NEXTLINK CHANGES NAME TO XO COMMUNICATIONS TO EMPHASIZE BROADBAND OFFERINGS

Nextlink Communications, Nashville's second-largest local phone service provider, is changing its name to XO Communications in order the emphasize its transformation to a broadband telecommunications company.

The change in name and strategy will be more fully explained by CEO Dan Akerson at a press conference at noon on Monday. At that conference, Mr. Akerson is expected to talk about a new program called XOptions, under which businesses will be able to purchase local phone service, long distance phone service, Internet access and web hosting within one price.