Earthlink Launches Higher Speed, 1XRTT Next Generation Wireless Laptop Access, Featuring Venturi Wireless Network Acceleration

EarthLink Becomes First Major ISP to Offer a Next-Generation Data Solution for On-The-Go Internet Users in Ten U.S Cities

Press Release Source: www.earthlink.net

ATLANTA, February 4, 2003 -- Continuing its expansion into the wireless arena, EarthLink (NASDAQ: ELNK) today launched “EarthLink Wireless Enhanced Access for Your Laptop.” The new EarthLink service utilizes the CDMA 1xRTT network of a major national wireless provider to enable on-the-go professionals to connect to the Internet at higher speeds than traditional wireless data networks.

Available now in 10 markets and expanding to additional markets nationwide in 2003, the new service offers mobile Internet and email access utilizing a credit card-sized EarthLink configured, Sierra Wireless AirCard. “EarthLink Wireless Enhanced Access for Your Laptop” operates on a CDMA2000 1xRTT network, delivering average transmission speeds of 40-60kbps and bursting up to 144kbps, compared to traditional wireless data networks which average 8-19kbps. The new service features Venturi optimization and acceleration capabilities, which allow end users to enjoy faster and therefore less expensive, data transmissions.

“Faster wireless Internet access makes it even easier and more convenient to exchange data and communicate outside of the office or home,” says Mike Lunsford, executive vice president of EarthLink’s customer experience and EarthLink Everywhere initiatives. “We’re very excited to be the first major ISP to offer customers award-winning Internet access on a next generation network. EarthLink is committed to widening the reach of its wireless services by giving people the ability to take their Internet experience wherever they go, on the devices of their choice, through a broad range of access platforms like CDMA.”

“EarthLink Wireless Enhanced Access for Your Laptop” offers tiered-price service plans starting at $24.95 per month and ranging from 5MB to 50MB of data transmission per month. The new data-only service is available now in New York, Philadelphia, Boston, Washington DC, Atlanta, San Francisco, San Jose, Dallas, Houston and Miami and will expand to additional markets nationwide in 2003. Subscribers purchase the EarthLink configured Sierra Wireless AirCard when they sign up for the service. In the future, EarthLink subscribers will be able to use the AirCard in conjunction with select handheld devices as well as subscribe to higher usage plans offering greater amounts of data transmission.

EarthLink Everywhere’s Wireless Access Chronology
“EarthLink Everywhere” is EarthLink’s initiative to extend its award-winning Internet access and the EarthLink experience beyond the personal computer, into the world of Internet-connected appliances and mobile devices. EarthLink Everywhere’s activities in the wireless arena to date include:

September 2002 — EarthLink and GoAmerica, Inc. (NASDAQ: GOAM) announce a strategic alliance to develop, market and support a comprehensive suite of wireless data solutions. The alliance lets EarthLink scale the breadth and depth of its wireless offerings, penetrate the enterprise market through established GoAmerica channels, and continue to deliver compelling, value-added solutions across all major wireless network technologies and device platforms.

June 2002 — EarthLink launches “EarthLink Wireless High-Speed powered by Boingo,” enabling subscribers to access hundreds of 802.11b-enabled Wi-Fi networks or “hot spots” nationwide.

February 2002 — EarthLink extends its mobile wireless service offerings onto popular Palm and PocketPC wireless handheld devices through its acquisition of subscribers and key infrastructure assets from defunct OmniSky Corporation, a leading developer and provider of wireless data applications and services on mobile wireless devices.

April 2001 — “EarthLink Wireless Email” debuts on the Motorola TalkAbout ® two-way T900.

February 2001 — EarthLink debuts “EarthLink Mobile Wireless Powered by Ricochet ®.”

Dec. 2000 — EarthLink formally launches its EarthLink Everywhere wireless and non-PC access initiative with “EarthLink Wireless Email” on the popular Blackberry TM Wireless Handheld from Research In Motion Limited (RIM) (NASDAQ: RIMM; TSE: RIM).

About EarthLink
EarthLink is the Internet service provider (ISP) solution for an impatient world. Headquartered in Atlanta, EarthLink has earned a national reputation for outstanding customer service and its suite of online products and services. According to J.D. Power and Associates, EarthLink is ranked Highest in Customer Satisfaction among Dial-up ISPs and tied in the ranking for Highest Customer Satisfaction Among High-Speed ISPs. Serving approximately five million subscribers, EarthLink offers what every user should expect from their Internet experience: high-quality connectivity, minimal drop-offs and ISP-generated intrusions, and customizable features. Whether it’s dial-up, high-speed, Web hosting, or wireless Internet service, EarthLink provides the tools that best let individuals use and enjoy the Internet on their own terms. Learn more about EarthLink through its Core Values and Beliefs or by calling (800) EARTHLINK and visiting EarthLink’s Web site at www.earthlink.net.

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