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.