March 4, 2002 -- Focal Communications Corporation (Nasdaq: FCOM), a national provider of local phone and data services, has launched Managed Internet Access service in the Twin Cities area. Focal's Managed Internet Access service will provide area businesses with reliable connection speeds to the Internet. This service is offered with multiple connectivity options to meet the needs of varied business types both large and small.

Since 2000, Focal has been providing local voice and data services to communications-intensive users, and has increased its total number of lines by more than 700% over the past year in the Twin Cities area. According to the company, the Managed Internet Access service bypasses unnecessary network hops and congested exchange points to deliver reliable Internet service that businesses should expect from their provider.

This brings the total number of markets with Focal Managed Internet Access to 18.

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