1 EXHIBIT 12 NETWORK PLUS CORP. COMPUTATION OF RATIOS RATIO OF EARNINGS TO COMBINED FIXED CHARGES NINE MONTHS ENDED YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, SEPTEMBER 30, ----------------------------------------- ----------------- 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1997 1998 ---- ------ ------ ------ ------- ------- ------- EARNINGS Net income (loss) before income taxes........................... $ 45 $3,019 $4,007 $1,475 $(3,149) $(1,404) $(1,844) Combined fixed charges............ 86 135 207 542 801 505 1,492 ---- ------ ------ ------ ------- ------- ------- Total Earnings.......... $131 $3,154 $4,214 $2,014 $(2,348) $ (899) $ (352) COMBINED FIXED CHARGES Interest expense.................. $ 5 $ 2 $ 40 $ 313 $ 557 $ 330 $ 781 Preferred stock dividends and accretion of issuance costs and discount........................ -- -- -- -- -- -- 498 Interest portion of operating lease rentals................... 81 133 167 229 244 175 213 ---- ------ ------ ------ ------- ------- ------- Total Combined Fixed Charges............... $ 86 $ 135 $ 207 $ 542 $ 801 $ 505 $ 1,492 RATIO OF EARNINGS TO COMBINED FIXED CHARGES.......... 1.5x 23.4x 20.4x 3.7x (2.9)x (1.8)x (0.2)x