Verio Expanding DSL Service

Business Internet provider Verio Inc. Monday announced plans to expand its Digital Subscriber Line services to several of the nation’s largest markets.

Verio’s service will be provided by NorthPoint Communications, a competitive local exchange carrier specializing in business Internet services. As part of the deal, Verio will invest $5.6 million in NorthPoint.

Service launched Monday in New York, Boston, Washington, D.C., Los Angeles and the San Francisco area. Verio expects to add Atlanta, Dallas and Houston service by the end of April.

Verio will also bundle the high-speed access with Web hosting, domain name registration and other business services. Verio and NorthPoint will jointly market the program.

“This DSL rollout and investment in NorthPoint helps bolster Verio’s position as a national leader in providing high-speed Internet access to business,” said Herb Hribar, Verio’s president and chief operating officer.

“NorthPoint has an excellent reputation for offering high-quality DSL services and also features extensive national service coverage. It’s a great strategic fit for Verio.”

Verio will offer the service at a variety of speeds, depending on the customer’s location.

Monday’s announcement is the latest in a series of DSL rollouts. Sprint and MCI also have plans to offer DSL.