NETCOM REDUCES BOARD OF DIRECTORS; GARRISON ASSUMES CHAIRMAN POSITION

SAN JOSE, Calif., Feb. 28 /PRNewswire/ -- NETCOM On-Line Communication Services, Inc. (Nasdaq: NETC), a leading provider of full Internet services to individuals and businesses, today announced changes to its board of directors that have led to a reduction of the board from nine members to seven members. The reduction in size was accomplished by reducing the number of insiders on the board from three to one.

"The smaller number of board seats should allow us to be more responsive to the changing environment in the Internet marketplace, while increasing our focus on creating shareholder value," said David W. Garrison, President and Chief Executive Officer.

Garrison, 40, was elected Chairman of the Board, in addition to his duties as President and Chief Executive Officer. He replaces Robert J. Rieger who recently resigned his positions of Chairman and Chief Technical Officer, as previously announced.

Resigning from the board is Stephen J. Clearman, 45, a general partner of Geocapital Partners in Fort Lee, New Jersey, a venture capital firm and early investor in NETCOM two years ago. Lawrence W. Lepard, also from Geocapital Partners, remains on the board. The board is working to fill the vacant seat.

NETCOM

NETCOM On-Line Communication Services, Inc. is a leading international Internet service provider. The Company's core business includes providing dial-up accounts at 28.8 kbps for individuals and high-speed dedicated connections up to T1 for businesses. A public company since December 1994, NETCOM has experienced substantial growth by aggressively building a nationwide network, providing an easy-to-use software platform with NetCruiser, and expanding its distribution channels. Since NETCOM operates its own network employing TCP/IP, the backbone technology of the Internet, subscribers benefit from a stable, reliable network at low prices. Internet users can learn more about the Company on-line at http://www.netcom.com/.

NOTE: NETCOM On-Line Communication Services is a registered trademark. NetCruiser is a trademark of NETCOM On-Line Communication Services.

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/CONTACT: Jeannie Slone of NETCOM, 408-556-3211, or jslone@ix.netcom.com; or Betsy Truax, 415-986-1591, or btruax@ix.netcom.com, or Jill Braddock, 617-577-1030, both of Financial Relations Board, for NETCOM/

(NETC)

CO: NETCOM On-Line Communication Services, Inc. ST: California IN: CPR SU: PER

LW -- SFW025 -- 8610 02/28/96 22:47 EST