Media Relations

PEOPLEPC ONLINE UPGRADES SOFTWARE

Enhancements give members Internet Call Waiting, more email addresses, additional storage and a new home page at no additional cost

SAN FRANCISCO, October 3, 2005 - PeoplePC, a leading provider of high-quality, value-priced Internet service and subsidiary of EarthLink (Nasdaq: ELNK), today announced its latest software upgrade - the "new PeoplePC Online" (www.peoplepc.com). As PeoplePC continues to set the standard among value ISPs, PeoplePC Online ($10.95 per month) and PeoplePC Online Accelerated ($15.95 per month) members now have the added benefits of Internet Call Waiting and up to three additional email addresses as part of the enhanced software and standard service.

The upgraded software also provides PeoplePC Online Accelerated members with improved caching technology, which increases image quality and download speed. Since 2003, PeoplePC Online Accelerated members have enjoyed technology which allows them to surf the Web up to five times faster than regular dial-up, matching claims that PeoplePC's competition offers the "fastest dial-up surfing you can get."

"PeoplePC was the first value ISP to offer built-in email virus protection and a pop-up blocker at no additional charge to our customers. And with our latest upgrade, more than one million members have affordable access to online tools and applications that make surfing the Web and checking email more enjoyable," said Hilary Jensen, PeoplePC's vice president of product marketing. "It's this commitment to continually enhancing our products and features that has helped make PeoplePC the nation's fastest growing ISP."

Unlike other value ISP customers, PeoplePC Online members now have access to:

• Internet Call Waiting: Available to PeoplePC members who activate busy call forwarding with their phone companies, Internet Call Waiting makes missing important calls while online a frustration of the past.
• Bigger, Better Email: PeoplePC Online members are now the only value dial-up users with up to three additional email addresses included with their standard service. 100 MB of storage is included with each address, plus the ability to send and receive larger attachments (up to 10 MB).
• New and Improved Smart Dialer: PeoplePC members can now connect to the Internet with an improved Smart Dialer, which provides a faster, more reliable dial-up experience. In addition, word of the day, tip of the day, and a customizable photo are also viewable as users connect. PeoplePC's proprietary technology, Smart Dialer gives members unlimited nationwide access to more than 10,000 local dial-up numbers.
• New Home Page: Surfing the Web is easier with a new customizable home page (http://home.peoplepc.com), featuring easy access to email and more content, including this day in history, dictionary and games.

In addition to the features included in the latest software upgrade, PeoplePC Online members continue to have access to protection tools like email virus protection, spam controls, and Pop-Up Blocker^TM - all for no additional charge.

The new PeoplePC Online software works with Windows® 95 with IE 5.5 SP2 (Accelerated not available), Windows® 98 or 98SE, Windows® ME, Window® 2000 or Windows® XP; Modem: 28.8Kbps or faster; Processor: Pentium® Class 133MHz or higher; Memory: 64 MB RAM; 100 MB Available Hard Drive Space; CD-ROM Drive; Internet Explorer 5.5 or higher.

About PeoplePC
PeoplePC, an EarthLink company (NASDAQ: ELNK), is a leading provider of high-quality, value-priced Internet service through its PeoplePC Online brand. PeoplePC is committed to making it easy and affordable for consumers to get online. The PeoplePC platform ensures quality connections and fewer busy signals though the use of proprietary Smart Dialer technology. Visit us at www.peoplepc.com.