EarthLink Wireless Email and Internet Service Debuts On Palm OS and Pocket PC Handhelds

Business Wire, Feb 20, 2002

Business Editors & High-Tech Writers

NOTE TO MEDIA: Photo is available in a Smart News Release(TM) on

Business Wire's Home Page at www.businesswire.com

and at www.newstream.com

ATLANTA--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Feb. 20, 2002

EarthLink Wireless Email and Internet Service Now Available to the

Largest Segments of Handheld Users

Solidifying its place as a leading Internet service provider (ISP) in the wireless space, EarthLink (Nasdaq: ELNK) today announced the launch of EarthLink Wireless Email and Internet Service on select Palm OS and Pocket PC handheld devices. As a result, EarthLink now provides wireless email and Internet access on more handheld devices than any other major consumer ISP.

"We are very excited to introduce a great suite of wireless services to Palm OS and Pocket PC users," says Lance Weatherby, executive vice president of EarthLink Everywhere. "Leveraging the award-winning wireless platform we acquired through our purchase of OmniSky's assets in January, this launch illustrates EarthLink's commitment to providing Internet users with the broadest and most compelling variety of wireless Internet access options in the marketplace today."

New Products Supported

The devices now supported by EarthLink Wireless Email and Internet Service as a result of this service launch include: Palm's Vx (OS 3.5 and higher), m500 and m505 (OS 4.0 and higher) models; and HandSpring's Visor Edge, Pro, Prism, Platinum, and Neo (OS 3.5 or higher) models. EarthLink Wireless Email and Internet Service on the above Palm OS devices is $39.95 per month for unlimited monthly access, or subscribers can pre-pay $399.95 for a full year of service and save more than 15 percent a month in access. In addition to the service, subscribers can also purchase through EarthLink the Novatel Minstrel wireless modems necessary for wireless access.

With this service launch, EarthLink also now supports Pocket PC 2000 platform models, including Compaq's iPAQ H3600 series and HP Jornada 520 and 540 series devices, with plans to launch a Pocket PC 2002 platform-supported interface within the next 45 to 60 days.

HP Jornada owners can also purchase EarthLink Wireless Email and Internet Service for $39.95 per month (unlimited usage), or pre-pay $399.95 for a year of access, again saving more than 15 percent a month. Owners of iPAQs can purchase the stand-alone service for $59.95 per month (unlimited usage), or pre-pay $649.95 for a year of access, for a savings of 10 percent per month. They also can purchase from EarthLink either of the following service/equipment bundles: service modem (Sierra Wireless Aircard), or service modem the respective Compaq iPAQ Expansion Pack.

Moving forward, EarthLink also plans to leverage its strong retail partnerships to bundle EarthLink Wireless Email and Internet Service with these popular products when consumers purchase them through leading retailers nationwide.

EarthLink Wireless Email and Internet Service and modem equipment on select handheld devices can be purchased through The EarthLink Store online (http://earthlink.omnisky.com/pricing/), or by calling EarthLink toll-free at 800/860-5767.

About EarthLink Everywhere

"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. Internally, the EarthLink Everywhere team helps EarthLink explore and select the most promising new technologies and then establishes core groups dedicated to bringing those access technologies to market. As the Internet becomes more ubiquitous and continues to extend into different areas of our lives, it's a natural progression for people to want to access the `Net from wherever they are. Through our EarthLink Everywhere group and initiatives, we are committed to providing our subscribers with the type of service they expect from us on the device of their choosing. EarthLink Everywhere will ensure that EarthLink keeps abreast of emerging Internet access technologies and product development opportunities.

About EarthLink

EarthLink brings the magic of the Internet to approximately 4.8 million subscribers every day. Headquartered in Atlanta, EarthLink provides a full range of innovative access, hosting and e-commerce solutions to thousands of communities over a nationwide network of dial-up points of presence, as well as high-speed access 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.

Note: A Photo is available at URL: http://www.businesswire.com/cgi-bin/photo.cgi?pw.022002/bb4