Everest will pay an undisclosed amount to wire the buildings,which encompass 14 million sf, and are located in Washington,Bethesda, Arlington, Fairfax and Tysons Corner. The Fort Lee, NJcompany is the fifth telecommunications provider that the Arlingtonlandlord has accepted into its buildings.

"The local exchange carriers--we need more competition than theycurrently provide," says Brent Bitz, executive vice president ofCharles E. Smith. "We'll have a competitive array of telecomservices. We're taking an aggressive stance for our tenants." Thecompany has agreements to give Intermedia, Cypress, Allied Riserand Eziaz access to its office buildings and tenants. Smith expectsto sign more deals, Bitz says.

The five-year deal, which has an option for five more, bringsEverest's portfolio to more than 192 million sf under contract in523 buildings.