ESCH Eschelon Telecom (MM)

(NASDAQ:ESCH): Eschelon Telecom, Inc., a provider of integrated communications services to small and medium sized businesses in the western United States, today announced the opening of the Colorado Springs, Colorado market, the first of six planned new markets in 2007. After completing the expansion of its network facilities earlier this month, Eschelon is now able to offer a full suite of telecommunications and Internet services to Colorado Springs business customers. �We are excited about expanding into the Colorado Springs area� stated Jay Dirkmaat, Eschelon�s Director of Sales for Colorado. �It�s a vibrant business community and we are happy to be a part of it. Additionally, we have many Denver metro-area customers that have locations in Colorado Springs and they have been eager for us to serve those locations.� The new office, located at 8610 Explorer Drive, Suite 310 in Colorado Springs will immediately house six Eschelon associates, primarily in sales and customer service functions. That number is expected to double by the fall. Eschelon currently employs 93 associates in the state of Colorado and approximately 1,400 nationwide. �Colorado Springs was a natural fit for Eschelon,� commented Jon Secrest, Eschelon�s Vice President of Marketing. �It�s a high-growth market, particularly in terms of the small and medium sized businesses we serve so well.� Colorado Springs businesses interested in learning more about Eschelon�s products and services can call the new office at 719-265-4646. Eschelon�s next planned new market is Ft. Collins, Colorado which is expected to open in the second quarter of 2007. About Eschelon Telecom, Inc. Eschelon Telecom, Inc. is a facilities-based competitive communications services provider of voice and data services and business telephone systems in 45 markets in the western United States. Headquartered in Minneapolis, Minnesota, the company currently employs approximately 1,400 telecommunications/Internet professionals, serves over 60,000 business customers and has in excess of 600,000 access lines in service throughout its markets in Arizona, California, Colorado, Minnesota, Montana, Nevada, Oregon, Utah and Washington. For more information, please visit our web site at www.eschelon.com Forward Looking Statements This announcement contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. The forward-looking statements are based on Eschelon Telecom�s current intent, belief and expectations. These statements are not guarantees of future performance and are subject to certain risks and uncertainties that are difficult to predict. Actual results may differ materially from these forward-looking statements because of the company�s history of losses, ability to maintain relationships with RBOCs, substantial indebtedness, intense competition, dependence on key management, changes in government regulations, and other risks that may be described in the company�s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Existing and prospective investors are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of today�s date. Eschelon Telecom undertakes no obligation to update or revise the information contained in this announcement, whether as a result of new information, future events or circumstances or otherwise.