EarthLink Launches High-Speed Internet Trials Over Cox Communications' Cable Lines; EarthLink High Speed Internet Will be Tested in Cox's El Dorado, Ark., Service Area

Business Wire, Nov 6, 2001

Business Editors/High-Tech Writers

ATLANTA--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Nov. 6, 2001

EarthLink (Nasdaq:ELNK) today announced the start of high-speed Internet technical trials over Cox Communications' (NYSE:COX) broadband cable infrastructure.

Slated to last approximately six months, the trials are the result of an agreement struck between the two companies in April of this year. As part of Cox's Multiple Internet Service Provider (MISP) test, EarthLink High Speed Internet service will be available to 25 Internet users in Cox's El Dorado, Ark., service area.

EarthLink has been at the forefront of the MISP movement since high-speed Internet service was first offered over cable lines. In addition to signing a definitive agreement to offer service over Time Warner Cable's network, EarthLink has reached testing agreements with AT&T Broadband, Comcast Cable Communications and Cox, and has offered co-branded service over Charter Communications' network since 1997.

"Offering cable customers a choice of ISPs has been a long-term commitment for EarthLink," said Jon Irwin, executive vice president of member experience at EarthLink. "This agreement between EarthLink and Cox is another key step in giving customers the ability to choose their high-speed cable ISP. We look forward to reaching a definitive agreement to offer EarthLink services to all Cox customers."

"This endeavor will explore the feasibility and benefits of open access," said Dallas Clement, senior vice president of strategy and development for Cox Communications. "By offering EarthLink's services to our customers, we can continue to add value to our high-speed product and expose more consumers to the benefits of broadband."

EarthLink recently launched EarthLink High Speed Internet service over Time Warner Cable's network in 15 cities, representing approximately 8 million broadband homes passed, with additional launches planned for the near future.

The company also offers high-speed Internet service via DSL in 90-plus markets and two-way satellite nationwide, making EarthLink the only Internet provider to offer service using all three major broadband technologies.

For more information about EarthLink High Speed Internet, or any of EarthLink's award-winning products and services, call 1-800-EARTHLINK, or visit www.earthlink.net.

About EarthLink High Speed Internet

With more than 406,000 high-speed subscribers, EarthLink is one of the leading broadband Internet service providers. EarthLink is the only ISP to offer high-speed Internet access nationally through all three major broadband technologies: cable, DSL and two-way satellite.

The company also offers its award-winning Internet services on a wholesale basis via cable, DSL and fixed wireless technologies. Its commitment to offer a variety of broadband technologies through multiple vendors allows EarthLink to offer its high-speed services to members in more areas of the country.

About Cox Communications

Cox Communications, a Fortune 500 Company, serves approximately 6.2 million customers nationwide, making it the nation's fifth largest cable television company.

A full-service provider of telecommunications products, Cox offers an array of services, including Cox Cable; local and long distance telephone services under the Cox Digital Telephone brand; high-speed Internet access under the brands Cox@Home, Road Runner and Cox Express; advanced digital video programming services under the Cox Digital Cable brand; and commercial voice and data services via Cox Business Services.

Cox is an investor in telecommunications companies including Sprint PCS and Excite@Home, as well as programming networks including Discovery Channel and The Learning Channel. More information about Cox Communications can be accessed on the Internet at www.cox.com.

About EarthLink

The No. 1 Provider of the Real Internet(TM), EarthLink brings the magic of the Internet to approximately 4.8 million subscribers every day. With headquarters in Atlanta, EarthLink provides a full range of innovative access, hosting and e-commerce solutions to thousands of communities through a nationwide network of dial-up points of presence, and broadband and wireless technologies.

EarthLink is committed to doing an exceptional job of pleasing its subscribers, shareholders and the community by following the company's Core Values and Beliefs (http://www.earthlink.net/about/ourvalues/cvb/index.html). Information about EarthLink services is available by calling 800/395-8425 and through EarthLink's Web site at www.earthlink.net.