ATLANTA, Oct 05, 2004 /PRNewswire-FirstCall via Comtex/ -- EarthLink (ELNK), one of the nation's leading Internet service providers (ISP), today announced the launch of EarthLink Free Online Calling, a service which enables EarthLink High Speed access subscribers to make Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) calls free-of-charge.

This new offering reflects EarthLink's continuing efforts to be a leader in the deployment of VoIP services. Last year, the company became the first major ISP to offer a comprehensive VoIP solution, EarthLink Unlimited Voice, providing subscribers with a flat-rate, broadband telephony service that includes features to reach wireless or traditional land-based telephones.

"EarthLink Free Online Calling is part of our overall strategy to develop and deploy a full suite of data and voice-based communication applications," said Tom Andrus, vice president of products and services at EarthLink. "With the debut of EarthLink's latest VoIP service, our broadband subscribers can call and talk with friends and family over the Internet for free."

EarthLink Free Online Calling is based on Session Initiation Protocol (SIP), a standards-based protocol widely used to establish pure VoIP calls. The service is currently available to all 1.2 million EarthLink High Speed access subscribers at http://www.earthlink.net/extras/onlinecalling . Users will need a computer headset (for PC and Mac use) or an ATA (Analog Telephone Adapter) to access the service, which includes:

- Unlimited, high-quality calls to other SIP users
- Voicemail accessible via email
- Online calling log
- Online signup and account management


To extend the benefits of its newest VoIP offering, EarthLink has partnered with other SIP providers to exchange calls. These partnerships give EarthLink Free Online Calling subscribers free VoIP access to anyone using SIP-based services, including SIPphone ( www.sipphone.com ) and Free World Dialup ( www.pulver.com/fwd/ ).

EarthLink Free Online calling is powered by client-side software from Xten Networks. Xten's X-Lite softphone is an easy-to-install dialer that features speed dial, caller ID, three-way calling, basic hold capability and detailed call logs. The new service also utilizes server-side technology from iptel.org, a leading provider of high-performance communication infrastructure based on SIP.

In addition to EarthLink Free Online Calling, EarthLink will continue to offer high-speed users access to traditional phone services with EarthLink Unlimited Voice. EarthLink Unlimited Voice is available in three packages and for a limited time includes a free month of service and free activation. For more information or to sign up, visit www.unlimitedvoice.com or call 1-800-EARTHLINK.

About EarthLink

"EarthLink revolves around you(TM)." Celebrating ten years as a leading national Internet service provider (ISP), Atlanta-based EarthLink has earned an award-winning reputation for outstanding customer service and its suite of online products and services. According to the J.D. Power and Associates 2004 Internet Service Provider Residential Customer Satisfaction Study(SM), EarthLink is ranked highest in customer satisfaction among dial up and high-speed Internet Service Providers. Serving over 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 by calling (800) EARTHLINK or visiting EarthLink's Web site at www.earthlink.net .

SOURCE EarthLink

For more information: