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   LICENSE AGREEMENT  

        This License Agreement (the "Agreement") is entered into as of February 1, 2002 ("Effective Date"), by and
between COLO 6, LLC, a California Limited Liability Company, d.b.a. US Colo ("Licensor"); and Ciera Network Systems,
Inc. ("Licensee"). 

SECTION 1: SCOPE OF THIS AGREEMENT  

        1.1    The
cage or cabinet to be licensed for use by Licensee is located at 650 South Grand Avenue, 6th Floor, Los Angeles, California, and is referred to as  Suite #600B (The "Premises"). Licensee shall install
and test all equipment placed within the Premises at the time of its installation. With respect to
all installed equipment, Licensee shall ensure the following: (1) that all such equipment has been installed safely, and in accordance with all applicable laws; (2) that no equipment shall appear
sloppy or unsightly; and (3) that all equipment shall be securely anchored against the possibility of earthquake. Licensee shall be solely responsible for the installation, operation, maintenance, use
and compatibility of equipment or software not provided by Licensor, and Licensor shall have no responsibility or liability in connection therewith. Licensor shall provide Licensee with AC and DC
power and shall use its best efforts to keep the Premises at a reasonable temperature and humidity level (temperature and humidity levels will be in the range required by the manufacturer of
telecommunications switching equipment) at all times. Licensee shall not cause or allow any equipment or wiring to remain outside of its licensed space at any
time.

        1.2    Licensor
shall use its best efforts to ensure that Licensee shall have access to its licensed space 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Licensee shall have inbound access to
suite at all times, twenty four hours a day, seven days a week. However, pursuant to rules of the building, Licensee may only remove equipment from the Premises on 24 hours notice, between the hours
of 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday (excluding Holidays). Said notice of removal shall be made on a Quinby Building approved, U.S. Colo Property Removal Slip. 

        1.3    Licensee
acknowledges that this Agreement is conditioned on and subject to the continued use of the facilities in accordance with manufacturer's instructions for the
Equipment. The Premises may not be used for any other purpose, or in any other way, without the express prior written permission of Licensor. Violation of this provision shall act as immediate
termination of this Agreement and a revocation of the License granted herein. 

        1.4    This
Agreement is a contract for use of telecom connection opportunities and shall not be construed as a lease. Licensee expressly waives all rights and defenses based
on any and all theories, assertions, or position that this Agreement or any part thereof is a lease. 

        1.5    Subject
to Section 3 below, Licensor acknowledges and agrees title to any and all equipment located by Licensee in the Premises will be the sole and exclusive property
of Licensee. 

SECTION 2: PAYMENT, RATES And TERMS OF PAYMENT  

2.1    Payments

        Recurring
Fees:    Licensee agrees to pay all applicable rates and charges set forth in Exhibit A applicable to this Agreement. The recurring component of the license fee shall
be due on the first day of each month, in advance, irrespective of whether or not an actual invoice for payment is received by Licensee. If payment in good funds is not received by the tenth day of
the month, Licensee hereby agrees to all interest and penalties as set forth herein. Any amount not paid by the tenth day of the month shall bear interest commencing as of the first day of the month
at the greater of (i) the rate of 11/2% per month, or (ii) the highest rate permitted by applicable law. If Licensee fails to pay all recurring charges due and owing hereunder by the
first day of the subsequent month, Licensor may 

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terminate this Agreement and/or suspend any and all services hereunder, and, may thereafter proceed with all remedies set forth herein. 

        2.1.1    Non-Recurring
Fees:    Payment for the non-recurring component of any fees or costs for installation or new agreed upon services shall be payable upon
Licensee's receipt of Licensor's invoice for the same. Any amount not paid within thirty (30) days of an invoice date shall bear interest commencing on the invoice date to the date of payment at the
greater of (i) the rate of 11/2% per month, or (ii) the highest rate permitted by applicable law. If Licensee fails to pay all amounts due and owing hereunder
within thirty (30) days from the invoice date, Licensor may terminate this Agreement and/or suspend any and all services hereunder. Thereafter, Licensee will be charged, in addition to any other fees,
a reconnection fee in the amount of $500. In the event Licensee disputes any portion of an invoice, Licensee shall timely pay the full invoiced amount and provide Licensor, within thirty (30) days of
such payment, a written statement containing all information supporting Licensee's position regarding the disputed portion. Licensor shall determine in its good faith business judgment whether such
invoiced items were erroneous, and shall issue an appropriate credit to Licensee if it so determines. 

        2.2    Licensor
reserves the right to change or modify the fees for the services, or eliminate or modify certain services, upon not less than forty-five (45) days advance
written notice to Licensee. In the event of notice of such change in fees and/or services, Licensee may terminate this Agreement, without penalty, on the effective date of such change upon at least
thirty (30) days advance written notice to Licensor. 

        2.3    Licensee
will pay all sales and use taxes, as well as duties or levies, arising in connection with this Agreement. Licensee's execution of this Agreement signifies
Licensee's acceptance of Licensor's initial and continuing credit approval. Licensor reserves the right to withhold initiation or full implementation of any services under this Agreement pending a
review of Licensee's creditworthiness. If at any time there is a material adverse change in Licensee's creditworthiness, then in addition to any other remedies available to it, Licensor may at its
sole discretion: (i) withhold or cease providing services; and/or (ii) condition continued services until Licensee provides Licensor with such assurances of payment as may be acceptable to Licensor. 

        2.4    Licensee
agrees that it will not give its security cards to anyone other than Licensee's representatives as authorized and approved by Licensor. Licensee shall provide
Licensor with 48 hours notice before issuing a security card to any designated agent or employee of Licensee. Licensee shall be issued four cards (clickers) upon payment of the set-up as set forth in
Exhibit A. Licensee shall be charged a fee for any further security cards at a rate of $35.00 per card. 

        2.5    All
fees and charges for grant of this license are incorporated herein on Exhibit A. Licensee agrees to timely pay all fees and charges. Interconnection charges are
subject to a specific individual order in a form similar to the one attached, from Licensee and require complete information necessary about vendor(s) needed to interconnect and test with. Sample
current rates are given on Exhibit A, but may vary depending upon the scope of interconnection required. It is understood that WRITTEN notice is required 30 days prior to the
elimination of charges for interconnection and the disconnection of each and every circuit and internet connection.

        2.6    Licensee
shall pay all non-recurring fees, including a security deposit as set forth in Exhibit A before Licensee installs any of its equipment in the Premises. Said
security deposit shall be returned to the Licensee at the termination of this Agreement, if Licensee has paid Licensor in full. 

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        2.7    Should Licensee move into the Premises in the middle of any calendar month, the charge for any fractional portion of a month shall be computed as one thirtieth (1/30) of
the basic monthly fee multiplied by the appropriate number of days. Similarly, should Licensee provide written notice of termination mid-month a charge for the following month will apply. Thus,
Licensee may pay for one and a fraction months upon both move-in and move-out. 

        2.8    A
$25 fee for each and every dishonored check. 

SECTION 3:    TERM AND TERMINATION OF LICENSE  

        3.1    Term.    This Agreement shall commence on the Effective Date, and shall continue thereafter for a period of
five (5) years, unless the Agreement is terminated in accordance with the provisions of Section 3.2 below (the "Term"). If this Agreement is not terminated in accordance with Section 3.2, then this
Agreement shall automatically renew under the same terms and conditions of this Agreement for successive one (1) year terms. 

        3.2    Termination At End Of Term.    This Agreement may be terminated by either party at the end of the Term by
giving to the other party one hundred twenty (120) days written notice at the conclusion of said Term. However, if either party fails to give such notice, this Agreement shall automatically renew as
set forth herein. 

        3.3    Early Termination By Licensor.    

        3.3.1.    Licensor
may terminate or suspend this Agreement upon Licensee's default and/or breach of any term or condition of this Agreement. For the purposes of this Agreement,
default includes, without limitation: (i) the failure to pay any amount when due hereunder (after five (5) days prior written notice of such failure to pay); (ii) Licensee's inability to meet any
other obligations when due and not cure upon 30 days written notice; (iii) the violation of any law or conduct or activity that Licensor, in its sole discretion, believes may subject Licensor to civil
or criminal litigation, charges, or damages and not cure upon 30 days written notice; and (iv) a failure of Licensee to deliver adequate assurances of due performance or continued performance upon
request. Termination of this Agreement pursuant to this section shall not relieve Licensee of its obligation to pay all fees for services otherwise payable in accordance with this Agreement. 

        3.3.2.    In
the event a law or regulatory action prohibits, substantially impairs or makes impractical the provision of any services under this Agreement, as determined by
Licensor, Licensor may, at its option, terminate this Agreement or modify any services or the terms and conditions of this Agreement in order to conform to such action, upon thirty (30) days written
notice to Licensee, without liability; provided, however, that Licensor may reduce the foregoing notice period, if reasonably necessary under the circumstances. Use by Licensee of the services for a
period of thirty (30) days after notice of any change(s) shall constitute acceptance of such changes. 

        3.4    Early Termination By Licensee.    It is agreed that Licensor's damages if services are cancelled prior to the
completion of the Term shall be difficult or impossible to ascertain, thus the amounts set forth herein are intended to establish liquidated damages in the event of cancellation and are not intended
as a penalty. In the event Licensee terminates this Agreement, without cause, prior to the conclusion of the Term, Licensee shall pay to Licensor all charges for services provided through the
effective date of such cancellation plus a cancellation charge determined as follows: (a) if the Agreement is cancelled prior to the conclusion of the first six months, then the cancellation charge
shall be an amount equal to the balance that would otherwise have become due for the unexpired balance of the Term; (b) if the Agreement is canceled after the first six months, such cancellation
charge shall be an amount equal to fifty percent (50%) of the balance that otherwise would have become due for the unexpired portion of the Term; (c) if the Agreement is canceled after the twenty- 

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four (24) months, such cancellation charge shall be an amount equal to twenty-five percent (25%) of the balance that otherwise would have become due for the unexpired portion of the Term. In
addition, if Licensee was granted a discount or waiver with respect to any non-recurring charges based on the duration of Licensee's commitment to use the services for a particular term length, then
Licensee shall also pay an amount equal to the discount that it received. 

        3.5    Following
termination of this Agreement, Licensee agrees to restore the Premises to the same condition it was prior to the installation of the equipment. Title to any
and all equipment located by Licensee in the Premises shall remain owned by Licensee, except as set forth below. Licensor shall have the right, in its sole discretion, to approve any and all of
Licensee's proposed contractors. 

        3.6    Upon
any sale or conveyance of Licensor of its interest in the building, Licensor shall be relieved from any further obligations under this Agreement, and Licensee shall
acknowledge Licensor's
transferee as the new Licensor. Subject to all other provisions herein, this Agreement shall be binding upon the parties and their respective successors and assigns. 

        3.7    Upon
non-payment of license fee(s) by Licensee, Licensor shall proceed as follows: 30 days after the License Fee is due, Licensor shall give Licensee a notice that the
license fee is past due and shall impose the late fee(s) enumerated in paragraph 2.8 herein. Licensor shall also give to Licensee a notice that if payment is not received in 30 days, Licensee may be
"locked-out" of the Premises. Should Licensee fail to pay at the end of the 30-day period, Licensor may lock Licensee out of its facility and may deliver to Licensee a 30-day notice to "Move or Sell."
If Licensor has not received payment at the end of that 30-day period, Licensor may place Licensee's equipment in an outside storage facility and charge any storage fees to Licensee, or Licensor may
sell the equipment to a liquidator, whose sales are typically well below market rate. In addition to the above procedures, should any invoice become 60 days overdue, Licensee may be "locked-out"
without notice, and may receive a 30-day notice to "Move or Sell." 

SECTION 4:    REMOVAL OF CABLE, WIRING AND CONNECTING LINES  

        4.1    Licensee
agrees that, upon the expiration or termination of this license, Licensee shall promptly remove, at Licensee's sole cost and expense, all cable, wiring,
connection lines, and other installations, equipment or property installed or placed by or for Licensee in the Conduit Room and/or the Premises, and restore those portions of the Premises damaged by
such removal to their condition immediately prior to the installation or placement of such items. If Licensee fails to promptly remove all such items, Licensor may remove such items and restore those
portions of the Building damaged by such removal (except for normal wear and tear common in this environment) to their condition immediately prior to the installation or placement of such items, in
which case Licensee agrees promptly to pay Licensor's actual costs of removal and restoration, including Licensor's administrative fee. 

SECTION 5:    NO LEASE OR EASEMENT OF CONDUIT ROOM  

        5.1    Licensee
acknowledges that the rights granted to Licensee hereunder do not constitute a lease of any portion of the Conduit Room or Licensor's installations nor an
easement, but rather constitute a non-exclusive license for use in common with others. Such license is revocable at Licensor's sole discretion upon any default by Licensee under this Agreement, which
is not cured as set forth herein. Licensor shall retain such rights of revocation notwithstanding any expenditure of money on the installations described herein or other actual or alleged reliance by
Licensee. Such revocation shall be made by written notice from Licensor to Licensee. 

        5.2    Licensee
represents and warrants that: (i) it has full authority to enter into this Agreement; (ii) that Licensee's equipment and data will not infringe upon any
copyright, patent, trademark, trade secret, contract right or other third party right; and (iii) that all obligations owed to third parties with respect to the activities contemplated or to be
undertaken by Licensee pursuant to this Agreement are, or will be fully satisfied by Licensee so that Licensor will not have any obligations with respect thereto. 

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   SECTION 6:    LIABILITY, INDEMNITY, WAIVER, and INSURANCE  

        6.1    EXCEPT
AS SPECIFICALLY SET FORTH HEREIN THE SERVICES AND RELATED SOFTWARE AND/OR EQUIPMENT PROVIDED BY LICENSOR, IF ANY, ARE PROVIDED ON AN "AS IS" AND "AS AVAILABLE"
BASIS WITHOUT WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EITHER EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO WARRANTIES OF TITLE, NONINFRINGEMENT OR IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR
PURPOSE. NO ADVICE OR INFORMATION GIVEN BY LICENSOR, ITS AFFILIATES OR ITS CONTRACTORS OR THEIR RESPECTIVE EMPLOYEES SHALL CREATE A WARRANTY. Some states do not allow the limitation of implied
warranty, and therefore certain provisions may not apply to clients located in those states. 

        THEIR
RESPECTIVE EMPLOYEES SHALL CREATE A WARRANTY. Some states do not allow the limitation of implied warranty, and therefore certain provisions may not apply to clients located in
those states. 

        6.2    TO
THE MAXIMUM EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAWS, IN NO EVENT SHALL LICENSOR, ITS AFFILIATES OR ITS CONTRACTORS BE LIABLE FOR ANY DIRECT, INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL,
SPECIAL, PUNITIVE OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES OR LOST OR IMPUTED PROFITS OR ROYALTIES, LOST DATA OR COST OF PROCUREMENT OF SUBSTITUTE GOODS OR SERVICES ARISING FROM OR RELATED TO THE SERVICES
IRRESPECTIVE OF WHETHER LICENSOR HAS ADVISED OR HAS BEEN ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF ANY SUCH LOSS OR DAMAGE. LICENSOR'S LIABILITY HEREUNDER TO LICENSEE SHALL IN NO EVENT EXCEED THE LOWER OF (i) AN
AMOUNT EQUAL TO THE AVERAGE MONTHLY RECURRING CHARGE PAID BY LICENSEE FOR THE PARTICULAR SERVICE TO WHICH THE CLAIM PERTAINS, SUCH AVERAGE MONTHLY CHARGE TO BE CALCULATED DURING THE PERIOD FROM
EXECUTION OF THE SERVICES TO THE DATE A CLAIM IS MADE, OR (ii) THE FEES, IF ANY, DUE AND OWING TO LICENSOR HEREUNDER. LICENSEE HEREBY WAIVES ANY CLAIM THAT THESE EXCLUSIONS DEPRIVE IT OF AN ADEQUATE
REMEDY OR THAT THIS AGREEMENT
FAILS IN AN ESSENTIAL PURPOSE. Some states do not allow the exclusion of incidental or consequential damages, and therefore certain provisions hereof may not apply to clients located in those states. 

        6.3    LICENSEE
UNDERSTANDS AND AGREES FURTHER THAT THE INTERNET (i) CONTAINS MATERIALS SOME OF WHICH ARE SEXUALLY EXPLICIT OR MAY BE OFFENSIVE TO SOME PEOPLE AND (ii) IS
ACCESSIBLE BY PERSONS WHO MAY ATTEMPT TO BREACH THE SECURITY OF LICENSOR'S AND/OR LICENSEE'S NETWORK FACILITIES. LICENSOR HAS NO CONTROL OVER AND EXPRESSLY DISCLAIMS ANY LIABILITY OR RESPONSIBILITY
WHATSOEVER FOR SUCH MATERIALS OR ACTIONS AND LICENSEE'S USE AND ACCESSES OF THE SERVICES IS AT LICENSEE'S OWN RISK. 

        6.4    Licensee
acknowledges and agrees that through no fault of Licensor, Licensee's data could be lost and/or destroyed, and that Licensor does not, and will not maintain a
backup of Licensee's data. As such, Licensee shall be responsible for the backup and maintenance of its data and all of its equipment. 

        6.5    Licensor does not warrant that the services provided herein shall be free from any interruptions, for any reason
whatsoever. Licensor shall not be liable for any failure to provide services provided herein where such failure is due to any act of God, governmental control or factors beyond
reasonable control of Licensor. Licensee will furnish a Certificate of Insurance showing evidence of insurance in the amount of $1,000,000 for General Liability, Property and Worker's Compensation.
Said insurance shall name Licensor as an additional insured. Licensor shall allow the Licensee to terminate this agreement without penalty if service is interrupted to Licensee for a continuous period
of one 

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hundred twenty (120) hours and it can be reasonably proven that US Colo, LCC (or any contractor or subcontractor employed by US Colo) was liable. Additionally, if service to Licensee is interrupted
for more than six (6) hours, then Licensor's rental rate shall be prorated, based on the base rate, and a credit issued to the next months invoice for services; including reasonable attorneys' fees,
related to or arising from any breach of this Agreement by Licensee. 

SECTION 7:    ASSIGNABILITY OF AGREEMENT  

        7.1    Licensee
shall not assign this Agreement without the prior written consent of Licensor, except to an affiliate company. Any attempt to assign this Agreement without the
prior written consent of Licensor shall, at the sole option of Licensor, result in the immediate termination of this Agreement, except as set forth in this section. No partial assignment shall be
permitted. 

SECTION 8:    NOTICES  

        8.1    All
notices, consents, and other communications hereunder shall be in writing and shall be deemed to have been duly given as of the date of delivery or mailing, if
delivered or mailed, first class postage prepaid, certified or registered mail, return receipt requested to the following addresses, unless contrary instructions are given by the parties in writing: 

	 
	 

	Licensee:	Ciera Network Systems, Inc., 1250 Wood Branch Park Drive, Houston, TX 77079, 281-529-4600, Attention: Chief Operating Officer
	 	 
	Licensor:	COLO 6, LLC, 650 S. Grand Ave., Suite 1000, Los Angeles, CA 90017, 213-689-4600

SECTION 9:    MISCELLANEOUS  

        9.1    Entire Agreement.    This Agreement constitutes the entire Agreement between Licensor and Licensee and
supersedes all prior agreements, whether written or oral with respect to the services being provided under the terms of the Agreement, and the terms hereof may be changed or waived only by an
agreement in writing signed by both parties hereto. 

        9.2    Attorneys Fees.    In the event of any action, suit or proceeding brought under in connection with this
Agreement, the prevailing party shall be entitled to recover and the non-prevailing party agrees to pay, the prevailing party's costs and expenses in connection therewith, including actual attorney's
fees. 

        9.3    Governing Law.    The laws of the State of California shall govern this Agreement and the rights and
obligations of the Parties. All parties consent that venue for filing of any lawsuits brought hereunder shall be in the City of Los Angeles, County of Los Angeles, and State of California. 

        9.4    Interpretation.    At all times material hereto, the parties have had the opportunity to consult with legal
counsel of their own choosing concerning their rights and obligations pursuant to this Agreement, the form and content of this Agreement, and the advisability of executing this Agreement. No provision
of this Agreement may be interpreted for or against any party hereto because that party or its legal representative drafted such provision. If any provision of this Agreement is deemed voidable, or
unenforceable, the other provisions of this Agreement shall remain in full force and effect. 

        9.5    Waiver.    Licensee agree that the failure of Licensor to insist upon or enforce strict performance by Licensee
with any provision of this Agreement or to exercise any right under or rely upon any provision or right in that or any other instance; rather, the same shall be and this Agreement shall not be
construed as a waiver or relinquishment of Licensor's right to assert remain in full force and effect. 

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        9.6    Independent Contractors.    Neither party will be an agent, representative, or partner of the other party.
Neither party shall have any right, power or authority to enter into any agreement for or on the behalf of, or incur any obligation or liability of, or to otherwise bind, the other party. This
Agreement shall not be interpreted or construed to create an association, joint venture or partnership between the parties or to impose any partnership obligation or liability upon either party. 

        The
parties have executed this Agreement as of January 17th, 2002. 

	 	 	 	 	 	 
	

 	

 	

 	
 	

 	

 
	Licensee:	 	Licensor:
	

 	

 	

 	
 	

 	

 
	Ciera Network Systems, Inc.

A wholly owned Subsidiary of

CCC GlobalCom Corporation	 	US Colo, LLC,

A California Limited Liability Company,

d.b.a. US Colo.
	

 	

 	

 	
 	

 	

 
	By:	/s/  ROBERT W. LIVINGSTON      
 Robert W. Livingston—CEO	 	By:	
 Navroz Haji—Managing Member

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EXHIBIT A    
  

        * 

LICENSEE CHARGES AND FEES  

        Licensee: Ciera Network Systems hereby certifies that they have read this Exhibit A Containing the prices
that they will be charged pursuant to the terms of the License Agreement. 

	
By:	
 	

/s/ ROBERT W. LIVINGSTON    (Authorized Agent)
	 	 	
 Robert W. Livingston	 	 	 	 
	 	 	 	 	 	 	 
	Its:	 	Chief Executive Officer    (Corporate Title)
	 	 	 	 	 	 	 
	Ciera Network Systems, Inc.    (Company Name)
	 	 	 	 	 	 	 
	1-17-02    (Dated)

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EXHIBIT B
  
    INTERCONNECTION RULES    
  

Licensee Name: Ciera Network Systems, Inc.  

Cage or Cabinet Number:  

	1.
	No
wire is to be run outside of customer suite, cabinet or cage.

	2.
	Nothing
may be stored outside of licensee's suite, cabinet or cage overnight. U.S. Colo shall dispose of any such property.

	3.
	Each
cardholder must sign in and out of the Interconnection Room.

	4.
	Equipment
removal requires a signed U.S. Colo property removal slip and 24 hours written notice.

	5.
	Mail
for company shall be picked up or forwarded within two weeks or it will be returned to sender.

	6.
	All
circuits are subject to written design layout and order from customer's carrier. Forms must be filled out properly. 

        Licensee:    Ciera Network Systems, Inc. hereby certifies that they have read this Exhibit B containing the
Interconnection Rules and agrees to be bound by said Rules. 

	

 	
 	
By:	
 	

/s/  ROBERT W. LIVINGSTON      
 Robert W.
Livingston                    Date
	 	 	Its:	 	Chief Executive Officer
	 	 	 	 	 
	 	 	 	 	 

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EXHIBIT A

EXHIBIT B INTERCONNECTION RULES<Page>

                            ASSET PURCHASE AGREEMENT

                                                                   Exhibit 10.54

     THIS ASSET PURCHASE AGREEMENT (this "AGREEMENT") is made as of this 25th
day of October, 2001 (the "EFFECTIVE DATE"), by and among (i) ARDENT
COMMUNICATIONS, INC., a Delaware corporation, and ARDENT, INC., a Virginia
corporation, both debtors and debtors-in-possession (collectively, "SELLER"),
each with a principal place of business at 1820 North Fort Meyer Drive,
Arlington, Virginia 22209, and (ii) NETWORK ACCESS SOLUTIONS CORPORATION, a
Delaware corporation or its Permitted Designee (as defined in Section 12(d))
("BUYER"), with offices at 13650 Dulles Technology Drive, Herndon, Virginia
20171. Seller and Buyer are sometimes referred to as the "PARTIES."

                                    RECITALS

     WHEREAS, Seller is engaged in the business of supplying broadband Internet
access solutions and web services (collectively, the "BUSINESS"); and

     WHEREAS, on October 10, 2001, Seller filed voluntary chapter 11 petitions
commencing cases in the United States Bankruptcy Court for the District of
Columbia (the "BANKRUPTCY COURT"), Case Nos. 01-02085 and 01-02086
(collectively, the "CHAPTER 11 CASE"); and

     WHEREAS, Buyer desires to purchase certain of the assets of Seller related
to or used by Seller in connection with the Business and to assume selected
executory contracts of Seller (the "ACQUIRED ASSETS") (as more particularly
defined in SECTION 1) related to the Business on an expedited basis, and Seller
desires to sell, assign and transfer to Buyer the Acquired Assets on an
expedited basis, as more particularly described herein and in accordance with
Sections 105, 363 and 365 of the United States Bankruptcy Code (the "BANKRUPTCY
CODE"); and

     WHEREAS, the Parties agree that time is of the essence in connection with
the sale of the Acquired Assets, and Buyer has stated that a rapid consummation
of the sale of the Acquired Assets is essential; and

     WHEREAS, the Acquired Assets will be sold pursuant to an order of the
Bankruptcy Court approving such sale under Sections 105, 363 and 365 of the
Bankruptcy Code (the "SALE ORDER" defined in SECTION 6(c)(ii)(B) herein).

     NOW, THEREFORE, for and in consideration of the foregoing and their mutual
covenants and agreements set forth below, and other good and valuable
consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, the
Parties, intending to be legally bound, hereby agree as follows:

<Page>

1.  SALE OF ASSETS

     (a) ACQUIRED ASSETS. At the Closing (as defined in Section 3(a)), pursuant
to Sections 105, 363, and 365 of the Bankruptcy Code and on the terms and
subject to the conditions precedent of this Agreement, Seller will sell, assign
and transfer to Buyer, and Buyer will purchase, all of Seller's right, title and
interest in and to the Acquired Assets. The Acquired Assets include the
following:

          (i)   DSL CUSTOMERS. Seller's entire DSL customer base, including but
not limited to resellers (the "DSL CUSTOMERS"), consisting of approximately
16,800 lines as listed on a 3.5" floppy disk delivered by Seller to Buyer on the
date of this Agreement and initialed by the parties hereto, examples of which
are set forth on SCHEDULE 1(a)(i).

          (ii)  DSL CUSTOMER CONTRACTS. Any and all contracts and agreements
related to the DSL Customers (including but not limited to reseller agreements),
samples of which are included on SCHEDULE 1(a)(ii) (the "CUSTOMER CONTRACTS").
Pursuant to Section 365 of the Bankruptcy Code and the Assignment and Assumption
Agreement (as defined in Section 3(b)(iii), as applicable, Seller will assign to
Buyer, and Buyer will accept from Seller, all of Seller's right, title and
interest in, to and under the Customer Contracts.

          (iii) COVAD CONTRACT. That certain ISP Customer Agreement for
TeleSpeed-SM- Services Prepared for CAIS, Version 3.3, dated as of October 29,
1998, together with List Pricing Schedule A, Volume Purchase Plan Schedule B,
Client TeleSpeed Circuit Matrix Schedule D, that certain Services Addendum,
dated as of August 1, 1999, that certain Services Agreement, dated as of
August 2, 1999, including the Volume Commitment Schedule, Price Schedule -
TeleSpeed-Registered Trademark- Services, Service Level Agreement -
TeleSpeed-Registered Trademark- Services, Price Schedule - TeleSurfer-SM-
Services, and Market Development Funds - TeleSpeed-Registered Trademark-
Services and all related contracts and agreements related to the DSL Customers
or the DSL Customer Contracts (including but not limited to the Memorandum of
Understanding dated September 25, 2001) (collectively, the "COVAD CONTRACT")
between Seller or its predecessors and Covad Communications Company ("COVAD").
The Parties acknowledge that Four Million Seven Hundred Thousand and 00/00
United States Dollars (US $4,700,000.00) (the "COVAD CURE AMOUNT") is currently
owed by the Seller pursuant to the Covad Contract for pre-petition services. The
COVAD CURE AMOUNT and other obligations under the Covad Contract shall be
satisfied by the Parties pursuant to Section 6(i). Seller will assign all of
Seller's right, title, interest and obligations and liabilities in (as expressly
described in this Agreement), to and under the Covad Contract to Buyer, and
Buyer will accept and assume the same from Seller.

          (iv)  RELATED MATERIAL. Subject to the last sentence of this Section
(iv), User IP and email addresses and related information, Customer Premises
Equipment ("CPE") owned by Covad or Seller, CPE passwords and configurations,
customer contact information, billing and pricing information and relevant Covad
backhaul network information, all of Seller's written and electronic information
relating to the DSL Customers (including, without limitation, customer lists,
customer files and other written accounts of Seller) incidental to or used in
performing the Customer Contracts, and other reasonably requested information,
in each case, to the extent transferable, relating to principal contacts,
pricing information and accounting records and information (the "RELATED
MATERIAL"). Buyer and Seller agree to complete timely a final

                                        2
<Page>

Transition Plan for the transition of the DSL Customers, including without
limitation, the transition of User IP and email addresses. Attached hereto as
Schedule 1(a)(iv) is an initial Transition Plan that sets forth the general
terms that will provide the basis for the final Transition Plan. Seller
covenants that it will use best efforts to obtain approval from the American
Registry for Internet Numbers ("ARIN") and/or the Internet Corporation for
Assigned Names and Numbers ("ICANN") of the transition of the User IP and email
addresses to Buyer, including taking any steps reasonably recommended or
required by ARIN and/or ICANN with regard to Seller's management of assigned IP
addresses managed by Seller. Seller makes no covenant, representation or
warranty regarding its ability to transfer such User IP and email addresses
without the approval of ARIN and/or ICANN or Seller's ability to obtain such
approvals.

     (b) EXCLUDED ASSETS. The Seller is not selling, transferring or conveying
to Buyer any asset that is not described in SECTION 1(a).

     (c) NON-ASSUMPTION OF LIABILITIES. Except for performance of obligations
arising under the Customer Contracts from and after the Closing Date, and except
with respect to the Covad Contract as discussed in SECTIONS 1(a),2(b)(iii), and
6(i) herein, the Buyer will not assume or have any responsibility with respect
to any liability of Seller for Seller's customers.

2.  PURCHASE PRICE

     (a) SECURITY DEPOSIT. Within three (3) days of the Effective Date, Buyer
shall deliver or cause to be delivered by wire transfer or by a certified or
cashier's check, the amount of Three Hundred Thousand and 00/00 United States
Dollars (US $300,000.00) (the "SECURITY DEPOSIT") into the care of Swidler
Berlin Shereff Friedman, LLP as escrow agent (the "ESCROW AGENT") pursuant to
the terms and conditions of this Section 2(a) and of an escrow agreement
substantially in the form attached hereto as EXHIBIT A (the "ESCROW AGREEMENT")
to be executed by Buyer, Seller and the Escrow Agent. At the Closing, the
Security Deposit, together with any interest thereon, shall be credited against
the Purchase Price (as defined below.) If this Agreement is terminated prior to
Closing, the Security Deposit shall be distributed in accordance with Section
11(b).

     (b) PURCHASE PRICE. The aggregate purchase price for the Acquired Assets
shall be: TWO Million AND 00/00 UNITED STATES DOLLARS (US $2,000,000.00) (the
"PURCHASE PRICE"). The Purchase Price is in addition to and separate from the
payment by Buyer to Covad of the Covad Cure Amount (although the Parties
recognize that Buyer's payment of the Covad Cure Amount may constitute a
substantial benefit to Seller and its estate vis-a-vis a reduction of Seller's
liability to Covad), and the Purchase Price is payable in accordance with the
following:

          (i)   At the Closing (as defined below), Buyer shall deliver to Seller
by wire transfer in immediately available funds to an account designated in
writing by Seller to Buyer prior to the Closing, the amount of TWO MILLION AND
00/00 UNITED STATES DOLLARS (US $2,000,000.00), less the Security Deposit and
any accrued interest thereon, plus any amount to which the Seller is entitled
pursuant to Section 2(b)(iii);

                                        3
<Page>

          (ii)  One (1) day prior to the Closing, Buyer and Seller shall deliver
to the Escrow Agent a Mutual Consent Notice (as defined in the Escrow
Agreement), instructing the Escrow Agent to wire on the Closing Date the amount
of the Security Deposit, plus any interest accrued thereon, to the account of
Seller as designated in the Mutual Consent Notice.

          (iii) If the amount paid by Buyer to Covad in connection with the
assignment and assumption of the Covad Agreement to Buyer hereunder (the "ACTUAL
COVAD CURE PAYMENT") is less than the Covad Cure Amount, Buyer shall also pay to
Seller an amount equal to fifty percent (50%) of the difference between the
Covad Cure Amount and the Actual Covad Cure Payment.

     (c) The Parties agree that the Purchase Price shall be allocated as set
forth on SCHEDULE 2(c) attached hereto and that the Parties will file all
Federal and state income tax returns and all other forms and returns, including
Internal Revenue Service Form 8594, in accordance with the allocation set forth
on SCHEDULE 2(c).

3.  CLOSING

     (a) The closing of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement (the
"CLOSING") will take place at the offices of Swidler Berlin Shereff Friedman,
LLP, 3000 K Street, NW, Suite 300, Washington, D.C. 20007-5116 or at such other
place, or pursuant to such other means, as may be mutually agreed by the
Parties. The Closing shall take place (i) within one business day after the
conditions set forth in SECTIONS 8 AND 9 have been satisfied or waived or (ii)
at such other time as fixed by agreement among the Parties (the "CLOSING DATE").
Time is of the essence in connection with this Agreement, and Buyer shall have
the right to terminate this Agreement in accordance with Section 11(a)(ii)(B) if
the Closing has not occurred on or before November 19, 2001, and under no
circumstance shall Buyer be obligated to close later than November 19, 2001.

     (b) At the Closing, Seller shall deliver to Buyer (i) possession of all
tangible assets comprising the Acquired Assets, (ii) a Bill of Sale
substantially in the form attached hereto as EXHIBIT B duly executed by Seller,
and (iii) an Assignment and Assumption Agreement in respect of the Customer
Contracts and the Covad Contracts substantially in the form attached hereto as
EXHIBIT C duly executed by Seller. In addition, for the period from the Closing
through and including ninety (90) days from Closing, Seller shall execute and
deliver, without further consideration, such further instruments of transfer and
take such other commercially reasonable action as Buyer may require to transfer
to Buyer, or perfect the transfer to Buyer of, any of the Acquired Assets.

     (c) At the Closing, Buyer shall deliver to Seller (i) the Purchase Price in
accordance with SECTION 2(b), and (ii) the Bill of Sale and the Assignment and
Assumption Agreement, duly executed by Buyer.

4.  REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF SELLER

     Seller hereby represents, warrants and covenants to Buyer as follows:

                                        4
<Page>

     (a) AUTHORIZATION. Ardent Communications, Inc. and Ardent Inc. are
corporations duly organized, validly existing and in good standing under the
laws of the State of Delaware and the Commonwealth of Virginia, respectively.
The execution and delivery by Seller of this Agreement to Buyer and the sale
contemplated hereby has been duly and validly authorized by any and all
necessary action on the part of Seller and its stockholders, and Seller shall
deliver to Buyer, at or prior to the execution hereof, copies, certified by
Seller's Secretary, of the minutes of the meeting of its Board of Directors and
stockholders at which such authority was granted. Subject to Bankruptcy Court
approval, this Agreement and the documents executed pursuant to this Agreement
(collectively the "DEFINITIVE DOCUMENTS") to which it is a party have been duly
and validly executed by Seller and, assuming due authorization, execution and
delivery by the Seller of the Definitive Documents to which it is a party, such
Definitive Documents will constitute legal, valid and binding obligations of
Seller, enforceable against Seller in accordance with their terms, upon the
entry of the Sale Order (as defined in SECTION 6(c)(ii)(B)); provided, however,
if Seller breaches this Agreement subsequent to approval of this Agreement by
the Bankruptcy Court and the entry of the Sale Order, Buyer's damages are an
administrative priority claim under Sections 503(b) and 507(a) of the Bankruptcy
Code.

     (b) NO CONFLICT. Except for (i) orders, approvals or authorizations of the
Bankruptcy Court and (ii) for consents, orders, approvals, authorizations, or
registrations, which, if not obtained, would not, individually or in the
aggregate, have a material adverse effect on the Business, Seller has full
power, right and authority to sell and transfer the Acquired Assets to Buyer and
the execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement by Seller and
compliance by Seller with the terms hereof will not (x) conflict with any
provision of the organizational documents of Seller; (y) result in a default (or
give rise to any termination, cancellation or acceleration) under any of the
terms, conditions or provisions of any agreement to which Seller is a party or
by which it is bound, except for such defaults (or rights of termination,
cancellation or acceleration) as to requisite waivers or consents have been
obtained; or (z) violate any statute, law, rule, regulation, order, writ,
injunction or decree of any governmental authority or create a lien,
encumbrance, security interest or claim upon any of the assets of Seller.

     (c) TITLE. Seller has, and at the Closing Buyer will obtain, good and
marketable title to the Acquired Assets, free and clear of all liens, claims,
interests, encumbrances and security interests of any kind or nature whatsoever.
Seller has not licensed or otherwise granted any person or entity any right or
interest in any of the Acquired Assets. No person or entity currently maintains
any claim, and, no person or entity has a valid basis for claiming that the
operation of the Business or the use of the Acquired Assets infringes, violates
or has violated any licensing agreement, patent, non-competition,
confidentiality or trademark right or copyright or other rights of any other
person or entity.

     (d) LITIGATION. Except as set forth on SCHEDULE 4(d), there is no claim,
judgment, litigation or proceeding in existence or pending at present, or to the
knowledge of Seller threatened, against or relating to the Acquired Assets or
the Business which would affect or encumber the Acquired Assets; no replevins,
attachments, executions or tax assessments or liens are in force against Seller
or the Acquired Assets; and Seller does not know, or have reasonable grounds to
know, of any basis for any such action, or of any governmental investigation
relative to Seller, the Acquired Assets or the Business.

                                        5
<Page>

     (e) CUSTOMER CONTRACTS. Seller's right, title and interest in and to each
of the Customer Contracts, is fully assignable and, on the Closing Date, each
such assumed Customer Contract will be in full force and effect and Seller will
not be in default thereunder.

     (f) DSL CUSTOMERS. The DSL Customers consist of approximately 16,800 lines.

     (g) BROKER. No broker has been engaged by Seller in connection with the
transaction contemplated by this Agreement and no brokerage fees will be payable
by Seller to any party as the result of the consummation of such transaction.

     (h) COMPLIANCE WITH LAW. To Seller's knowledge, Seller has filed with the
appropriate governmental authorities all material applications, notifications
and other documents and has been issued and is in compliance with all material
requirements for all laws, regulations, permits, certificates, licenses,
approvals and other authorizations required to operate the Business, except
where the failure to do so would not have a material adverse effect on the
Business. Seller is in material compliance with each (and has not received any
claim or notice that the Business is not in compliance with or that it is in
violation of any) law to which the Business is subject (including all record
keeping and reporting requirements thereof); and, to the Seller's knowledge, no
prior actions of the Seller in violation of any law or regulation will result in
liability to the Buyer as a result of the transactions contemplated by this
Agreement.

     (i) GOVERNMENTAL NOTICES. Seller has not received from any governmental
authority or third party any material request for information, notice of claim,
demand letter, or other notification in connection with the conduct of the
Business or the use of the Acquired Assets.

     (j) BUSINESS INFORMATION. In connection with this transaction, the Seller
has made or will make available to the Buyer all books, records, correspondence,
customer lists, and technical and financial information requested by the Buyer
and relating to the Acquired Assets, including the Covad Contract, as of the
date of this Agreement (the "BUSINESS INFORMATION"). The Business Information is
accurate in all material respects.

     (k) CUSTOMER DISPUTES. Except as identified on SCHEDULE 4(j), Seller is not
aware of any dispute with any DSL Customer.

5.  REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF BUYER

     Buyer hereby represents, warrants and covenants to Seller as follows:

     (a) Buyer is a Delaware corporation duly organized, validly existing and in
good standing under the laws of the state of Delaware and has the power and
authority and all necessary governmental approvals to own, lease and operate its
properties and to carry on its business as it is now being conducted. Buyer is
duly qualified to do business, and is in good standing, in each jurisdiction
where the character of its properties owned or held under lease or the nature of
its activities make such qualification appropriate, except where the failure to
be so qualified would not individually or in the aggregate have a material
adverse effect on Buyer's

                                        6
<Page>

ability to complete the transactions contemplated by this Agreement. The
execution and delivery of this Agreement to Seller and the transactions
contemplated hereby have been duly authorized by Buyer's Board of Directors, and
Buyer shall deliver to Seller, at or prior to the execution hereof, copies,
certified by Buyer's Secretary, of the minutes of the meeting of its Board of
Directors at which such authority was granted.

     (b) Buyer has taken all action required by the laws of the State of
Delaware or any other applicable law to authorize the transactions contemplated
herein.

     (c) There are no pending or, to the knowledge of Buyer, threatened actions
or proceedings before any court or administrative agency or other authority
which might or will materially or adversely affect Buyer's ability or right to
perform all Buyer's obligations hereunder.

     (d) This Agreement constitutes the legal, valid, and binding agreement of
Buyer, enforceable in accordance with its terms. The consummation of the
transactions contemplated hereby will not conflict with or result in a breach of
any provision of, or constitute a default under, any contract, agreement,
instrument, regulation, law, or order of any court, administrative agency or
federal, state, or local authority to which Buyer is a party, by which it is
bound, or to which it may be subject for which Buyer has not obtained a waiver
or the consent of the affected party. The execution, delivery, and performance
of this Agreement by Buyer will not (i) conflict with or result in a breach or
violation of any term or provision of Buyer's Certificate of Incorporation or
Bylaws, nor shall its execution, delivery, or performance conflict with or
result in a breach of any of the terms, conditions, or any provision of, or
constitute a default (or give rise to any right of termination, cancellation,
acceleration, vesting, payment exercise, suspension or revocation) under, any
indenture, mortgage, contract, agreement, or other instrument to which Buyer is
a party, or by which it or its properties are or may be bound or affected, (ii)
violate any order, writ, injunction, decree, statute, rule or regulation
applicable to the Buyer or the Buyer's properties or assets, except for
violations, breaches, defaults, terminations, cancellations, accelerations,
creations, impositions, suspensions or revocations that would not individually
or in the aggregate have a material adverse effect on the Buyer's ability to
complete the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, or (iii) constitute an
event that would permit any party to terminate any agreement or accelerate the
maturity of any indebtedness or other obligation of Buyer.

     (e) No broker has been engaged by Buyer in connection with the transaction
contemplated by this Agreement and no brokerage fees will be payable by the
Buyer to any party as the result of the consummation of such transaction.

     (f) Buyer has sufficient cash and/or available credit facilities and/or
commitments to pay the Purchase Price and the Covad Cure Amount and to make all
other necessary payments of fees and expenses in connection with the
transactions contemplated by this Agreement and the Definitive Documents.

                                        7
<Page>

6.  COVENANTS

     (a) ACCESS AND INVESTIGATION. Between the date hereof and the Closing,
Seller grants to Buyer and to its duly authorized representatives including, but
not limited to, its employees, accountants and counsel reasonable access to (i)
all information concerning the Acquired Assets and or the Business as Buyer may
reasonably request and (ii) reasonable access, during normal business hours, to
the Acquired Assets and to present and former key management employees of the
Business who have significant information regarding the Acquired Assets and
Business, and releases all such employees from any obligations of
confidentiality or non-disclosure with regard to disclosures made by such
employees to the Buyer for the purpose of evaluating the transactions
contemplated by this Agreement.

     (b) NOTICE OF SALE. Seller will mail notice of the sale, which notice will
comply and be served in accordance with the Bankruptcy Code, the Federal Rules
of Bankruptcy Procedure, any applicable local bankruptcy rules, and any
applicable order of the Bankruptcy Court, to parties who assert any interest,
lien, encumbrance or claim in or against the Acquired Assets (including but not
limited to Nortel Networks, Inc.), in addition to the DSL Customers, Covad, any
nondebtor party to a contract that is being assigned hereunder, and any
committee of unsecured creditors appointed in the Chapter 11 Case.

     (c) BANKRUPTCY COURT APPROVALS.

          (i)  Seller confirms that its negotiation of this Agreement with Buyer
is critical to its obtaining the highest and best price for its assets, and that
without Buyer's commitment of substantial time and expense to the process,
Seller would have to employ a less orderly process for the sale of its assets
and therefore risk attracting lower prices. Seller acknowledges that Buyer would
not have invested the time and incurred the expense of negotiating and
documenting the transaction if it were not entitled to a break up fee as
described below. Notwithstanding anything in this Agreement to the contrary, if
Buyer is not the successful bidder for the Acquired Assets because a bid or bids
higher and better than the Purchase Price is approved by the Bankruptcy Court,
Buyer shall be entitled to a break-up fee of Forty Thousand and 00/00 United
States Dollars (US $40,000.00) (the "BREAK-UP FEE"), provided this Agreement has
not been terminated by Seller under SECTION 11(a)(v) at that time. The Break-Up
fee shall be payable to Buyer at the closing of the sale of the Acquired Assets
to such alternate bidder.

          (ii) As promptly as possible after the date hereof, Seller will file
and serve motions (and, at a minimum, notice will be made to Covad and all DSL
Customers and any other parties to Customer Contracts or any contracts being
assigned hereunder) pursuant to Bankruptcy Code Sections 105, 363, and 365, as
applicable, in a form reasonably approved by counsel for Buyer:

               (A) seeking entry of an order (on an expedited basis)
substantially in the form attached hereto as EXHIBIT D (the "PROCEDURES ORDER"),
approving among other things the payment of the Break-Up Fee as an
administrative priority claim under Bankruptcy Code Sections 503(b) and 507(a),
approving procedures for the sale of the Acquired Assets (including an overbid
amount of US $100,000.00 over the Purchase Price, an incremental bid amount of
US

                                        8
<Page>

$50,000.00 and matching bid provisions), and setting dates for the auction
sale of the Acquired Assets no later than November 16, 2001 (the "AUCTION
HEARING DATE"), and the hearing on the sale of the Acquired Assets no later than
November 16, 2001 (the "SALE HEARING DATE"); and

               (B) seeking entry of an order substantially in the form attached
hereto as EXHIBIT E (the "SALE ORDER"), which, among other things, (i)
authorizes Seller to sell, transfer and assign the Acquired Assets to Buyer, on
an expedited basis, pursuant to this Agreement and Bankruptcy Code Sections 105,
363 and 365, as applicable, free and clear of liens, claims, interests,
encumbrances and security interests of any nature or kind, (ii) determines that
Buyer is a good faith purchaser under Section 363(m) of the Bankruptcy Code and
that the Buyer has acted in good faith, is a bona fide purchaser for value, the
Purchase Price is fair and reasonable, and the sale of the Acquired Assets is
free and clear of all liens, claims, interests, and encumbrances; (iii) provides
that the Customer Contracts and the Covad Contract are assigned to Buyer
pursuant to 11 U.S.C. Section. 365, that Buyer assumes no liability for claims
or cure amounts under the Customer Contracts prior to the date of Closing, that
all Customer Contracts and the Covad Contract are enforceable against the
nondebtor parties and that Buyer assumes the Covad Cure Amount pursuant to
Section 6(i); (iv) Seller assumes any obligation to cure the Customer Contracts;
(v) provides that Section 1146(c) applies to the sale; (vi) is in all respects
in a form reasonably acceptable to counsel for Buyer; (vii) provides that the
ten (10) day periods provided for in Federal Rules of Bankruptcy Procedure
6004(g) and 6006(d) are waived; and (viii) provides that the Parties shall hold
the funds collected on account of any accounts receivable that are owed to the
other party in trust and that commingling of such accounts receivable with the
Parties' general funds or accounts shall not destroy the trust protection or
nature of such funds or impact the duties each Party owes to the other with
regard to accounts receivable.

     (d) BOOKS AND RECORDS. After the Closing, Buyer shall allow Seller and any
of its then current directors, officers, employees, counsel, representatives,
accountants and auditors (collectively, the "SELLER'S REPRESENTATIVES")
reasonable access to all business records and files of the Seller or the
Business that are transferred solely to Buyer in connection herewith, which are
reasonably required by such Seller's Representatives in order to complete the
Chapter 11 Case or for tax or other valid business purposes, during regular
business hours and upon reasonable notice to Buyer. The Seller's Representatives
shall have the right to make copies of any such records and files; PROVIDED,
HOWEVER, that any such access or copying shall be had or done in such a manner
so as not to unreasonably interfere with the normal conduct of Buyer's business
or operations.

     (e) ADDITIONAL MATTERS. Subject to the terms and conditions herein, except
as provided by the Bankruptcy Code, the Bankruptcy Rules or any other orders
entered or approvals or authorizations granted by the Bankruptcy Court in the
Chapter 11 Case, each of the parties hereto agrees to use all commercially
reasonable efforts to take, or cause to be taken, all action and to do, or cause
to be done, all things necessary, proper or advisable, including under
applicable laws and regulations, to consummate and make effective the
transactions contemplated by this Agreement, including using all commercially
reasonable efforts to obtain all necessary waivers, consents and approvals
required under this Agreement.

     (f) PRESERVATION OF ACQUIRED ASSETS. Seller will take all prudent actions,
at Seller's cost, to safeguard, preserve and maintain the integrity of the
Acquired Assets pending Closing.

                                        9
<Page>

     (g) SELLER'S GOOD FAITH COOPERATION. Seller shall reasonably cooperate in
good faith to assist Buyer in preserving and protecting the Acquired Assets and
the Business during the ninety (90) day transition period following the Closing,
consistent with the obligations of both parties set forth herein.

     (h) COLLECTION OF ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE AFTER THE CLOSING. Seller shall be
responsible for all costs attributable to the provision of services to the DSL
Customers prior to the Closing Date, and Buyer shall be responsible for all
costs attributable to the provision of services to the DSL Customers from and
after the Closing Date. Seller shall be entitled to all DSL Customer revenue for
services provided to DSL Customers prior to the Closing Date, and Buyer shall be
entitled to all DSL Customer revenue for services provided to DSL Customers from
and after the Closing Date. From and after the Closing Date, Buyer and Seller
shall use their best efforts to assist each other in connection with the
collection and proper allocation of accounts receivable from the DSL Customers.
The Parties shall hold the funds collected on account of any accounts receivable
that are owed to the other party in trust. Buyer and Seller each agree to remit
to the other any payments which it receives and to which the other is entitled
within three (3) business days. Further, each party shall have the right to
inspect the books and records of the other party with regard to the collection
of accounts receivable related to the DSL Customers.

     (i) COVAD CONTRACT. Buyer shall pay to Covad the Covad Cure Amount as such
amount is due and owing under the Covad Contract. Seller shall be obligated to
pay any amount necessary to cure the Covad Contract in excess of the Covad Cure
Amount. Seller shall pay all obligations under the Covad Contract arising from
the date of the filing of Seller's bankruptcy petitions through the Closing, and
Buyer shall not be obligated to pay any such liabilities or obligations.

     (j) DECEMBER BILLING. Seller shall not send bills to the DSL Customers for
the month of December 2001.

7.  CONFIDENTIALITY

     (a) The Seller possesses and will possess following the Closing
confidential and proprietary business information relating to the Acquired
Assets and the Business (the "PROPRIETARY INFORMATION"). The Seller agrees that
it will maintain the confidentiality of all Proprietary Information and will not
use, or disclose to any other party, for any purpose whatsoever, any Proprietary
Information relating to the Acquired Assets or the Business. Further Seller
acknowledges the critical importance of maintaining the Proprietary Information
as confidential and agrees that because any award of monetary damages would be
inadequate for any breach of this covenant and would cause prior irreparable
harm to Buyer, that in any event of the breach or threatened breach of this
covenant Buyer will be entitled to equitable relief, including injunctive relief
and specific performance. Such remedy shall not be the exclusive remedy for any
breach of this covenant but will be in addition to all other remedies available
at law or equity.

                                       10
<Page>

     (b) The Buyer agrees that prior to the Closing and, in the event that the
Buyer is not the successful bidder, after the termination of this Agreement, it
will not disclose confidential information with respect to the Seller, the
Acquired Assets or the Business, for any purpose or reason whatsoever (except to
authorized representatives of the Buyer and to counsel and other advisers,
provided that such advisors (other than counsel) agree to the confidentiality
provisions of this SECTION 7(b)), unless (i) such information becomes known to
the public generally through no fault of the Buyer, (ii) disclosure is required
by law or the order of any governmental or regulatory authority under color of
law, or (iii) the Buyer reasonably believes that such disclosure is required in
connection with the defense of a lawsuit or for certification or state licensure
purposes; provided, that prior to disclosing any information pursuant to clauses
(ii) or (iii) above, the Buyer shall, if possible, give prior written notice
thereof to the Seller, its successors or assigns, and provide the Seller, its
successors or assigns with the opportunity to contest such disclosure. Further
Buyer acknowledges the critical importance of maintaining the Proprietary
Information as confidential and agrees that because any award of monetary
damages would be inadequate for any breach of this covenant and would cause
prior irreparable harm to Seller, that in any event of the breach or threatened
breach of this covenant Seller will be entitled to equitable relief, including
injunctive relief and specific performance. Such remedy shall not be the
exclusive remedy for any breach of this covenant but will be in addition to all
other remedies available at law or equity.

8.  CONDITIONS TO BUYER'S OBLIGATION

     The obligation of Buyer to consummate the transactions to be performed by
it in connection with the Closing is subject to satisfaction of all of the
following conditions (all or any of which may be waived, in whole or in part, by
the Buyer):

     (a) The Procedures Order has been entered by the Bankruptcy Court and is no
longer subject to stay, modification, or appeal and has become a final order.

     (b) The Sale Order, in all respects in a form reasonably acceptable to
counsel for Buyer, has been entered by the Bankruptcy Court and either (i) is no
longer subject to stay, modification, or appeal and has become a final order; or
(ii) provides that the ten (10) day periods provided for in Federal Rules of
Bankruptcy Procedure 6004(g) and 6006(d) are waived.

     (c) Seller's representations and warranties contained in the Agreement are
true and correct in all material respects as of the Closing Date as though such
representations and warranties were made at such time.

     (d) Seller has, in all material respects, performed or complied with, as
the case may be, all obligations, covenants and conditions required by this
Agreement to be performed or complied with by it on or before the Closing Date.

     (e) Seller has executed and delivered the Bill of Sale and the Assignment.

     (f) A duly authorized officer of the Seller has executed and delivered to
Buyer a certificate dated as of the Closing Date certifying as to (c) and (d)
above.

                                       11
<Page>

     (g) There is no injunction or order of any court or government authority of
competent jurisdiction prohibiting the transactions contemplated by this
Agreement.

     (h) Upon consummation of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement,
Buyer will have obtained good title in and to the Acquired Assets.

9.  CONDITIONS TO SELLER'S OBLIGATIONS

     The obligation of Seller to consummate the transactions to be performed by
it in connection with the Closing is subject to satisfaction of the following
conditions (all or any of which may be waived, in whole or in part, by Seller):

     (a) The Sale Order has been entered by the Bankruptcy Court;

     (b) Buyer's representations and warranties contained in the Agreement are
true and correct in all material respects as of the Closing Date as though such
representations and warranties were made at such time;

     (c) Buyer has, in all material respects, performed or complied with, as the
case may be, all obligations, covenants and conditions required by this
Agreement to have been performed or complied with in all material respects on or
before the Closing Date;

     (d) The Chief Financial Officer or another duly authorized officer of Buyer
has executed and delivered to Seller a certificate dated as of the Closing Date
certifying as to (b) and (c) above; and

     (e) There is no injunction or order of any court or government authority of
competent jurisdiction prohibiting the sale.

10. SURVIVAL OF REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES.

     The representations and warranties of the parties hereto included or
provided for herein, shall not survive the Closing and there shall be no
liability in respect thereof, whether such liability has accrued prior to the
Closing or after the Closing, on the part of either Party.

11. TERMINATION

     (a) At anytime before the consummation and completion of the Closing, this
Agreement may be terminated (i) by mutual written agreement of the Parties; (ii)
by Buyer if (A) the Procedures Order has not been entered by October 29, 2001,
the Auction Hearing Date has not occurred on or before November 16, 2001, and
the Sale Order has not been entered on or before November 16, 2001; (B) Closing
has not occurred on or before November 19, 2001; and (C) any other condition set
forth in SECTION 8 has become incapable of fulfillment or has not been satisfied
on or before November 19, 2001; (iii) by Seller or Buyer if a bid or bids for
the Acquired Assets by a purchaser other than Buyer higher and better than the
Purchase Price is approved by the Bankruptcy Court; (iv) by Buyer in the event
of any material breach by Seller of any of Seller's agreements, representations
or warranties contained herein and the failure of Seller to cure such breach
within seven calendar days after receipt of written notice from a Buyer

                                       12
<Page>

requesting such breach to be cured; or (v) by Seller in the event of any
material breach by Buyer of any of its agreements, representations or warranties
contained herein and the failure of Buyer to cure such breach within seven days
after receipt of notice from Seller requesting such breach to be cured.

     (b) EFFECT OF TERMINATION. If the Agreement is terminated pursuant to
clause (i) of paragraph (a), all obligations of the Parties shall terminate
without liability of any party to the other, and the Security Deposit (and any
interest thereon) shall be returned to Buyer. If the Agreement is terminated
pursuant to clauses (ii) or (iv) of paragraph (a), such termination is without
prejudice to any other rights Buyer may have with respect to any breach of any
representation, warranty or covenant by Seller, and Buyer shall be entitled to
the immediate return of the Security Deposit (and any interest thereon). If the
Agreement is terminated pursuant to clause (v) of paragraph (a), provided Seller
is not in material breach of any of its agreements, representations or
warranties contained herein, Seller shall be entitled to retain the Security
Deposit as liquidated damages and as the Seller's sole and exclusive remedy for
a breach by Buyer hereunder. If the Agreement is terminated pursuant to clause
(iii) of paragraph (a), Buyer shall be entitled to the Break-Up Fee and return
of the Security Deposit (with interest) and Buyer shall have no further
liability whatsoever. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this SECTION
11(b), the provisions of SECTION 7(a) and 7(b) shall remain in full force.

     THE TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF THIS AGREEMENT ARE SUBJECT TO THE APPROVAL OF
THE BANKRUPTCY COURT.

12. MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS

     (a) PRESS RELEASES AND PUBLIC ANNOUNCEMENTS. No party shall issue any press
release or make any public announcement relating to the subject matter of this
Agreement without the prior written approval of the other party; PROVIDED,
HOWEVER, that any party may make any public disclosure it believes in good faith
is required by applicable law as determined by a written opinion of counsel or
any listing or trading agreement concerning its publicly-traded securities (in
which case the disclosing party will use commercially reasonable efforts to
advise the other party prior to making the disclosure). In addition, the Parties
shall jointly prepare a letter to be sent to the DSL Customers subsequent to the
Effective Date to explain Buyer's purchase of the Acquired Assets and the
transition of such contracts.

     (b) NO THIRD-PARTY BENEFICIARIES. This Agreement shall not confer any
rights or remedies upon any person other than the Parties and their respective
successors and permitted assigns.

     (c) ENTIRE AGREEMENT. This Agreement and all other documents referred to
herein constitute the entire agreement between the Parties and supersedes any
prior understandings, agreements, or representations by or between the Parties,
written or oral, to the extent they have related in any way to the subject
matter hereof.

     (d) SUCCESSION AND ASSIGNMENT. This Agreement shall be binding upon and
inure to the benefit of the Parties named herein and their respective successors
and permitted assigns,

                                       13
<Page>

including, in the case of the Seller, a Chapter 11 trustee in the event such a
trustee is appointed, or a Chapter 7 trustee in the event the Chapter 11 Case is
converted. No party may assign either this Agreement or any of its rights,
interests, or obligations hereunder without the prior written approval of the
other party; PROVIDED, HOWEVER, that Buyer may with at least five (5) days'
prior written notice to Seller (i) assign any or all of its rights and interests
hereunder to one or more of its wholly owned subsidiaries (a "PERMITTED
DESIGNEE") and (ii) designate one or more of its wholly owned subsidiaries to
perform its obligations hereunder (in any or all of which cases the party hereto
nonetheless shall remain responsible for the performance of all of its
obligations hereunder); and PROVIDED, HOWEVER, that the Seller may assign to any
entity the rights to enforce the obligations set forth in SECTION 7(b).

     (e) COUNTERPARTS; FACSIMILE SIGNATURES. This Agreement may be executed in
one or more counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original but all of
which together will constitute one and the same instrument. Any signature page
delivered by facsimile or telecopy shall be binding to the same extent as an
original signature page, with regard to any agreement subject to the terms
hereof or any amendment thereto. Any party who delivers such a signature page
agrees to later deliver an original counterpart to any party who requests it.

     (f) HEADINGS. The section headings contained in this Agreement are inserted
for convenience only and shall not affect in any way the meaning or
interpretation of this Agreement.

     (g) NOTICES. All notices, demands, requests, consents, approvals or other
communications required or permitted to be given with respect to this Agreement
shall be in writing and shall be delivered (charges prepaid, receipt confirmed
or return receipt requested (if available)) by hand, by internationally and
nationally recognized air courier service or by facsimile, addressed as set
forth below or to such other address as such party shall have specified most
recently by written notice. Notice shall be deemed given and effective (i) if
delivered by hand or by internationally or nationally recognized air courier
service, when delivered at the address specified in this SECTION 12(g) (or in
accordance with the latest unrevoked written direction from such party) or (ii)
if given by facsimile when such facsimile is transmitted to the facsimile number
specified in this SECTION 12(g) (or in accordance with the latest unrevoked
written direction from such party), PROVIDED, THAT, appropriate confirmation is
received and that any such facsimile is promptly followed by delivery of written
notice delivered by hand or by internationally or nationally recognized air
courier service.

     If to the Seller:                    Copy to:
     Ardent Communications, Inc.          Swidler Berlin Shereff Friedman, LLP
     1820 North Fort Meyer Drive          3000 K Street, Suite 300
     Arlington, Virginia 22209            Washington, DC 2000702-4859
     Attention: Amit Rikhy, CFO           Attention: Andrew M. Ray, Esq.
     Tel: (703) 276-4326                  Tel: (202) 424-7500
     Fax: (703) 247-6464                  Fax: (202) 424-7647

     If to the Buyer:                     Copy to:
     Network Access Solutions Corp.       Shaw Pittman LLP
     13650 Dulles Technology Dr.          2300 N Street, N.W.

                                       14
<Page>

     Herndon, VA 20171                    Washington, D.C.  20037-1128
     Attention: Jon Aust, CEO             Attention: Thomas J. Catliota, Esq.
     Tel: (703) 793-5000                  Tel: (202) 663-8000
     Fax: (703) 793-5010                  Fax: (202) 663-8007

     (h) GOVERNING LAW. This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in
accordance with the domestic laws of the District of Columbia without giving
effect to any choice or conflict of law provision or rule (whether of the
District of Columbia or any other jurisdiction) that would cause the application
of the laws of any jurisdiction other than the District of Columbia.

     (i) AMENDMENTS AND WAIVERS. No amendment of any provision of this Agreement
shall be valid unless the same shall be in writing and signed by the Buyer and
the Seller. No waiver by any party of any default, misrepresentation, or breach
of warranty or covenant hereunder, whether intentional or not, shall be deemed
to extend to any prior or subsequent default, misrepresentation, or breach of
warranty or covenant hereunder or affect in any way any rights arising by virtue
of any prior or subsequent such occurrence.

     (j) SEVERABILITY. Any term or provision of this Agreement that is invalid
or unenforceable in any situation in any jurisdiction shall not affect the
validity or enforceability of the remaining terms and provisions hereof or the
validity or enforceability of the offending term or provision in any other
situation or in any other jurisdiction.

     (k) EXPENSES. Except with respect to the Seller's payment of the Break Up
Fee as provided for in SECTION 6(c)(i), each of the Buyer and the Seller will
bear its own costs and expenses (including legal fees and expenses) incurred in
connection with the Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereby.

     (l) CONSTRUCTION. The Parties have participated jointly in the negotiation
and drafting of this Agreement. In the event an ambiguity or question of intent
or interpretation arises, this Agreement shall be construed as if drafted
jointly by the Parties and no presumption or burden of proof shall arise
favoring or disfavoring any Party by virtue of the authorship of any of the
provisions of this Agreement. Any reference to any federal, state, local, or
foreign statute or law shall be deemed also to refer to all rules and
regulations promulgated thereunder, unless the context requires otherwise. The
word "including" shall mean including without limitation.

     (m) INCORPORATION OF EXHIBITS AND SCHEDULES. The exhibits and schedules
identified in this Agreement are incorporated herein by reference and made a
part hereof.

                            [SIGNATURE PAGE FOLLOWS]

                                       15
<Page>

     IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Parties hereto have executed this Asset Purchase
Agreement as of the date first above written.

                                          "SELLER":

                                          ARDENT COMMUNICATIONS, INC., a
                                          Delaware corporation

                                          By: /s/ AMIT D. RIKHY
                                              -----------------
                                              Name: Amit D. Rikhy
                                              Title: CFO

                                          ARDENT, INC., a Virginia corporation

                                          By: /s/ AMIT D. RIKHY
                                              -----------------
                                              Name: Amit D. Rikhy
                                              Title: CFO

                                          "BUYER":

                                          NETWORK ACCESS SOLUTIONS
                                          CORPORATION, a Delaware corporation

                                          By: /s/ JON AUST
                                              ------------
                                              Name: Jon Aust
                                              Title: CEO

                                       16
<Page>

LIST OF SCHEDULES

Schedule 1(a)(i)      DSL Customers
Schedule 1(a)(ii)     Customer Contracts
Schedule 1(a)(iv)     Transition Plan
Schedule 2(c)         Allocation of Purchase Price
Schedule 4(d)         Litigation
Schedule 4(j)         Customer Disputes

LIST OF EXHIBITS

Exhibit A             Escrow Agreement
Exhibit B             Bill of Sale
Exhibit C             Assignment
Exhibit D             Procedures Order
Exhibit E             Sale Order

                                       17

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