News: In the Press

Tier1Net’s “DSL Tomorrow” Program Powered by Pre-configured Netopia Routers with Dial-up Support

Innovative Combination of Dial-up Access and High-Speed DSL In A Single
Device Allows ISP To Offer Overnight Internet Access

WAKEFIELD, Mass. and ALAMEDA, Calif. – (September 21, 2000) – Tier1Net Inc., a full service Integrated Communications Provider specializing in wholly managed Internet network solutions, has launched the DSL Tomorrow program, a quick-start program designed to get business customers connected to the Internet within 24 hours without having to wait for DSL line provisioning. To drive its new program, Tier1Net has standardized on routers with integrated dial-up support manufactured by Netopia, Inc. (NASDAQ: NTPA), a market leader in providing DSL Internet equipment and e-commerce Web platforms to small and medium size businesses.

Tier1Net’s innovative network architecture coupled with By standardizing on Netopia’s R2020 dual analog router and R7120 SDSL router with V.90 dial backup, enable Tier1Net can to offer customers a high-speedan Internet connection in a day. Tier1Net ships pre-configured Netopia Customer Premises Equipment (CPE) to its small business customers via overnight courier. When the Netopia router arrives, the customer simply connects it to his local area network and an outside telephone line, and has an Internet connection at speeds from 56 Kbps to 168 Kbps, with higher dial-up speeds attained by bonding multiple analog lines. When a high-speed DSL connection becomes available for that customer, Tier1Net can either ship a DSL router to replace the analog unit, or activate the DSL daughter card already in place inside the Netopia router and reroute the connection over DSL.

“Turnkey DSL service represents the Holy Grail for all ISPs, but the reality is it still can take five to six weeks to install DSL to the customer site,” said Marc Capoabianco, CEO of Tier1Net. “With our DSL Tomorrow program, we can get customers on line right away, without having to send a crew to install service. By deploying pre-configured Netopia routers, we can upgrade customers to DSL service at any time by simply initializing new service. With Netopia’s help, we can offer our business customers the best of all Internet options – high-speed dial-up access today and DSL tomorrow.”

“Market analysts acknowledge that the single biggest impediment to DSL market growth is the time of deployment,” said Michael Truppiano, Senior Vice President and General Manager of Netopia’s Internet Equipment Group. “That’s part of the reason Netopia has been leading the market with dial-up alternatives built in to our routers. Tier1Net has taken the lead by leveraging the analog support in our routers to give customers immediate Internet access while still expanding their DSL market base.” “DSL Tomorrow alleviates customer concerns related to DSL deployment. We applaud Tier1Net and Netopia in teaming up to develop and deliver such a creative solution.” said Ted Lannon of Norhtpoint Communications.

Netopia’s R2020 dual analog router provides dial-in/dial-out access over one, two, or three telephone lines. Unlike other analog devices, the R2020 has a built-in 8-port hub and secure Virtual Private Networking (VPN) so it can connect a customer’s LAN to the Internet or extranet by aggregating up to three modems for an effective throughput of 168 Kbps. Netopia’s R7120 has integrated V.90 dial backup as well as symmetric DSL (SDSL) support, and is capable of sustaining data rates from 160 Kbps to 1.5 Mbps. It also has built-in NAT and MultiNAT security, VPN support, a built-in firewall, and other security and optimization features.

Tier1Net is offing customers DSL services at data rates ranging from 144 Kbps to 1.5 Mbps for prices starting at $125 per month.

About Tier1Net, Inc.

Tier1Net, Inc. is a full service ISP offering completely managed Internet network solutions for small and medium sized business. The Company continues to separate itself from competitors with its unique brand of innovation and unprecedented levels of customer service. Technology is a rapidly moving industry, and Tier1Net is committed to providing business solutions that reflect this fast paced environment. Tier1Net, along with its sister company, Innovative Networks, is headquartered in Wakefield, Mass. For more information, visit the company’s web site , or call
781.935.8050.

About Netopia

Netopia, Inc. develops, markets and supports Internet and electronic commerce infrastructure for small and medium size businesses. Netopia's DSL equipment and e-commerce Web platforms enable businesses to connect easily and cost-effectively to the Internet, establish and enhance their Internet presence, and conduct business and electronic commerce on the Web.

With its Netopia DSL Router family, the Company is interoperable with all major central office equipment suppliers, including Alcatel, Cisco, Copper Mountain Networks, Lucent Technologies, Nokia, Orckit, Paradyne, and Siemens; and has established strategic distribution relationships with leading CLECs including Covad Communications, NorthPoint Communications, Rhythms NetConnections, and Jato Communications; and with hundreds of ISPs and carriers including France Telecom, Telecom Italia, Verizon, PSINet, Verio, UUNet, Earthlink Network, and Concentric Network.

With its Netopia e-commerce Web platform, the Company has established Web-based services with Bloomberg.com, Citigroup's bizzed.com, Cendant Corporation, Jato Communications, Everdream, France Telecom, and Mac Publishing's Macworld.com.

Headquartered in Alameda, Calif., Netopia's common stock trades on The Nasdaq Stock Market® under the symbol “NTPA.” Further information about Netopia can be obtained via phone 510/814-5100, fax 510/814-5021 or on the web at .

###
Portions of this release include forward-looking statements made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Netopia, Inc.'s actual results could differ materially from the results discussed in this release and in the forward-looking statements contained herein for many reasons. Investors are cautioned that all forward-looking statements involve numerous risks and uncertainties, including but not limited to product development, product acceptance, licensing opportunities and general economic conditions. For more information concerning Netopia and risk factors that may affect Netopia's future results and may cause actual results to vary from results anticipated in forward-looking statements, investors should review Netopia's public filings with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission, which are available by calling Netopia at 510/814-5260 or online at .

All company names, brand names and product names are trademarks of their respective holder(s).