pattullo, President and CEO of NetworkIP. NetworkIP's broadband offering is built on the Simplified OpenCable solution, which allows the cable operator to deliver self-provisioning to subscribers without separate software installation. The solution reduces costs for the cable provider by virtually eliminating truck rolls and drastically reduces the man-hours required for customer service. NetworkIP has used Simplified's infrastructure management software since 1997 to provide a variety of voice and data services for telecommunications customers and Internet service providers. "NetworkIP was one of Simplified's first customers and it was a natural progression to them to take advantage of our new cable broadband solution," said James Cashiola, President and CEO of Simplified. "By implementing the Simplified OpenCable solution, NetworkIP and WEHCO Video are leading the way in providing a true open environment for voice and data services." It was also announced today that WEHCO Video, the 36th largest MSO, has begun using e.Cable as its cable broadband solution. By teaming up with NetworkIP, WEHCO Video will provide broadband Internet access to its cable customers in Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, and Mississippi through its cable companies located in 11 service areas throughout those states. WEHCO will market its cable broadband Internet services under the trademark 'cablelynxTM.' The initial deployment of cablelynxTM is taking place in Longview, Texas, with an approximate subscriber base of 25,000. "e.Cable by NetworkIP allows us to quickly add Internet services for our cable customers without taking a huge hit in startup costs," said Larry Risner, WEHCO Video's Director of Marketing. "The value realized by our customers is not only in the additional services but also in the fact that they can establish and manage their own Internet accounts online. With this new product offering, WEHCO will generate new revenue in a new markets." "We are very excited to be introducing the cablelynxTM services," said Robert E. Durham, Regional Vice President and General Manager of Longview Cable Television Co. "The self-provisioning and management software that has been developed by NetworkIP and Simplified is very easy to use and we believe it will help us increase market share as we roll out our high-speed Internet access product." NetworkIP will maintain the network infrastructure and customer data, while WEHCO provides ISP services and cable access. The underlying Simplified platform will manage and clear every transaction administered by each company involved. One advantage to this business model is that WEHCO has real-time access to customer service data through NetworkIP's platform and maintains the customer relationship. About NetworkIP Founded in 1997, NetworkIP is an industry leading e.Communications application service provider of enhanced services. The company provides value-added, business-to-business communication services via the Internet to service providers. The company has created the first future-proof, large scale e.Communications network, bringing together the best in class switching, computing hardware, data storage, IP networking, and software development methodology. NetworkIP's platform enables CLECs, ILECs, ISPs, cable companies, municipalities and public utilities, and other businesses to offer broadband voice, data and video services. Current e.Communication products and services offered by NetworkIP include e.Prepaid Calling Cards, e.Prepaid Long Distance, e.Prepaid 1+ Long Distance, e.Prepaid Internet, e.Conferencing and e.Cable. NetworkIP has projected fiscal year 2000 revenues of $200 million.