Bhutan Telecom Chooses AboveNet's IP Transit to Bring Internet Connectivity Over Optical Fibre to Bhutan

LONDON, February 28 /PRNewswire/ --     AboveNet Communications UK Ltd., a leading provider of fibre
optic connectivity solutions for business and carriers and a subsidiary of
AboveNet Inc., today announced the successful provisioning of a new IP
Transit service for Bhutan Telecom. By providing this IP Transit, AboveNet is
enabling Bhutan Telecom's customers to experience fast, reliable Internet
connectivity over fibre optic cabling for the first time in Bhutan's history.

Having previously relied on satellite connectivity for
Internet access, this investment by Bhutan Telecom delivers on its vision to
provide faster, more reliable and cost effective services to its customers,
whilst putting in place an infrastructure which can be easily scaled to
support future growth. With AboveNet's rich peering fabric and uncongested
network, Bhutan Telecom customers can now take advantage of a high quality,
low latency Internet experience. Subsequently, Bhutan Telecom is now in a
position to drive the development of new ICT focussed businesses in Bhutan,
such as call centres and IT Parks, which have previously proved unattainable
due to high infrastructure costs and the poor connectivity Bhutan
historically suffered.

Utilising an international fibre network operator's submarine
fibre cable to link London via Mumbai, Bhutan Telecom acquired a circuit to
London to connect to AboveNet's IP Transit network. This enabled Bhutan
Telecom to launch Bhutan's first DSL broadband Internet service on the 11th
February. With plans already underway to double its bandwidth in the near
future, Bhutan Telecom is confident of the significant benefits this
connectivity provides to its customers.

"With remote countries such as Bhutan realising the demand for
high speed and reliable connectivity, the development of fibre optic and
carrier class IP networks are proving fundamental in narrowing the
communication bridge between distant parts of the world," said Leeland Pavey,
AboveNet's vice president of operations. "With our Tier-1 IP Transit network
and unparalleled fibre assets, AboveNet is positioned as a key player in the
future of global connectivity."

About AboveNet, Inc.

AboveNet, Inc. provides fibre optic connectivity solutions for business
and carriers. Its private optical network delivers key network and IP
services in and among 14 top U.S. metro markets and London. AboveNet's
network is widely used in demanding markets such as financial services,
media, health care and retail.

About Bhutan Telecom

Bhutan Telecom Ltd. is a state-owned corporation and an incumbent telco
operator in Bhutan providing mainly fixed telephony, mobile and Internet
services.

http://www.above.net