Continuing its expansion in the wireless Internet arena – this time, on the burgeoning public Wi-Fi access front – EarthLink (Nasdaq: ELNK) is launching its Wireless High Speed service powered by Boingo Wireless.
The Atlanta-based ISP says its latest “EarthLink Everywhere” service gives on-the-go consumers and business travelers high-speed Internet access through public and private Wi-Fi networks or “hot spots” nationwide.
Through its relationship with Boingo Wireless, EarthLink will offer its subscribers the ability to access hundreds of 802.11b-enabled wireless LANs in hotels, airports, cafes and other public and private areas nationwide.
Boingo Wireless is based in Santa Monica, CA, and was founded in 2001 by Sky Dayton, who is also the founder and chairman of EarthLink.
EarthLink says subscribers to its Wireless High Speed benefit from the convenience of software that “sniffs” locations for available Wi-Fi signals, a quick-reference database that lets users search and find the nearest available Wi-Fi hot spot either locally or when on the road, and Internet access at speeds of up to 11 megabits per second.
The service also includes a built-in personal virtual private network to ensure the wireless connection is secure from hackers and snoops, the company says. It adds that the EarthLink Wireless High Speed Software provides signal settings where users can store network profiles to simplify moving between Wi-Fi locations, such as home and work.
EarthLink is offering a three-tiered pricing plan that includes “As You Go” access at $7.95 per connect day, “Pro” access at $24.95 for 10 connect days per month and “Unlimited” access at $74.95 per month. A connect day includes unlimited sessions and traffic at a hot spot location for a 24-hour period.
EarthLink Wireless High Speed powered by Boingo: earthlink.boingo.com
