EarthLink to Partner With DIRECTV

EarthLink to Partner With DIRECTV

Move is Part of EarthLink's Push to Become a Total Communications Company

ATLANTA and EL SEGUNDO, Calif., Feb. 20 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- EarthLink, Inc. (NASDAQ:ELNK), the nation's next generation Internet service provider (ISP), today announced a partnership with DIRECTV, the nation's leading digital television service. By the end of the first quarter of 2006, EarthLink will offer customers in select markets a bundled package of DIRECTV service and EarthLink Internet services at an attractive monthly rate.

"EarthLink continues to evolve with the changing communications and entertainment needs of our customers," said Gary Sonnier, EarthLink vice president of consumer access products. "By partnering with DIRECTV, the leading digital multichannel provider, EarthLink is taking another step in becoming a total communications provider by delivering an integrated package of data, voice, and now video services."

"DIRECTV continues to provide consumers with a premium service that delivers 100 percent digital quality programming, exclusive sports packages and new and exciting original content," said Daren Benzi, DIRECTV vice president of Sales Development and Strategy. "This partnership enables us to bundle the best television experience in the market with a variety of Internet services that deliver superior value and choice to the consumer."

The partnership enables EarthLink to offer consumers DIRECTV(R) programming as part of its full package of bundled Internet services, in select areas throughout the country. Future plans may allow customers to pay for these services on one bill with a single, point of contact.

DIRECTV is dedicated to providing the best TV entertainment experience available, offering its more than 15 million DIRECTV customers nationwide with access to hundreds of channels of digitally-delivered entertainment, sports, news, family and informational programming. In addition, DIRECTV also offers a suite of advanced services and products including, digital video recorders (DVR), high-definition TV, expanded multicultural programming and interactive programming.

About DIRECTV, Inc.

DIRECTV, Inc. is the nation's leading digital multichannel television service provider with more than 15 million customers. DIRECTV and the Cyclone Design logo are registered trademarks of DIRECTV, Inc. DIRECTV (NYSE:DTV) is a world-leading provider of digital multichannel television entertainment services. DIRECTV is approximately 34 percent owned by News Corporation.

About EarthLink

"EarthLink. We revolve around you(TM)." 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 provides the tools that best let individuals use and enjoy the Internet on their own terms. Learn more about EarthLink by calling (800) EARTHLINK or visiting EarthLink's Web site at www.EarthLink.net.

This release contains forward-looking statements as defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements are information of a non-historical nature and are subject to risks and uncertainties that are beyond the Company's ability to control. The Company cautions note holders and prospective investors that the following factors may cause actual results to differ materially from those indicated by the forward- looking statements: regulatory actions, competition within the multichannel video programming distribution industry; satellite failures or launch failures or delays; signal theft; the effects of economic conditions; as well as other factors set forth in the Company's Prospectus and other documents, which are on file with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Source: EarthLink

CONTACT: Media, Dan Greenfield of EarthLink, +1-404-748-7436, or mobile,
+1-404-432-6526, or greenfie@corp.earthlink.net; or Jade Ekstedt of DIRECTV,
+1-310-964-3429, or jlekstedt@directv.com; or Investors, Michael Gallentine of
EarthLink, +1-404-748-7153, or mobile, +1-404-395-5155, or
gallentineml@corp.earthlink.net

Web site: http://www.earthlink.net/

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