<TABLE> <S> <C>
<PAGE>
<ARTICLE> 5
<LEGEND>
THIS SCHEDULE CONTAINS SUMMARY FINANCIAL INFORMATION EXTRACTED FROM THE
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS OF BIRCH TELECOM, INC. AS OF, AND
FOR THE SIX MONTHS ENDING JUNE 30, 2000 AND IS QUALIFIED IN ITS ENTIRETY BY
REFERENCE TO SUCH CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.
</LEGEND>
<MULTIPLIER> 1,000
<S> <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE> 6-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END> DEC-31-2000
<PERIOD-START> JAN-01-2000
<PERIOD-END> JUN-30-2000
<CASH> 3,916
<SECURITIES> 15,982
<RECEIVABLES> 15,786
<ALLOWANCES> 1,258
<INVENTORY> 3,907
<CURRENT-ASSETS> 43,161
<PP&E> 106,435
<DEPRECIATION> 15,539
<TOTAL-ASSETS> 178,805
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES> 70,368
<BONDS> 116,240
119,425
17
<COMMON> 5
<OTHER-SE> (127,250)
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY> 178,805
<SALES> 51,498
<TOTAL-REVENUES> 51,498
<CGS> 37,722
<TOTAL-COSTS> 37,722
<OTHER-EXPENSES> 0
<LOSS-PROVISION> 1,759
<INTEREST-EXPENSE> 9,976
<INCOME-PRETAX> 56,171
<INCOME-TAX> 0
<INCOME-CONTINUING> 56,171
<DISCONTINUED> 0
<EXTRAORDINARY> 0
<CHANGES> 0
<NET-INCOME> 56,171
<EPS-BASIC> (7.42)<F1>
<EPS-DILUTED> (7.42)<F1>
<FN>
<F1>INCLUDED IN THE CALCULATION IS A 1.795-FOR-1 COMMON STOCK SPLIT EFFECTIVE
APRIL 6, 2000. PRIOR FINANCIAL DATA SCHEDULES HAVE NOT BEEN RESTATED FOR THE
RECAPITALIZATION.
</FN>
</TABLE>
