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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Telecom Leader UniDial Communications Transforms the Industry and Its Company Strategy in Becoming Lightyear Communications: Deploys Its New, Next-Generation Network for the National Business Market

LOUISVILLE, Ky., April 24, 2000 - - UniDial Communications has changed its name to Lightyear Communications, and with it, deployed one of the nation’s first converged telecom networks allowing business customers to merge all their Data, Voice and Internet onto a single circuit.

The network will be available in 24 cities by the end of 2001, offering customers important new leading edge technology. For business customers in the major markets where the Lightyear network will be located, Lightyear will install Integrated Access Devices (IAD) that will combine the customer’s Data, Voice and Internet onto a single ATM, packetized T-1 line--instead of the two to three lines required by more traditional technologies. Lightyear’s switches will allow the company to "unbundle" the packets and send them across the appropriate provider lines. Due to the company’s strategic partnerships with MCI-Worldcom, Williams Communications and others, Lightyear will be able to access network space anywhere, quickly.

After seven years as one of the nation’s fastest growing telecom companies, the leap to integrated communications service provider status was a logical one. "We have always been in the forefront of telecom competition. The economy is right for a change in technology, and we are one of the firsts in making this historical jump," said J. Sherman Henderson, III, president and CEO of Lightyear Communications. "Additionally, we were one of the first in the market when competitive telecom first started in the early 1990s, and we’ve continued to make news with our double-digit growth rates and innovative agreements with vendor partners. Now, we have critical mass with more than 300,000 customers--many of them businesses. With new technology, we’ll be able to expand our network all the way to the customer premise. That has a major impact on our points of presence across our network."

The evolution to Lightyear begins the process of transitioning on April 24. This is a change which company leaders believe will better reflect the company’s position as a facilities-based integrated communications provider. According to Henderson, "It’s not just a voice industry anymore, "next generation" networks will allow customers to make the most of converging Voice, Data and Internet services. This is a much more efficient and economical use of bandwidth."

Cities chosen for network deployment are based on locations where the company already has a significant customer base and direct sales offices. Lightyear products are sold through our national direct sales force, Independent Authorized Agents, as well as other alternate sales channels.

Michael Johnson, chief technology officer for Lightyear Communications, said the network will give Lightyear many strategic advantages. "The network we’re building has significant benefits for the customer, and allows Lightyear to have rapid and cost-effective deployment. For the customer, they no longer need two to three separate T-1 lines for Data, Voice and Internet. They can have all their needs met by one, integrated line. With our strategic partners, we’ll have national coverage; and the new switching technology we’re using is a fraction of the cost of traditional switches. We’ll be able to deploy faster, with a better network which will enhance our customers businesses."

Lightyear is moving into the future by deploying the latest in technology. These advances include a core Lucent backbone, Accelerated Networks devices for greater efficiencies and customer access to the network, as well as future deployment of Tachion’s "next-generation" collapsed central office for even greater integration and cost reduction. With all of these advances, Lighyear will continue to stay in the forefront of the industry.

Lightyear Communications brings more than 300,000 residential and business customers nationwide converged Data, Voice and Internet to enhance their efficiency. As part of the Lightyear promise, the company offers first class sales consulting and customer service for cutting-edge products and services such as: a fully integrated telecom network; network management; customer premise equipment and financing. Founded in 1993, Lightyear, formerly known as UniDial Communications, is a privately held company headquartered in Louisville, KY.

Please do not hesitate to send us an email () or call us at 800-320-6829 if we can help you with anything whatsoever. Again, thank you very much for selecting Lightyear. And please remember, your satisfaction dictates our success, so please don't hesitate to call us if you have any questions.

When you need tomorrow's integrated data solutions for today's business, call on Lightyear. And see your business in a whole new light.