EXHIBIT 12 WAM!NET INC. RATIO OF EARNINGS TO FIXED CHARGES (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT RATIO) Year Ended December 31, 1995 1996 1997 1888 -------------------------------------------------- Fixed Charges Net loss from continuing operations (1,277) (7,596) (33,636) (121,878) -------------------------------------------------- Fixed Charges: Interest expense and amortization of deferred finance charges on all indebtedness 20 903 4,356 22,626 Interest portion of rent 15 40 100 225 --------------------------------------------------- Total fixed charges 35 943 4,456 22,851 Earnings before loss and fixed charges (1,242) (6,653) (29,180) (99,027) =================================================== Ratio of earnings to fixed charges - - - - ===================================================