January 24, 2002 -- Focal Communications Corporation (Nasdaq: FCOM), a national provider of local phone and data services, has launched Managed Internet Access service in the Atlanta area. Focal's Managed Internet Access service will provide Atlanta area businesses with connectivity to the Internet. This service is offered with multiple connectivity options to meet the needs of varied business types both large and small.

Focal has been providing voice services such as local phone and long-distance in the Atlanta area since early 2000. Managed Internet Access will now allow Focal to offer businesses a full suite of communications solutions. According to the company, its Managed Internet Access service bypasses unnecessary network hops and congested exchange points to deliver the reliable Internet service that businesses should expect from their provider.

This brings the total number of Focal markets with Managed Internet Access to 17.

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