PRESS RELEASE

December 21, 2005
For Immediate Release

The ValleyNet Board of Directors announced the sale of dial-up and commercial web hosting customers to SoVerNet of Bellows Falls, Vermont, a locally owned independent telecommunications business that offers dialup Internet services to customers in both New Hampshire and Vermont, as well as telephone and high-speed data in Vermont.

"This sale represents a new chapter in the life of ValleyNet, which began eleven years ago offering dial-up Internet access from Hanover, NH. High speed at the time meant 14.4 KB. In recent months the ValleyNet board recognized fundamental changes in the marketplace where a local non-profit simply could not provide high-speed services at competitive prices while our dial-up subscriber base continues to decline," according to Stan Williams, Chair of the Board of ValleyNet. "This action will provide a viable way for the continuation of service for dial-up users while retaining the essence of ValleyNet's mission. The www.valley.net web site will remain as an important community resource."

ValleyNet Board member Marlene McGonigle further explained, "The board recognizes there are many subscribers who still depend upon dial-up Internet access. The key to this sale is the reputation of SoVerNet in providing reliable service and excellent customer support. Our subscribers will be well served by SoVerNet, a locally owned and operated company."

Tom Lyons, president of SoVerNet, commented "This acquisition provides a number of benefits for ValleyNet subscribers. Customer service hours will be expanded and subscribers will be eligible for toll free dial-up access from many parts of the country. BlitzMail will be retained and ValleyNet subscribers will continue to use their @valley.net email addresses. This acquisition also permits SoVerNet to grow and provides an entrée to many individuals and businesses in the Upper Valley".

ValleyNet will remain as a non-profit charitable organization and will continue to focus on serving non-profits and municipalities while providing educational programs and training in computers and technology. Many ValleyNet community programs will continue for the foreseeable future. ValleyNet will sponsor workshops, computer recycling, maintain the ValleyNet web site with community calendar and business listings, computer technology centers and technology support for local non-profit organizations. Funds from the sale of ValleyNet assets will underwrite this activity.

In February 2006, ValleyNet operations will move from their current location at Montshire Museum to offices at 58 North Main Street, White River Junction, Vermont to be shared with SoverNet. Three of the current staff members of ValleyNet will continue working for ValleyNet, including Bob Raiselis who will be interim director. All other employees are receiving severance packages in acknowledgement of many years of service devoted to this unique institution.

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Letter to ValleyNet Subscribers        Frequent Questions About Changes to ValleyNet