PortBridge Internet Announces Acquisition of EnterSoft Network

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

CARY, N.C., Sept. 1, 2002 — PortBridge Internet has acquired ESN.net, a Goldsboro-based dialup Internet service provider (ISP) based in Goldsboro, N.C., the companies announced today.

This move, which is PortBridge's second ISP acquisition, roughly doubles the company's service area to include the Goldsboro, Kinston, Greenville, and Wilson areas of eastern North Carolina.

Eric Hobbs, president of PortBridge Internet, said, "ESN.net customers will notice no change in service, dial-up numbers, or pricing as a result of this development. In fact, ESN.net subscribers can immediately begin taking advantage of PortBridge's hallmark customer service and in the near future can use PortBridge's other local dial-up numbers across the region."

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.

PortBridge expanded in Feb. 2001 through the acquisition of iPass.net, an ISP serving the Raleigh/Durham community.

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, and Greenville. PortBridge is a privately held company based in Cary, N.C.