Metricom and Aplus.Net Join to Deliver Ricochet in San Diego

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Metricom and Aplus.Net Join to Deliver Ricochet in San Diego

SAN JOSE, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--May 22, 2001--Metricom(TM), Inc. (Nasdaq:MCOM - news), a leading high-speed wireless data services company and Aplus.Net, San Diego's largest independently owned Internet service provider, today announced an alliance to provide the Ricochet® service in San Diego.

"Connectivity is no longer an option, it's an imperative,'' said Ralph C. Derrickson, interim chief executive officer at Metricom. ``Ricochet delivers the fastest, most flexible access option for the 60,000 Aplus.Net customers.''

Through Aplus.Net, San Diego residents can receive Ricochet without waiting for an installation guy -- and for prices equivalent to or lower than DSL or cable. Ricochet users benefit from true wireless mobility with connections that are three to four times faster than typical dial up connections. Mobile professionals can use the Ricochet service to view and download full Web content; send and receive email with attachments, link to corporate networks and use applications, information and services as they would at the office.

"Our relationship with Ricochet enables us to provide wireless Internet connectivity to business and residential customers,'' said Ivan Vachovsky, president and CEO of Aplus.Net. "Aplus.Net is committed to providing small businesses and residential consumers with the best leading-edge technology solutions and we welcome Ricochet as our newest strategic partner. Given today's market conditions and our commitment to quality, it is important that Aplus.Net offer wireless access, and Ricochet's 128K service is the best in the nation.''

"Ricochet's strong industry position, nationwide wireless network and ability to 'instantly' deliver broadband services are all key factors in our ability to successfully meet San Diego residents demand for a flexible, free lifestyle while being always-connected to the Internet,'' said Vachovsky.

More information about availability can be found by calling 1-877-APLUS-NET or 1-800-811-RICO, and by visiting www.ricochet.com/getricochet.htm. For immediate purchase of the Ricochet modem, please visit Fry's Electronics on Stonecrest Boulevard or Abacus America at Eastgate Mall off Miramar.

About Metricom

Metricom, Inc. is a leading high-speed wireless data services company. With its high-speed Ricochet mobile access, Metricom is making ``information anytime'' possible -- at home, at the office, on the road, and on many devices. Founded in 1985, Metricom has spent more than 15 years on the development of its distinctive Micro Cellular Data Network (MCDN®) technology. That experience enables Metricom to develop the fastest wireless mobile data networking and technology available today. Ricochet has operated a 28.8 kbps service since 1995. The high-speed Ricochet, delivering user speeds of 128 kbps, is currently available in 13 markets. Additionally, the nationwide network is connected to two 28.8 kbps service areas to increase coverage for mobile professionals.

About Aplus.Net

Aplus.Net offers nationwide Best-of-Breed Internet Solutions for small to medium size businesses and residential consumers. A division of Abacus America, Inc., a California corporation founded in 1992, Aplus.Net is a leading company in the Internet industry and one of the largest independently owned ISPs in California. Services include: Broadband DSL, Wireless Satellite and higher-speed connections, Dial Up, Web Hosting, ecommerce applications, Data Center Collocation Services and Domain Registration. Abacus America, Inc. also owns Rodopi Software (www.rodopi.com), the leading OSS NT software solution for billing; provisioning and customer care providing services to more than 2 million End Users and 700 ISPs around the globe.

For more information or to sign up for fast wireless service with Ricochet and Aplus.Net please contact us at 877-APLUS.NET or visit our website at www.aplus.net.

Statements made in this press release that are not historical facts, including those related to future market conditions, future competitors, future partners, market rollouts and future technology, are forward looking and are made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such statements involve risks and uncertainties which may cause results to differ materially from those set forth in these statements. Among other things, additional competition from existing and future competitors may impact the market. Projections of market size, partners, market acceptance, technological rollout and competition are estimated based on preliminary information as well as certain assumptions which management believes to be reasonable at this time. All forward looking statements are subject to the successful completion of the actions described in this press release. In addition to the factors set forth elsewhere in this press release, the economic, competitive, governmental, technological and other factors identified in Metricom's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission could affect the forward looking statements contained in this press release.

Note to Editors: Metricom, MCDN, and Ricochet are registered trademarks of Metricom, Inc. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

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