NEWARK, N.J. - (BUSINESS WIRE) - Jan. 12, 2000 - IDT Corporation (NASDAQ: IDTC - news) today announced the launch of a new subsidiary, Brix Communications Corporation.

The unit will partner with landlords across the country to install building-centric infrastructure that supports dedicated, high-speed Internet access, local and long distance telephony, and satellite cable television. IDT's experience as a commercial Internet service provider, and its years of experience as a leading multinational telecommunications carrier offers Brix unparalleled support, and ready access to the most advanced technology and proprietary networking methodology in a customized approach.

"Brix is positioned at the forefront of an exciting new arena in telecommunications," said chairman and CEO of IDT, Howard Jonas. "Being in control of building-level infrastructure is the best way to ensure the highest quality service at the lowest price to the consumer -- and is a valuable distribution channel for Internet, telecom and media content." Brix Building(SM) infrastructure creates a building-wide network utilizing the most advanced wiring and networking technology, including the use of fiber-optic cabling in both residential and commercial buildings. Brix invests in a total upgrade that will support advanced telecommunications for many years. Many of the technical solutions available in the marketplace today, including those that use existing copper phone lines to deliver high-speed access, are inherently limited in their future scalability in delivering broadband Internet content.

"Brix Communications typically provides this advanced infrastructure upgrade at no-cost to the property owner," said IDT's President Jim Courter, "and Brix provides a means for landlords to share in the ongoing telecommunications revenues generated at the property level.

"Brix is unique in three ways. First, Brix shuns short-lived solutions and is committed to providing a scalable infrastructure that will support advanced communications into the future. Second, Brix has a core competence in the installation of such infrastructure into residential complexes. Third, Brix has vast experience in both telecommunications and real estate. Brix has been active in the telecommunications and Internet industries for over ten years, and has staffed its management team with professionals with years of experience in both real estate and communications.

KUSHNER COMPANIES: BRIX'S FIRST MAJOR REAL ESTATE PARTNER

One of New Jersey's leading private real estate organizations, Kushner Companies currently owns and manages more than 15,000 apartment units in New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania and Florida, with a development pipeline of an additional 10,000 units. In addition, the company is actively expanding its commercial portfolio, which consists of several million square feet of office, industrial and retail space.

"For years we looked for the right technology partner for our buildings. Brix has an unparalleled commitment to the latest in technological advances, customer service, and consumer value," noted Charles Kushner, Chairman of Kushner Companies.

"We were approached by several companies, but found Brix to have the most professional approach combined with the most compelling dedication to technology. Our goal was to provide the products and services our tenants want - and to do it right the first time. That is what differentiated Brix from its competitors."

Several Kushner properties have a Brix Building(SM) infrastructure upgrade underway or complete, including the landmark Puck Building, a 220,000 sq. ft. office building in Manhattan; the River Club -- a 266-unit luxury rental complex in Edgewater, NJ; The Curling Club -- a 242-unit luxury rental complex in Hoboken, NJ; and Oakwood Village, a massive 1,224-unit rental complex spread out over 107 buildings and 160 acres in Mount Olive, NJ. Wiring of additional residential and commercial buildings will begin shortly, and Brix is currently negotiating with several additional significant landlords, both commercial and residential.

Brix has been granted an exclusive right to install its proprietary network infrastructure in Kushner properties, and to offer broadband Internet access, satellite cable television, and long-distance and local telephony to its tenants.

Brix Communications Corp.

Brix Communications Corporation is positioned to be the leading facilities-based provider of diversified telecommunications, Internet, and satellite cable television service to tenants of residential multifamily and commercial properties nationwide. Brix's suite of next-generation services and competitive pricing enhances a landlord's ability to lease space and retain tenants. Brix services are available nationwide for residential, commercial, hotel, and university properties.

IDT Corporation

IDT is a leading multinational carrier that combines its position as an international telecommunications operator with its experience as an Internet service provider to provide a broad range of telecommunications services to its wholesale and retail customers worldwide. The company provides its customers with integrated and competitively priced international and domestic long distance, pre-paid calling cards, Internet access, DSL and enhanced web services. IDT's subsidiary, Net2Phone, Inc. (NASDAQ: NTOP - news) is the market leader in IP telephony.

Through its own national telecommunications backbone and network infrastructure, IDT provides its customers with integrated and competitively priced international and domestic long distance, pre-paid calling cards, Internet access and digital subscriber line (DSL) service.

Kushner Companies

One of New Jersey's leading private real estate organizations, Kushner Companies currently owns manages more than 15,000 apartment units in New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania and Florida. With more than 45 years of development experience, and in-house capabilities to handle all aspects of real estate development and management, the Company is actively expanding its commercial portfolio, which consists of several million square feet of office, industrial and retail space. Kushner Companies also has affiliated businesses involved in banking, insurance, real estate brokerage and technology. In addition, Kushner Companies' construction division, Westminster Communities, is currently involved in the development of approximately 500 homes with another 40 additional projects in various stages of approval and development ranging from single-family luxury homes to urban redevelopment projects.

For further information about partnership opportunities, or to learn more about the advanced products and services Brix offers, please contact Brix Communications at 888-577-BRIX.