@Home Network Simplifies Installation Process

@Home Moves Closer Toward Retail-Based Self-Installation

Redwood City, Calif., March 17, 1999 @Home Network (Nasdaq: ATHM), the leading provider of broadband Internet services via the cable infrastructure, today announced @Home 1.6, the latest version of @Home's client software which now supports USB (Universal Serial Bus). With the release of 1.6, @Home is positioned to rapidly scale service installs, reduce installation costs in the field, enable cable Internet services to enter the retail and OEM channels, and increase the speed and accuracy with which service provisioning can be performed.

For the first time, @Home subscribers can be brought up on the service without having to open the PC case to install an Ethernet card. By streamlining the required installation steps, @Home is accelerating the deployment of cable Internet services and moving a step closer toward a retail-based self-installation process.

"We've made a big step toward simplifying the @Home installation process," said Dean A. Gilbert, senior vice president and general manager of @Home Network. "Combined with CableLabs recently announced certification of cable modems for retail sale, @Home's new client software will help to drive down the costs of cable Internet services for consumers as well as the cable industry ­ speeding the deployment of broadband Internet services to the home."

The new version of the @Home software integrates USB technology, enabling a plug-and-play installation process. USB eliminates the need to install Ethernet cards into dedicated computer slots. During installation, the @Home software automatically detects if a PC is USB-ready. If so, a technician can use the @Home USB Ethernet adapter, about the size of a deck of cards, to connect the PC to the cable modem without having to go through the complex and time-consuming process of opening the PC case and installing an Ethernet card.

According to Dataquest*, the installed base of USB-enabled PCs is estimated to encompass more than 5 billion units by 2001. Nearly all PCs built after Nov. 1997 meet the requirements for a USB install of the @Home service.

@Home 1.6 is based on IE 4.01 and Netscape Communicator 4.5

*Source: Dataquest Research Highlight "The Universal Serial Bus Coasts to Market" 4/10/98

@Home Network
Based in Redwood City, California, @Home Network (Nasdaq: ATHM) distributes high-speed, openly accessible Internet and Web services to residences and businesses using its own network architecture and a variety of transport options including the cable industry's hybrid-fiber coaxial infrastructure. The cable connection provides users significant increases in speed over conventional Internet services. Leveraging the "always on" attributes of cable, @Home allows for unique multimedia applications that go beyond current Web experiences. Individuals seeking additional information about availability and subscription can refer to the @Home Network Web site (www.home.net). Since its founding in 1995, @Home Network has reached affiliate agreements with eighteen leading cable companies-worldwide, including AT&T; Broadband & Internet Services, Bresnan Communications Company, Cablevision Systems Corp., CasTel, Century Communications, Charter Communications, Cogeco Cable Inc., Comcast Corporation, Cox Communications, Garden State Cable, Insight Communications, InterMedia Partners, Jones Intercable, Lenfest Communications, Midcontinent Cable Co., Palet Kabelcom, Rogers Cablesystems Limited, and Shaw Communications.

This press release contains forward-looking information within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Exchange Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, and is subject to the safe harbors created by those sections. These forward-looking statements include statements related to: the ability of @Home to rapidly scale service installs, reduce installation costs in the field, enable cable Internet services to enter the retail and OEM channels, and increase the speed and accuracy with which service provisioning can be performed; the extent to which the new software will contribute to the deployment of cable Internet services and simplify @Home’s installation process; and the effect the software will have on the movement toward a retail-based self-installation process. Actual results may differ materially due to a number of factors, including: the widespread adoption of USB technology and its ability to ease the installation process; technological, operational, and financial challenges of developing software that subscribers find useful and compelling; @Home’s ability to support the software; the degree of customer and industry acceptance and support for the new software; and @Home’s ability to manage the new software. The matters discussed in this press release also involve risks and uncertainties described from time to time in @Home's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. In particular, see the risk factors described in @Home's Form S-3 Registration Statement filed on August 12, 1998 and in its Form 10-Q for the quarter ended December 31, 1998. @Home assumes no obligation to update the forward-looking information contained in this press release.