Tuesday June 3 1:14 PM EDT
Company Press Release
EarthLink and U.S. Robotics Roll Out x2 (56KBPS)
Technology to EarthLink Members
PASADENA, Calif., and SKOKIE, Ill.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--June 3, 1997--
National Internet Service Provider EarthLink Responds to Customer
Demand for x2 Service;
Begins Offering x2 Service to Customers Throughout California
EarthLink Network, Inc. (NASDAQ:ELNK) and U.S. Robotics (NASDAQ:USRX - news) today announced
that EarthLink will provide x2(tm) service to its subscribers this week through a nationwide 800 number.
EarthLink is also aggressively bringing local x2 Internet service to members throughout California in the
near future. U.S. Robotics' x2 (56Kbps) technology allows information to be downloaded from the
Internet or intranets significantly faster than standard V.34 modems.
``We've gone with the U.S. Robotics x2 solution because many of our members have been requesting x2
service,'' said Steve Dougherty, director of Internet operations, EarthLink Network. ``We believe x2 gives
us a great competitive advantage in meeting the demand for faster Internet access.''
EarthLink selected U.S. Robotics' Total Control remote access platform for its flexibility; ability to
provide reliable service; extensive management capabilities; and most importantly, its software upgrade
path to technologies such as x2, allowing EarthLink to bring faster service to its customers rapidly.
U.S. Robotics' flexibility also allows EarthLink to upgrade to the future standard for 56Kbps modems.
``When the standards issues settle out, we expect it'll just be a software download for us to add
compatibility with the future standard to our U.S. Robotics Total Control equipment,'' added Dougherty.
EarthLink Has Access to Large Subscriber Market through x2
Together, U.S. Robotics and other modem companies supporting x2 technology represent the majority of
the U.S. modem market - more than 65 percent of both the PC and Macintosh desktop modem market,
according to the latest retail market share research from VisionQuest. This allows EarthLink to serve a
vast potential market of x2 modem owners.
x2: Only Widespread Access Method for 56Kbps Internet Downloads
More than 350 ISPs provide x2 connections today, giving millions of Internet subscribers across the U.S.
and Canada local access using x2. The 350 ISPs that have deployed x2 technology to date have more
than 2400 points of presence (POPs) for x2 service in more than 1100 North American cities. x2 Internet
services can be accessed with a local phone call in every U.S. state, including Hawaii and Alaska.
``We continue to believe that x2 technology is the best solution, particularly in light of our free upgrade to
the future ITU standard,'' said Casey Cowell, U.S. Robotics chairman and CEO. ``And many other
companies are responding to the market demand for higher speeds: ISPs representing 70 percent of
Internet subscribers; modem manufacturers representing more than 65 percent of the market; four of the
top five PC manufacturers and three companies who supply modem chipsets -- all are either delivering x2
technology or plan to in the near future.''
As the leading remote access company worldwide, U.S. Robotics was the first provider of a complete,
system-wide 56Kbps technology solution, and is leading the market with products that connect customers
now and provide a guarantee of compatibility with the future 56Kbps standard as well.
U.S. Robotics is one of the world's leading suppliers of products and systems that provide access to
information. The company designs, manufactures, markets and supports remote access servers and
concentrators, enterprise communications systems, desktop/mobile client products and modems and
telephony products that connect computers and other equipment over analog, digital and switched cellular
networks, enabling users to gain access to, manage and share data, fax, voice and multi-media
information. Its customers include Internet service providers, regional Bell operating companies,
inter-exchange carriers and a wide range of other large and small businesses, institutions and individuals.
EarthLink Network, a publicly-held company, is dedicated to making the Internet a relevant and useful
communications tool by coupling fast and reliable Internet access with content-rich products and robust
services for individuals and businesses. Headquartered in Pasadena, California, the company provides
local access to thousands of local communities from more than 644 points of presence (POPs) in the U.S.
and Canada. EarthLink offers unlimited Internet access for $19.95 a month, with a $25 setup fee. A free,
24-hour member Help Line is accessible seven days a week. Additional product and pricing information is
available by calling (800) 395-8425 and through EarthLink's Web site at earthlink.net .
x2 and Total Control are trademarks of U.S. Robotics.
Contact:
U.S. Robotics
Lauri Lentz, 847/982-5230
llentz@usr.com
or
EarthLink Network
Kirsten Kappos, 818/296-2467
kirstenk@earthlink.net
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