News release

EARTHLINK and Compaq Reach Broadband OEM Agreement

EarthLink High Speed to Be Offered to All New U.S. Compaq Presario PC Customers

EarthLink (NASDAQ: ELNK) and Compaq Computer Corporation (NYSE: CPQ) today announced an agreement to offer EarthLink High Speed Internet service to all U.S. Compaq customers who purchase a new Presario Internet PC. Available immediately, EarthLink's DSL services will be available to new Presario users through the "Out of the Box Experience" (OOBE) when they initially turn on their new PC.

"Compaq's industry-leading PC hardware and EarthLink's award-winning Internet service and support are a strong combination," said John Kortier, vice president of channel sales at EarthLink. "And since EarthLink can provide high-speed Internet access to more of the country than our competitors, we're an even more attractive OEM partner."

Those who opt to sign up for EarthLink High Speed Internet through Compaq will receive all the advantages of EarthLink High Speed membership, including eight e-mail boxes, eight Personal Start Pages^sm, eight 10MB Web sites, free unlimited use of a dial-up connection, free 24/7 technical support and customer service, easy-to-use software, and more.

"Compaq strives to offer our customers a variety of Internet service options to allow the customer to choose their preferred method of accessing information, entertainment and e-mail on the Web," said Kevin Kyle, general manager of Access Solutions for Compaq. "EarthLink's large service area for high-speed cable, DSL and two-way satellite broadband access allows Compaq to offer high-speed services to improve the overall Internet experience for our customers."

For more information about EarthLink High Speed or any of EarthLink's award-winning slate of Internet access, Web hosting and e-commerce products and services, please call 800-EARTHLINK or visit www.earthlink.net. For more information about Compaq products and services, please call 1-800-888-0220 or visit www.compaq.com

About EarthLink High Speed Internet

With more than 471,000 high-speed subscribers, EarthLink is one of the leading broadband Internet service providers. EarthLink is the only ISP to offer high-speed Internet access nationally through all three major broadband technologies: cable, DSL and two-way satellite. The company also offers its award-winning Internet services on a wholesale basis via cable, DSL and fixed wireless technologies. Its commitment to offer a variety of broadband technologies through multiple vendors allows EarthLink to offer its high-speed services to customers in more areas of the country.

About EARTHLINK

The #1 Provider of the Real Internet™, EarthLink brings the magic of the Internet to approximately 4.8 million subscribers every day. Headquartered in Atlanta, EarthLink provides a full range of innovative access, hosting and e-commerce solutions to thousands of communities over a nationwide network of dial-up points of presence, as well as high-speed access and wireless technologies. EarthLink is committed to doing an exceptional job of pleasing its subscribers, shareholders and the community by following the company's Core Values and Beliefs [http://www.earthlink.net/about/ourvalues/cvb/index.html]. Information about EarthLink services is available by calling 800-395-8425 and through EarthLink's Web site at www.earthlink.net.

About Compaq

Founded in 1982, Compaq Computer Corporation is a leading global provider of enterprise technology and solutions. Compaq designs, develops, manufactures and markets hardware, software, solutions and services, including industry-leading enterprise storage and computing solutions, fault-tolerant business-critical solutions, communication products, and desktop and portable personal computers that are sold in more than 200 countries. Information on Compaq and its products and services is available at http://www.compaq.com.