EarthLink Launches WiFi Service in Anaheim

By Johanne Torres

TMCnet Contributing Editor

 

Internet service provider (ISP) EarthLink officially launched its first municipal WiFi (News - Alert) broadband network in the City of Anaheim in Orange County, California. The portable, wireless service will provide high-speed Internet access for the city's residents, businesses, visitors and municipal employees.

 

“The days when Anaheim residents, workers and visitors are tied to a desk to access an affordable broadband network are coming to an end,” said EarthLink's president and chief executive officer, Garry Betty, in a statement. “The launch of this network enables people to make a choice about how, and from where, they want to access the Internet securely.”

 

For $21.95 monthly, subscribers get eight mailboxes and EarthLink's protection tools, such as spamBlocker and the EarthLink Protection Control Center. Qualifying customers also receive a WiFi modem for at-home use.

 

For occasional use customers, the ISP offers a wireless broadband service with rates ranging from $3.95 for a one-hour pass to $15.95 for a three-day pass. Occasional use customers can connect and access account info from the EarthLink portal page. The network will also serve as a platform for city, business and wholesale partners to access EarthLink's municipal network for their employees and end-users.

 

“Anaheim has always been recognized as a leader throughout California and the nation,” stated Anaheim's Mayor Curt Pringle. “Today, with the launch of this network, Anaheim becomes the largest city in the United States to deploy such a technological advancement.”

 

Pringle continued: “Our partnership with EarthLink will benefit residents, businesses and visitors, allowing them to conduct business, answer emails, do school research or interact with our virtual City Hall anywhere and any time in Anaheim.”

 

EarthLink also announced its first national wholesale partners that will offer service to their customers on its municipal WiFi network. These partners are PeoplePC (EarthLink's wholly-owned subsidiary) and DirecTV. EarthLink also inked a non-binding agreement with AOL and is discussing ways to offer its AOL.com content and Web assets on EarthLink's municipal network.

 

EarthLink made news yesterday when it announced it joined forces with Time Warner Cable to announce an agreement to provide EarthLink broadband online service on Time Warner Cable systems.

 

The agreement will allow customers in 19 million homes to access EarthLink broadband online services through Time Warner Cable's broadband cable systems. This service area is expected to increase upon completion of Time Warner Cable's previously announced transactions with cable operators Adelphia and Comcast (News - Alert).

 

EarthLink has been offered by Time Warner Cable since November 2000.

 

EarthLink

Anaheim