Initial 15 Square Mile Deployment to Replace City Owned Network
ATLANTA, May 26 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- EarthLink (Nasdaq: ELNK), the
nation's next generation Internet service provider (ISP), today announced
that the New Orleans City Council has approved an ordinance to enable the
company to build a Wi-Fi broadband network in the Crescent City.
The Wi-Fi mesh network will provide affordable, high-speed Internet
access for residents, businesses and visitors in New Orleans. EarthLink
will provide a free service tier and a paid service tier. The free service
will be offered for a limited time during the city's rebuilding efforts at
speeds up to 300kbs, and users will be able to access the Internet without
having to view advertising. The ISP will also offer a higher speed paid
service that will be a symmetrical, 1 mbps solution for customers that want
more bandwidth, customer support and EarthLink's award-winning products and
services.
"EarthLink is doing its part to help rebuild the Crescent City and
enable residents, visitors and the thousands of workers to stay connected
with low cost broadband service," said Donald Berryman, executive vice
president of EarthLink and president of the ISP's municipal networks unit.
"Our Wi-Fi solution reflects our vision of delivering broadband
opportunities to diverse communities across the country and helping meet
the needs of underserved neighborhoods at the request of cities like New
Orleans."
"We are excited to welcome the investment of EarthLink to better
connect our citizens and visitors through Wi-Fi. This is another indication
that New Orleans is moving to the next generation of technology. It's one
more sign that New Orleans is rebuilding for the future; creating a safer,
smarter and more efficient environment for all people," said Mayor C. Ray
Nagin.
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, New Orleans' wireless
network will also provide an alternative for broadband connectivity, such
as an affordable wireless T-1 solution.
EarthLink will deploy Tropos Networks' (http://www.tropos.com)
MetroMesh Wi-Fi routers on light poles throughout the city that will enable
reliable wireless data connectivity between consumers and the Internet. The
Tropos system forms a wireless mesh, intelligently routing data to produce
the best possible user experience. The network will be operated and
optimized using Tropos Control, an end-to-end configuration, monitoring and
maintenance tool suite. In addition, EarthLink will deploy Motorola's
MOTOwi4(TM) portfolio of products, including its Canopy(TM) high-speed
backhaul and Wi-Fi mesh network equipment.
About EarthLink
"EarthLink. We revolve around you(TM)." 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 .
SOURCE EarthLink
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Related links:
http://www.earthlink.net
CONTACT:
Media, Deisha Galberth of EarthLink,
+1-404-748-7146, or galberth@corp.earthlink.net; or Mayor C. Ray
Nagin's Press Office, +1-504-658-4940, or fax, +1-504-658-4959,
or press@mayorofno.com; or Investors, Mike Gallentine of
EarthLink, +1-404-748-7153, or gallentineml@corp.earthlink.net
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