ATMNet
| Company type | Limited Liability Partnership |
|---|---|
| Industry | Internet service provider |
| Founded | 1994 |
| Founder | Mike Trest, Tom Lettington, Jim Browning |
| Fate | Acquired by Verio |
| Headquarters | San Diego , United States |
Area served | California, Arizona |
| Products | Dial-up and dedicated Internet connectivity via T1 lines; IP data over ATM cells via fiber optic SONET links |
ATMnet was a regional Internet service provider (ISP) headquartered in San Diego, California. Established in 1994, it was acquired by Verio in November 1997 as part of Verio's nationwide strategy to consolidate regional ISPs.
The company originated as Visicom Network Services (VNS), a division of Visicom Laboratories Incorporated. Founded by Visicom staff members Mike Trest and Tom Lettington, with Jim Browning joining later, VNS aimed to capitalize on the expanding ISP sector. It provided dial-up and dedicated Internet connectivity through T1 lines within San Diego. In 1994, the founders, together with a former Visicom executive, formed a Limited Liability Partnership (LLP) under the brand ATMnet, emphasizing their commitment to Asynchronous Transfer Mode (ATM) technology for building a national network. ATMnet’s backbone spanned from San Diego to the San Francisco Bay Area and extended eastward to Tucson, Arizona, following a merger with RTD Systems. The California network utilized fiber optic SONET links transmitting IP data over ATM cells via FORE Systems switches. This infrastructure included an OC3 connection capable of 155 Mbit/s—the first commercially accessible link at this speed in the U.S. ISP market.
Despite its regional scope, ATMnet played a significant role as an early Internet provider advocate in California and Arizona. As part of the Commercial Internet eXchange (CIX.org), ATMnet’s Chief Technology Officer provided testimony before the U.S. Federal Communications Commission, challenging assertions made by major telecommunications companies. The company fostered cooperation among the IETF, ATM FORUM, and CIX participants, contributing to efforts such as the Clinton-Gore Next Generation Internet Program. Additionally, ATMnet was involved in crafting the "Research Challenges For The Next Generation Internet" report for the Computing Research Association, which helped shape the "Next Generation Internet Research Act of 1998."
In 1997, the San Diego Business Journal recognized ATMnet among local ISPs, highlighting that fourteen providers connected to the Internet through ATMnet’s backbone via local loops or co-location at its Sorrento Valley site. The company's network featured dual fiber optic OC3-c links operating at 155 Mbit/s to regional Internet exchange points in northern California—a notable achievement as it operated at this bandwidth without relying on government funding or subsidies.
After being acquired by Verio, one of ATMnet’s original founders collaborated with a leading figure from The Kuljian Corporation to launch ATMnet Japan (Nippon ATMnet) based in Shin-Yokohama. This venture offered Internet services and training under atmnet.co.jp for several years.