PortBridge Internet Completes Acquisition of
Interlink Communications

Growing regional ISP delivers national-caliber dial-up and DSL connectivity with a local touch

CARY, N.C., Jan. 1, 2003 — PortBridge Internet, a regional ISP providing local dial-up and DSL access to eastern North Carolina, today announced the acquisition of Interlink Communications (ICOMnet.com), doubling PortBridge's presence in the Kinston and Goldsboro markets.

ICOM Internet access subscribers will continue to use the same email addresses and dial-up access numbers they have always used. In addition, subscribers can now access PortBridge's friendly, expert technical support specialists by phone and email.

"This is an exciting expansion for PortBridge, since it allows us to offer affordable, world-class Internet servcies to even more citizens in Kinston and Goldsboro," said Eric Hobbs, president of Portbridge. "The driving idea behind PortBridge is to ensure the continution of local dial-up access to markets that are underserved by the national ISPs. To that end, we are happy to solidify our presence in two of the most substantial communities in eastern North Carolina."

In addition to its traditional strength in dial-up access, PortBridge provides enhanced Internet services to both consumers and businesses, including support for ISDN connections and high-speed DSL connectivity. The company also offers domain, Web site, and application hosting.

About Portbridge Internet

PortBridge Internet, Inc., operates a network of local dial-up and high-speed Internet access services throughout eastern North Carolina. PortBridge emphasizes affordable access to its world-class Internet infrastructure and friendly, expert technical support specialists. The company currently serves more than 10,000 subscribers in five North Carolina counties, encompassing the communities of Raleigh, Durham, Cary, Chapel Hill, Wilson, Goldsboro, Greenville, Kinston, and La Grange. PortBridge is a privately held company based in Cary, N.C.