DirecPC to power EarthLink

ATLANTA - EarthLink a broadband Internet service provider, and Hughes Network Systems came to an agreement that will enable EarthLink to offer two-way satellite Internet services powered by DirecPC.

The new service greatly expands EarthLink's broadband coverage, giving the ISP the ability to offer broadband services to new and existing subscribers nationwide.

The pact gives EarthLink one of the industry's largest multiple-technology broadband footprints. EarthLink is committed to delivering its broadband services using multiple delivery technologies provided by a variety of network vendors.

EarthLink adds DirecPC satellite to its arsenal of DSL, cable and fixed wireless capabilities.

"The ultimate vision for EarthLink Broadband is to offer a variety of high-speed options to our members, and our agreement with DirecPC is a big step in that direction," said Tom Andrus, vice president of emerging technologies at EarthLink. "Up to now, two-way broadband coverage has only been possible where local cable and telephone companies have upgraded their equipment. Now we'll be able to offer two-way EarthLink broadband to people regardless of where they live."

Increased service coverage and quality connections have become even more important since EarthLink's recent acquisition of OneMain, an ISP that specialized in serving under-served and rural markets. With access to DirecPC's satellite delivery systems, EarthLink will be able to offer broadband services to virtually all of those subscribers.

"As a pioneer in the satellite broadband Internet market, we are excited to bring DirecPC's Broadband Everywhere capabilities to EarthLink's 4.6 million subscribers," said Dave Zatloukal, vice president of services and operations for Hughes Network Systems Consumer Division. "We believe the combination of EarthLink's award-winning service and DirecPC's unique capabilities will be a very appealing market offering."

Pricing and speeds will be released in upcoming months.