After what seems to be a successful foray into the
wireless data business, EarthLink is ready to try its hand at voice services.
The national ISP plans to launch an EarthLink-branded converged wireless voice
and data service this spring.
EarthLink intends to roll out a new handheld device that sports a host of
features, including voice calling, e-mail, Internet browsing, calendar, address
book and a QWERTY keyboard. The company has not finalized which device maker
will manufacturer the device, but expects to make an announcement soon.
'We are looking at voice the same way we have looked at wireless e-mail and
Internet, as an application our customers want as part of a complete wireless
solution,' EarthLink Wireless president Brent Cobb says.
EarthLink plans to reveal its pricing plans as the launch date gets closer.
But according to published news reports, the service is expected to retail for
between $40 and $75 a month.
EarthLink first got into the wireless data biz four years ago. The company
has deals with the likes of Research In Motion, Motorola and Boingo. Last month,
EarthLink began offering subscribers the ability to connect using CDMA 1XRTT
wireless laptop cards. The 3G wireless service costs as little as $24.95 a month
for 5 MB of access.
With the current economic climate, wireless operators face shrinking marketing budgets and reduced consumer spending.
Globally, the credit crunch is very much alive, and operators will be tightening their belts into the foreseeable future by putting off capital purchases.
