Sprint Business Flex Integrates Earthlink Sprint Internet Access Service Into Small Business Offering. Integration Combines Customized Communications And Internet Services All on One Invoice - Company Business and Marketing

Cambridge Telcom Report, August 2, 1999

Responding to the increasing demand by small businesses for technology and communications tools to help grow their companies in the new digitally networked economy, Sprint Monday announced that EarthLink Sprint Internet access service is now part of its Sprint Business Flex program, which allows small businesses to create their own customized bundle of communications services.

According to IDC/Link, by the year 2000 more than 50 percent of small businesses will be using the Internet. Sprint's relationship with EarthLink enables it to provide Business Flex customers with a solution to this demand -- unlimited Internet access and additional services that allow small businesses to compete as effectively as large companies in cyberspace. Launched in December 1998, Sprint Business Flex offers customers the ability to choose their own communications services, including any combination of domestic long-distance, international long-distance, toll-free, local toll, calling card services and now, award-winning Internet access.

Sprint Business Flex was first in the industry to feature simple flat rates combined with a bonus that appears on each month's invoice. The program rewards customers with a flexible monthly bonus that adjusts based on the total monthly communications spending with Sprint. Small businesses on the Sprint Business Flex program begin earning their monthly bonus of up to 11.5 percent of their communications spending the day they sign up for the program, without the 12- to 13-month waiting period typical for cash-back programs from other long distance companies. EarthLink Sprint Internet access service is immediately eligible and contributory towards this monthly bonus.

By incorporating EarthLink Sprint Internet access service, Sprint Business Flex provides small business customers with fully integrated communications and Internet services that are delivered seamlessly and reported all on one invoice. In addition, Sprint Business Flex is available without term commitments or recurring charges.

With EarthLink Sprint Internet access service, customers receive highly rated network uptime and speed combined with around-the-clock technical support and other benefits including:

* Unlimited Internet access

* 2,300 local dial-up numbers -- the most of any ISP

* Toll-free technical support 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

* Free 6 MB Web site and free Click-N-Build tool to help build it

* Personal Start Page

* International roaming access

* Internet utilities: RealPlayer, ShockWave, QuickTime and more

* Choice of browsers

* Secure shopping in "The Mall," a collection of top retail stores

"By incorporating EarthLink Sprint Internet access into Business Flex, small business customers now have another tool to better manage their communications more efficiently and effectively," said Sue Sentell, president of marketing and operations for Sprint Business. "Our relationship with EarthLink ensures that Business Flex customers will have the technology, speed and technical support that will enable them to develop a communications system tailored to their company's individual needs."

"We are pleased to provide Business Flex customers with our award-winning Internet services for what is truly a comprehensive and fully integrated suite of products and services delivered over EarthLink's fast, reliable network," said Bill Heys, senior vice president at EarthLink. "By teaming with Sprint, we can provide small business members with the communications capabilities that they require to grow and to compete in the new digitally networked economy."

Flexing to Meet the Changing Needs of Business

Sprint Business Flex addresses the monthly and seasonal changes that many small businesses experience by enabling the small business to decide when and how to tailor the communications package. For example, a company might require heavy international calling to overseas parts suppliers during the spring manufacturing season; heavy domestic long-distance for summer sales efforts; and high-volume, incoming toll-free customer service traffic in the fall; as well as the need for Internet access year-round. Sprint Business Flex, along with the monthly bonus, adjusts to those seasonal variations to ensure maximum productivity and efficiency.

To be eligible for Business Flex, businesses must spend a minimum of $50 per month on total combined communications services. The bonus appears on every monthly bill in the form of a credit, with the amount based on the current month's communications spending with Sprint, excluding taxes and regulatory fees. In the future, small businesses will have even more communications options with the addition of Sprint PCS to Business Flex.

Sprint Business is a leader in helping companies improve their business performance by providing the innovative products and services necessary to succeed in today's competitive markets. Sprint provides strategic solutions for small businesses, helping them become more productive with a unique blend of flexible communications services, simple flat-rate pricing and attentive customer service. Businesses interested in learning more about Sprint's small business communications products and programs can call toll-free, 1-888-HELP-4-BIZ (435-7424), or access Sprint Business on the Web at http://www.sprint.com/sprintbiz.>