EarthLink Network launches LAN ISDN service.

LAS VEGAS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--May 6, 1997--

EarthLink's service provides SOHO market with turn-key Internet

access through partnerships with Farallon and Ramp Networks

Tuesday at Networld+Interop, EarthLink Network Inc. (NASDAQ:ELNK) announced the launch of its new LAN ISDN service, which will support multiple simultaneous Internet connections across a LAN using a single ISDN line.

EarthLink's new service will provide fast, turn-key Internet access to small office/home office (SOHO) customers. Through partnerships with router manufacturers Farallon and Ramp Networks, EarthLink will also offer their new dynamic IP ISDN routers at aggressive discounts.

EarthLink's LAN ISDN service works with new dynamic IP ISDN routers which support Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP) and Network Address Translation (NAT). These protocols eliminate the need for costly and complex static IP addresses required by competing ISDN LAN offerings.

"Our LAN ISDN service provides the SOHO customer with everything they need to connect their LAN to the Internet cost-effectively, quickly and easily," said Julie Mantis, vice president of sales at EarthLink Network.

"By offering a complete turn-key solution, EarthLink has made it easy for small businesses to get a fast, direct connection to the Internet. Small businesses don't have time to fuss with complex routers and protocols to connect their LANs to the Internet. EarthLink is providing a fast, reliable LAN Internet solution without the headaches."

Key Advantages of EarthLink's LAN ISDN Services

    --  High Speed Internet and fast access, up to 128kbps
    --  Access On Demand
    --  Nationwide Access:  550 ISDN POPs throughout North America,
        the most of any ISP
    --  Flexible usage
    --  Significant cost savings over T1 lines

A key advantage of EarthLink's LAN ISDN service is high-speed Internet access without the burden of multiple modems and slow, unreliable analog phone lines. Other advantages include support for voice, fax or data all on the same phone line, and support for multiple simultaneous Internet users, all on a single Internet connection.

EarthLink's ISDN LAN service will be priced at $99.95 per month, which includes 160 channel hours (eight hours per day) and four Internet e-mail accounts. The charge for usage beyond 160 hours is 85 cents per channel hour. A setup fee of $149 will be waived for current EarthLink members. A complete installation walk-through is available for Windows 95/NT and Macintosh operating systems.

The service is backed up by EarthLink's award-winning customer service group. A dedicated 800 number will be available to ISDN LAN customers 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

The ISDN routers which EarthLink will initially offer have been tested and certified by the company's ISDN Compatibility Lab to be reliable and simple to use. The equipment is priced as follows: $699.95 for Farallon's Netopia, $595.95 for Ramp Network's WebRamp Entre and $649.95 for WebRamp IP.

In addition to simplifying LAN ISDN service, EarthLink has made ordering the ISDN circuit a snap. By placing a single toll-free call (888/ELN-ISDN), a new customer may order an ISDN circuit, set up an ISDN Internet account and order all of the necessary ISDN hardware.

According to Mantis: "ISDN provides an inexpensive, reliable and speedy connection to the Internet, but until now, connecting a LAN to the Internet through ISDN has been riddled with problems. EarthLink has taken the lead in simplifying this process by providing a complete solution in one package.

"We provide our customers with a single point of contact from ordering the ISDN circuit, setting up the order with the phone company and providing the equipment, all the way through to installing the circuit and providing high-speed Internet access."

About EarthLink Network

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. With headquarters in Pasadena, the company provides local access to thousands of local communities from more than 644 points of presence (POPs) in the United States and Canada.

EarthLink offers unlimited Internet access for $19.95 a month, with a $25 set-up 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 http://www.earthlink.net . -0-

Certain of the above statements are forward-looking that involve risks and uncertainties. Actual results could differ materially as a result of a variety of factors, including competitive developments and risk factors listed from time to time in the company's SEC reports.

CONTACT: EarthLink Network, Inc.

Kirsten Kappos, 818/296-2467

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