Cox Communications and EarthLink Agree to High-Speed Cable-Based Internet Service Trial
ATLANTA –EarthLink (Nasdaq:ELNK)
and Cox Communications Inc. (NYSE:COX
) today announced an agreement to conduct a technical trial of EarthLink’s Internet
services over Cox’s broadband cable network.
The six-month trial will allow both companies to test the service
with the option of negotiating a definitive open access agreement.
During the trial, scheduled to begin in the third quarter,
EarthLink and Cox will work together to develop and roll out Internet
service over Cox’s cable network in the company’s El Dorado, Ark.,
cable system.
“We see cable as an important component of EarthLink’s overall
broadband strategy, so joining forces with Cox on this trial was an
easy decision,” said Mike Lunsford, EarthLink’s executive vice
president of broadband services.
“This trial demonstrates the willingness of Cox to work with
Internet partners to promote consumer choice and foster the
development of broadband services. We are excited to be the first
unaffiliated ISP to work with Cox and look forward to establishing a
long and mutually beneficial relationship,” said Lunsford.
“We look forward to working with EarthLink as we initiate our
first multiple ISP trial,” commented Dallas Clement, senior vice
president of strategy and development for Cox Communications. “We are
eager to explore the technical feasibility of offering more than one
ISP on our network in anticipation of forming a relationship that
allows both of us to realize the significant business opportunities
that exist in the high speed Internet access market.”
This announcement marks the third such agreement EarthLink has
reached with one of the five largest U.S. cable operators in the last
six months. In November 2000, EarthLink reached a definitive agreement
with Time Warner, and in March 2001, it agreed to Philadelphia-area
trials with Comcast. In addition, EarthLink has been working with
Charter Communications to deliver broadband service since 1997.
About EarthLink Broadband
With more than 288,000 broadband subscribers, EarthLink is one of
the leading broadband Internet service providers. EarthLink DSL is
currently available in more than 70 major metropolitan markets through
more than 2,650 Central Offices (COs). The company also offers its
award-winning Internet services through cable, satellite, Ricochet®
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 EarthLink
The No. 1 Provider of the Real Internet(TM), EarthLink brings the magic of
the Internet to 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 more than 7,500 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/mission.html).
Information about EarthLink services is available by calling 800/395-8425 and
through EarthLink’s Web site at www.earthlink.net.
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, The Learning Channel, Outdoor Life and Speedvision. More
information about Cox Communications can be accessed on the Internet at www.cox.com.
Contact Information:
EarthLink
Kurt Rahn, 626/351-7318
Alexander Ogilvy Public Relations
Stephanie Styles, 404/881-2351
Cox Communications
Amy Cohn, 404/843-5769
