EXHIBIT 5.1
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[LETTERHEAD OF DAY, BERRY & HOWARD LLP]
June 8, 2000
DSL.net, Inc.
545 Long Wharf Drive
New Haven, CT 06511
Re: Registration Statement on Form S-8
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Ladies and Gentlemen:
We are acting as counsel for DSL.net. Inc., a Delaware corporation (the
"Company"), in connection with the registration on a Registration Statement on
Form S-8 (the "Registration Statement") under the Securities Act of 1933 of the
offer and sale of up to 898,926 shares (the "Shares") of Common Stock, par value
$.0005 per share, of the Company to be issued under the 1999 Stock Option Plan
and the 1997 Stock Option Plan of Vector Internet Services, Inc. (collectively,
the "Plans").
We have examined such documents, records and matters of law as we have
deemed necessary for the purposes of this opinion, and based thereupon we are of
the opinion that the Shares are duly authorized and, when issued and delivered
pursuant to the terms of the Plans against receipt by the Company of the
consideration therefor as provided in the Plans, will be validly issued, fully
paid and nonassessible.
We hereby consent to the filing of this opinion as Exhibit 5.1 to the
Registration Statement.
Very truly yours,
/s/ Day, Berry & Howard LLP
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DAY, BERRY & HOWARD LLP
