New York, New York – (The Hosting News) – January 23, 2009 – Earthlink’s New Edge Networks, has debuted the launch of its EVDO (Evolution Data Optimized) broadband, to offer businesses high-speed wireless access on a private MPLS-based nationwide network.

Jerry Werner, vice president and chief information officer for GNC remarked, ”Having a wireless service incorporated into our existing MPLS-based network delivers more flexibility and options to better manage our business while reducing our operational costs. Not only do we enhance our robust and secure network, but we are seeing faster cash transactions at our registers and real-time inventory management improvements.”

New Edge introduced this service at the National Retail Federation conference in New York City. Transmission rates of EVDO Revision-A are comparable to DSL or Fractional T1s, but with the added flexibility inherent in wireless communications. New Edge’s EVDO broadband service uniquely allows enterprises to securely connect business locations using a blend of integrated wireless and wireline access over a single, privately managed network versus over the public Internet.

Greg Griffiths, vice president of marketing for New Edge added, ”New Edge’s high-speed wireless EVDO offering can bring measurable benefits to businesses in terms of remote access, increased flexibility, productivity and improved redundancy. A growing number of businesses today require additional flexibility with their physical locations, such as retailers which may have to manage through frequent store openings, moves or kiosk relocations. EVDO is perfect for businesses with recurrent moves or geographically dispersed locations where DSL is not available and T1 service is prohibitively expensive. The wireless access technology fully supports seasonality in industries like retail, construction, insurance and tax services. A new location can literally be turned up and online in 48 hours or less.”

General Nutrition Centers Inc., the largest global specialty retailer of nutritional supplements, is one of the first leading retailers to experience the benefits of this private blended network environment. When EVDO was introduced to GNC, New Edge Networks was in the process of building and managing a nationwide wireline MPLS network to power GNC’s new point of sale system for more than 3,500 corporate owned and franchised retail outlets throughout the country.

In late 2008, New Edge connected an additional 110 GNC retail outlets across 31 states to the company’s private wide area network using EVDO with plans to wirelessly connect more stores in 2009.

EVDO is also among the best back-up network alternatives for businesses in terms of level of redundancy. Unlike landline technologies, this high-speed ubiquitous wireless access platform is inherently resilient to natural disasters and construction incidents. Additionally, this service can be utilized as an interim solution when businesses encounter facility issues or long lead times with DSL or T1 installations.

Mr. Griffiths added, ”New Edge has been aggressive in providing enhanced applications and services that rest on our secure MPLS-based network foundation so business customers can fully realize the transformational power of broadband networks.”

New Edge Networks, based in Vancouver, Wash., is a wholly owned subsidiary of EarthLink Inc. (NASDAQ: ELNK). New Edge Networks builds and manages private networks for businesses and communications providers. Through its nationwide backbone network with almost 900 switches and Internet routers, New Edge Networks uses any blend of network and access technologies (MPLS, frame relay, ATM, xDSL, cable, wireless, and satellite) for providing high-speed connections at any business address in the United States. Network options include any combination of access, network management functions, and on-site installation services.

For more information about New Edge Networks, please visit: www.newedgenetworks.com.

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