EarthLink Reviewer's Comments

There is a mountain of ISPs out there but EarthLink is at the peak and is our "TopTenREVIEWS Gold Award Winner." EarthLink offers more ways to get connected in more places than any other Internet provider we reviewed. This single provider offers cable, dial-up, DSL and satellite, allowing customers Internet access even where there are no phone or cable lines. Most customers have a choice between high-speed access and inexpensive dial-up surfing.

EarthLink provides a plethora of easy-to-use features that make surfing the Internet safe and suitable for the entire family. Parental controls and privacy and security protection keep harmful materials off your computer. Shared Internet connections and remote dial-up allow you to go online from anywhere in your home or even when away from home.

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Feature Set:  

EarthLink has a comprehensive list of features unmatched by other Internet providers. Parental controls, pop-up blockers and virus, spam and spyware protection allow you and your family to safely and conveniently navigate the web. EarthLink meets the needs of an entire household by offering eight email accounts (each with 1,000 MB of storage space) web creation tools, web hosting, music jukebox and more. Even with all of these features, don't expect to pay a hefty monthly price or an expensive start-up fee.

EarthLink will install DSL and Cable Internet free of charge-in fact, they'll also include the standard installation kit free. EarthLink often runs introductory specials offering DSL for $12.95 a month and cable for 29.95 a month. Also, the typical EarthLink start-up cost for satellite is $599.00, but this includes the satellite dish, installation and activation; the price is usually $999.90, so this isn't a bad deal.

As with many Internet providers, the introductory price goes up after a time (typically three months for cable and six months for DSL) and early termination fees apply to some service packages.

Service Area:  

EarthLink has most of the United States covered with one plan or another. If you have a phone line, chances are, you can connect to high-speed DSL or at least dial-up; if your looking for something faster, you can go with cable, and EarthLink has remote areas covered by satellite. Earthlink's website offers a user-friendly search tool so you can see which services are available in your area.

If a specific plan is not available in your area, you can place your name on a waiting list and EarthLink is sure to be there before long; EarthLink adds new coverage areas weekly.

Connection Speed:  

EarthLink Internet provider has a plan for everyone, ranging from less expensive dial-up connections to high-speed cable and DSL, so whether you want to save money or time, EarthLink has a plan that meets your needs.

Customer Service/Support:  

EarthLink has a top-of-the-line customer service center. There is a FAQs section, a customer manual, a tutorial for quick references and, for complex questions, you can contact representatives by email, live chat or phone.

Summary:  

EarthLink covers all the bases and most of the United States, providing consumers with the widest variety of options for Internet connections. This ISP stays ahead of the crowd with advanced protection and security features while allowing customers the freedom to have fun on the Internet with games and music.