EarthLink Will Build Out 26 Square Miles for Commercial and Government Use
ATLANTA, April 4 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Arlington County today
announced that it has selected EarthLink (Nasdaq: ELNK) to build, own and
operate Arlington County, Virginia's Wi-Fi broadband network. The selection
is subject to Arlington County Board approval at its April 28 meeting.
The Wi-Fi mesh network will provide the approximately 26 square-mile
Arlington County a broadband alternative for residents and visitors to the
County. It will also enable County employees to work in the field without
having to return to an office and a traditional landline to complete their
tasks. EarthLink will also enable Internet access for to-be-determined
nonprofit partners of Arlington County, as well as create wireless hotspots
at a number of Arlington parks, community centers and libraries.
Arlington County has been a leading locality in the adoption of
technology to benefit its citizens and government, having been named one of
the Top 10 Digital Counties in the United States by the Center for Digital
Government and National Association of Counties (NACo). To date, 'Arlington
Wireless' has unwired its Courthouse Plaza; Central Library and other
branches.
"Arlington County officials recognized the potential of wireless
technology when it began deploying hot spots in-and-around government
buildings in late 2004, and this agreement with EarthLink fulfills their
Wi-Fi vision by delivering a countywide network for all residents and
businesses to use and enjoy," said Donald Berryman, executive vice
president of EarthLink and president of the ISP's municipal networks unit.
"Our Wi-Fi networks deliver an affordable and portable broadband Internet
connection at anytime, or in any place; and for businesses we will offer a
wireless T-1 solution that -- when compared to existing landline offerings
-- is mobile and more cost effective than today's existing offerings."
"Our network will also provide government employees with portability
that will improve their productivity -- enabling them to remain in the
field longer and operate out-of-office more efficiently," Berryman added.
"We're excited to partner with EarthLink to bring a totally wireless
capability to everyone who lives, works, and visits Arlington," commented
Jack Belcher, Arlington County's Chief Information Officer. "This service
will create an amenity that will continue to distinguish Arlington as a
truly world class community."
Arlington County is hosting a public meeting on the wireless plan on
April 10 at 7:30 p.m. in room 311 of Courthouse Plaza, 2100 Clarendon
Boulevard.
As part of its commitment to open access, EarthLink will enable
multiple, competing providers, such as PeoplePC (http://www.peoplepc.com)
and Vonage (http://www.vonage.com), to offer their services to consumers
and businesses over its network.
Wi-Fi is a term developed by the Wi-Fi Alliance to describe wireless
local area network (WLAN) products that are based on IEEE 802.11 standards.
The Wi- Fi Alliance (http://www.wifialliance.org) develops universal
specifications, testing and certification processes to assure compatibility
and interoperability among the diverse and growing number of devices in the
marketplace.
About Arlington, Virginia
Arlington, Va., is a world-class urban community that was originally
part of the "10-mile square" parcel of land surveyed in 1791 to be the
Nation's Capital. It is the geographically smallest self-governing county
in the United States, occupying slightly less than 26 square miles. Known
for its urban villages and transit-oriented development, Arlington
maintains a rich variety of stable neighborhoods, quality schools and
enlightened land use. In 2002, the county was the first recipient of the
Environmental Protection Agency's highest award for "Smart Growth." Home to
some of the most influential organizations in the world -- including the
Pentagon -- Arlington stands out as one of America's preeminent places to
live, visit and do business.
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. < http://www.earthlink.net >
SOURCE EarthLink
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Related links:
http://www.earthlink.net/
CONTACT:
Media: Jerry Grasso, +1-404-748-7208, or
grassoj@corp.earthlink.net; Investors: Mike Gallentine,
+1-404-748-7153, or gallentineml@corp.earthlink.net; Arlington
County: Rob Billingsley, +1-703-228-3195, or
rbillingsley@arlingtonva.us
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