Media Relations

PEOPLEPC'S DIAL-UP SERVICE RANKED HIGHEST IN CUSTOMER SATISFACTION BY J.D. POWER AND ASSOCIATES

EarthLink Subsidiary Becomes First Value-Priced Dial-Up Provider to Receive Coveted Award

SAN FRANCISO, September 28, 2006 - PeoplePC, a leading provider of high-quality, value-priced Internet service and subsidiary of EarthLink (Nasdaq: ELNK), has been ranked highest among providers in the dial-up segment of the J.D. Power and Associates 2006 Internet Service Provider Residential Customer Satisfaction Study^SM.

Included in J.D. Power and Associates' study for the first time, PeoplePC is the first value-priced dial-up provider to receive the honor, with highest ratings from customers in four factors: cost of service, billing, e-mail services, and offerings and promotions.

"The root of PeoplePC's dial-up service has always been a quality product for a great value," said David Rowland, group vice president and general manager, PeoplePC. "Receiving J.D. Power and Associates' highest ranking for customer satisfaction is recognition of our commitment to our customers and our commitment to value -- from connecting to the Internet, simplified billing and providing the tools that consumers need for an enjoyable Internet experience."

Consumers participating in the J.D. Power and Associates Internet Service Provider Residential Customer Satisfaction StudySM rated both national and regional ISPs on seven different factors that comprise the overall customer satisfaction index. These factors are: billing, cost of service, customer service, e-mail services, image, offerings & promotions and performance & reliability. More than 10,700 consumers participated in the study, which ranked nine major dial-up ISPs.

With more than 1.4 million subscribers, pricing, innovation and customer advocacy are key drivers in PeoplePC's vision of creating an ideal Internet experience. The company is the first value-priced ISP to offer a number of applications that protect its members from emerging threats and dangers. Earlier this year, PeoplePC introduced the PeoplePC Internet Security Pack, an affordable, integrated suite of protection and security features that protects members' entire computers -- not just their email -- against viruses, spyware, and phishing. PeoplePC also became the first value ISP to add broadband to its list of offerings. Available to the City of Anaheim's residents and visitors, PeoplePC Wi-Fi provides a low-cost, reliable high-speed connection that people can access at home or remotely within Anaheim's Wi-Fi coverage area.

About J.D. Power and Associates
Headquartered in Westlake Village, Calif., J.D. Power and Associates is an ISO 9001-registered global marketing information services firm operating in key business sectors including market research, forecasting, consulting, training and customer satisfaction. The firm's quality and satisfaction measurements are based on responses from millions of consumers annually.

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 though innovative technologies like EarthLink's municipal Wi-Fi broadband network and PeoplePC's proprietary Smart Dialer. Visit us at www.peoplepc.com.