Media Relations

EARTHLINK INVESTIGATION SHUTS DOWN PEOPLEPC SPAMMERS

Atlanta, October 3, 2006 - Evidence gathered by EarthLink's fraud and abuse team has led to the arrest of individuals who allegedly sent over 25,000 email messages using PeoplePC accounts. PeoplePC is a leading provider of high-quality, value-priced Internet service and subsidiary of EarthLink (Nasdaq: ELNK).

R. Alexander Acosta, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of Florida, has charged Jared Cosgrave and Mohammed Haque with fraud and related activity in connection with electronic mail in violation of the CAN-SPAM Act. Both have pled guilty to the charge filed.

"Spammers who set up PeoplePC accounts for the sole purpose of sending spam will be dealt with harshly. EarthLink is committed to cracking down on any abuse of our networks," said Lindsey Wegrzyn, EarthLink's operations security enforcement advisor. "We commend the South Florida Attorney General's Office and Miami FBI for helping to shut down this spamming operation."

The arrests and charges come after a month long investigation last year by EarthLink's fraud and abuse team. In November of 2005, the team discovered thousands of unsolicited emails with the subject lines "I'm finally back home" and "I just got back in town." They also became aware of another stream of messages promoting herbal supplements.

Upon further investigation, the abuse team determined that both types of emails were being sent through PeoplePC accounts originating from Miami, Florida. The team acted quickly to close the accounts and alert the FBI. FBI agents tracked the source of the emails and a search warrant was issued that led to arrests of the alleged spammers.

"Having the support of EarthLink's fraud and abuse team is one more reason that PeoplePC is able to deliver high quality, value-priced Internet service," said David Rowland, PeoplePC's group vice president and general manager. "Catching spammers who sent thousands of email messages using a PeoplePC account is key to helping our 1.4 million members have a hassle-free Internet experience."

EarthLink continues to take a tough stance toward spammers. Since 1996, the company has sued hundreds of spammers and won more than $200 million in judgments, including two criminal convictions against spammers who received prison sentences for their offenses.

About EarthLink
"EarthLink. We revolve around you™." 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 www.EarthLink.net.

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.