ATLANTA, Jan. 25 /PRNewswire/ -- Atlanta will soon join the ranks of major municipalities across the U.S. that have embraced Wi-Fi. The City has selected EarthLink to build, own and operate a municipal Wi-Fi network.

Pending a final contract with the City, EarthLink will provide affordable, high-speed Internet access for residents, businesses and visitors to Atlanta with upload and download speeds up to 1 Mbps. In addition, EarthLink will continue its efforts to reduce the gap between those who benefit from technology and those who don't by working with the City to provide qualifying residents with discounted Internet access.

"Atlanta has been EarthLink's home for many years, and we are excited about the opportunity to showcase this exciting new technology in our own backyard -- and ultimately, change the way people access the Internet," said Donald Berryman, executive vice president of EarthLink and president of the ISP's municipal networks unit. "Our municipal Wi-Fi solution will bring Atlanta residents, visitors and city workers an affordable high-speed Internet service."

"The City is excited to work with EarthLink, one of our premier technology companies. Atlantans will have access to high speed broadband throughout the City and will benefit from many life-changing applications -- all without spending tax dollars," said Abe Kani, Chief Information Officer for the City of Atlanta. "Our city will also leverage the network to support economic development and enhance quality of life through innovative public safety applications and ensure digital inclusion."

As part of its commitment to open access, EarthLink will enable multiple, competing providers, to offer their services to consumers and businesses over its network. For small businesses, Atlanta's wireless network will also provide an alternative for broadband connectivity, such as an affordable wireless T-1 solution.

Wi-Fi is short for wireless fidelity. It enables a person to connect his or her Wi-Fi enabled computer, cell phone or PDA to the Internet or another Wi-Fi enabled device, without a traditional 'wired' connection. For more information on EarthLink Wi-Fi, please go to: http://www.earthlink.net/wifi. For more information on EarthLink's Municipal Networks business unit, please go to: http://www.earthlink.net/muni.

About EarthLink

"EarthLink. We revolve around you(SM)." As the nation's next generation Internet service provider, Atlanta-based EarthLink has earned an award-winning reputation for outstanding customer service and its suite of online products and services. Serving over five million subscribers, EarthLink offers what every user should expect from their Internet experience: high-quality connectivity, minimal online intrusions and customizable features. Whether it's dial-up, high-speed, voice, web hosting, wireless or "EarthLink Extras" like home networking or security, EarthLink connects people to the power and possibilities of the Internet. Learn more about EarthLink by calling (800) EARTHLINK or visiting EarthLink's Web site at http://www.earthlink.net/.

CONTACT: Media: Jerry Grasso of EarthLink, +1-404-748-7208,
grassoj@corp.earthlink.net; Catherine Woodling of City of Atlanta,
+1-404-330-6763, cwoodling@atlantaga.gov; or Investors: Mike Gallentine of
EarthLink, +1-404-748-7153, gallentineml@corp.earthlink.net

Web site: http://www.earthlink.net/
http://www.earthlink.net/wifi