Covad Communications Group, Inc. (AMEX:DVW), a leading national provider of integrated voice and data communications, today announced that Jim Kirkland, Senior Vice President, Strategic Development & General Counsel, has been appointed by AT&T to the inaugural Governing Board of the California Technology Fund (CETF).

Created by the California Public Utilities Commission in 2005, the CETF will work to achieve state-wide access to broadband and advanced services in California by 2010 using new and developing technologies. The CETF will begin with $60 million in funding, with a goal of obtaining at least $100 million in funding over five years. It will focus significant resources on addressing the needs of underserved communities in California, helping to breach the Digital Divide, as well as promoting the advancement of Telemedicine in California.

"As a senior executive for a California company that has built a world-class broadband network from the ground up over the last 10 years, Jim Kirkland will bring a valuable perspective on network deployment and maintenance strategies to the CETF board," said Charles Hoffman, Covad president and chief executive officer. "Jim's participation on the CETF board is another example of Covad's commitment to our community. This appointment also demonstrates the growing strength of our relationship with AT&T."

The CETF's Governing Board will include 12 members. Four were appointed by the Commission, three by AT&T and one by Verizon. The final four members will be chosen by the first eight board members.

"AT&T is proud to play a critical role in nominating individuals that we believe are uniquely qualified for this important effort," said Ken McNeely, President of AT&T California. "We chose Jim Kirkland for the CETF board based on his outstanding credentials, unique background in wireless and wireline technologies, and his commitment to CETF's goals. We know he will bring energy and commitment to the important work CETF will do to reach underserved communities and help bridge the Digital Divide in California."

Kirkland is a board member of the Information Technology Association of America, the nation's leading IT trade association. Kirkland's nomination was endorsed by TechNet, which represents over 150 of America's leading technology companies.

Kirkland oversees strategic development and legal, regulatory and legislative affairs for Covad. Prior to Covad, Kirkland served as Senior Vice President, Spectrum Development and General Counsel for Clearwire Technologies, Inc., a privately held broadband wireless Internet service provider based in Dallas, Texas.

Kirkland previously spent 17 years with Mintz, Levin, Cohn, Ferris, Glovsky and Popeo P.C. in Washington, D.C., where he specialized in communications law and worked with emerging-growth Internet, wireless and telecommunications companies.

Kirkland holds a bachelors degree from Georgetown University in Washington, D.C. and graduated cum laude from Harvard Law School in Cambridge, Massachusetts.

For more information about the CETF, please visit the PUC's website at www.cpuc.ca.gov.

About Covad

Covad is a leading nationwide provider of broadband voice and data communications. The company offers DSL, Voice over IP, T1, Web hosting, managed security, IP and dial-up, broadband wireless, and bundled voice and data services directly through Covad's network and through Internet Service Providers, value-added resellers, telecommunications carriers and affinity groups to small and medium-sized businesses and home users. Covad broadband services are currently available across the nation in 44 states and 235 Metropolitan Statistical Areas (MSAs) and can be purchased by more than 57 million homes and businesses, which represent over 50 percent of all US homes and businesses. Corporate headquarters is located at 110 Rio Robles San Jose, CA 95134. Telephone: 1-888-GO-COVAD. Web Site: www.covad.com.