FPL FiberNet today announced completion of metropolitan fiber-optic networks in Orlando, Fort Lauderdale and Tampa as part of the company's aggressive schedule to bring metro networks to major cities throughout Florida. "The extensive metro build-out in these areas is the latest achievement in what promises to be a dynamic year for FPL FiberNet," said Neil Flynn, president of FPL FiberNet.

"We plan to complete networks in West Palm Beach, Boca Raton, Jacksonville and St. Petersburg in the next 60-90 days, as well as finalize expansion projects in Sarasota, Daytona, Melbourne and Fort Myers later in 2001," said Flynn.

FPL FiberNet completed its Miami ring in the first quarter of 2000 and will invest $350 million in additional Florida infrastructure by year-end 2001. By year-end, the company will have more than 2,500 route-miles or nearly 350,000 fiber-miles in Florida. "No other fiber optic provider in Florida will have more fiber-miles than FPL FiberNet. Our network provides the necessary interconnectivity for the major Internet NAPS, carrier hotels, international cable heads, long-distance carriers, cellular companies and local telecommunications companies," Flynn said.

FPL FiberNet also offers its customers the attractive option of carrier- grade co-location facilities in each of its principal markets. These facilities enable capacity and dark-fiber customers to get closer to their customers at competitive prices. Co-location facilities are upgraded with telecommunication-grade air conditioning systems, fire protection systems, and generator protected alternating current (AC) and direct current (DC) power sources to assure reliable operation. Future plans include offering more than 100,000 square-feet of server farm facilities to provide service for its growing number of high-tech customers.

About FPL FiberNet

FPL FiberNet is a leading provider of world-class fiber-optic network solutions in Florida. The company provides connectivity to major telecom centers in the state, including leading carrier hotels, NAP initiatives, international cable-heads and large central offices. FPL FiberNet provides dark fiber and bandwidth on its fiber-optic network in most metropolitan cities throughout Florida. Through multiple interconnection and partnership agreements, the network spans 8,600 miles throughout the Southeast. Within three years, FPL FiberNet expects to expand its fiber-optic network to approximately 2,800 route-miles of fiber and more than 400,000 fiber-miles in Florida.

FPL FiberNet, LLC is the telecommunications subsidiary of FPL Group, Inc. , one of the nation's largest providers of electricity-related services with annual revenues of more than $7 billion. Florida Power & Light Company, with 3.9 million customer accounts in Florida, is FPL Group's principal subsidiary. FPL Energy, LLC is FPL Group's energy-generating subsidiary and a leader in producing electricity from clean and renewable fuels. Additional information about FPL FiberNet is available on the Internet at www.fplfibernet.com.

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SOURCE: FPL FiberNet, LLC