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Drexel University to Offer Students, Faculty and Staff Access to EarthLink's Wi-Fi Networks

Posted on: Thursday, 24 May 2007, 12:00 CDT

Drexel University and EarthLink (NASDAQ:ELNK) reached a first-of-its-kind agreement between a major university and wireless network service provider to extend the boundaries of Drexel's Dragonfly wireless network for students, faculty and staff to access university resources and services or browse the Internet over EarthLink's Wi-Fi networks, Drexel President Constantine Papadakis announced today.

The University's Dragonfly wireless network supports 28,000 registered wireless devices, making Drexel one the largest private networks in the world. The one-year trial program will begin in September.

Drexel, a trendsetter in the adoption of next generation wireless technology, was the first university to launch a fully wireless network at all three of its Philadelphia campuses in 2000. The success of the wireless network, which supports ubiquitous computer access anywhere, anytime on each campus, was followed in 2002 with the launch of the DrexelOne Mobile portal. The portal provides access to grades, class schedules, announcements, and instant alerts service to any wireless cell phone, Blackberry, Treo or other connected devices.

According to the Knowledge Industry Partnership, Greater Philadelphia has more than 80 colleges and universities that enroll nearly 300,000 each year.

EarthLink is building one of the nation's largest city-wide, wireless networks in Philadelphia through its relationship with Wireless Philadelphia (www.wirelessphiladelphia.org), and the network will enable Drexel students, faculty and staff to connect anywhere EarthLink Wi-FiSM service is available in the City, on a daily basis. When traveling, Dragonfly users will be able to access EarthLink wireless networks in other cities throughout the United States.

"The program is not meant to replace traditional wireless access on our three campuses but instead will provide full wireless access service for a limited time each month to our students, faculty and staff across the Philadelphia area complementing our existing wireless and wired solutions," said Papadakis. "This partnership is ideal for Drexel as we are always at the forefront of incorporating the latest technologies into academia."

"EarthLink is a leader in municipal Wi-Fi and by working with Drexel to extend their service across our network we can show the flexibility of our network architecture to deliver wireless broadband to many different types of businesses and organizations," said Donald Berryman, executive vice president of EarthLink and president of the ISP's municipal networks unit. "EarthLink's open access program enables wholesale customers to connect to our Wi-Fi networks on their terms."

About Drexel

Founded in 1891, Drexel is Philadelphia's technological University, widely recognized for its focus on co-operative education and technology. Drexel's co-operative education program is the second largest in the nation with 1,500 employers worldwide. The University has implemented the latest technologies in research and health sciences education while operating the nation's largest private medical school and the newest College of Law.

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. 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.

Source: Business Wire

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