Burned up

Your article,"Feeling the Burn,"(Sept. 11, page 10), alleged that we are not a stable company, are running very low on financing and that we are insensitive to our recent layoffs and to our employees in general.

In order to set the record straight, please allow me to re-emphasize a few of the key points from our very short interview two weeks ago. First, we implemented these tough financial measures in order to conserve cash. Second, we are well-funded and moving forward with the same business plan. Finally, our model has not changed - we are still 100% focused on the desktop and "just in time" network deployment, but we are now more focused in our targeted cities.

What is unfortunate and perhaps insensitive to our current and former employees (who remain valued stockholders in this company) is the biased and negative tone of your article. I was surprised that Telephony was so attacking, especially in light of the recent difficulties that telecommunications service providers are having in the public and private financial markets. As a new category of niche providers, a networked ASP, we are subject to enhanced scrutiny by these markets. We are taking action now to provide ourselves and our stockholders with long-term value.

You should also know that I received input from employees at all levels of the company who were appalled at your view of our current situation, particularly when the accusations came from anonymous sources who claim to be close to the company.

In fact, we extend an invitation to your team to visit our Arlington or Tampa office at your convenience, so you can speak directly with me (for more than 10 minutes), my team or our employees.

Our employees are among the most talented that exist in the marketplace. We are proud of our milestones and achievements. One month ago your sister publication, Upstart, was quite complimentary about our company and found our vision to be innovative enough to grace the cover.

I will be happy to see a success story on us in Telephony in the near future.

John Prisco President and CEO 2nd Century Communications