New Edge Networks Adds Wireless EVDO Broadband Access to MPLS Network Offering

GNC Stores Leverage Nationwide Wireless Service for Bandwidth and Flexibility
over a Private Network

NEW YORK, Jan. 12 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- New Edge Networks, the business
communications unit of EarthLink Inc., (Nasdaq: ELNK), today launched EVDO
(Evolution Data Optimized) broadband, offering businesses high-speed wireless
access on a private MPLS-based nationwide network. New Edge introduced this
service at the National Retail Federation conference in New York City.

Transmission rates of EVDO Revision-A are comparable to DSL or Fractional T1s,
but with the added flexibility inherent in wireless communications. New Edge's
EVDO broadband service uniquely allows enterprises to securely connect
business locations using a blend of integrated wireless and wireline access
over a single, privately managed network versus over the public Internet.

"New Edge's high-speed wireless EVDO offering can bring measurable benefits to
businesses in terms of remote access, increased flexibility, productivity and
improved redundancy," commented Greg Griffiths, vice president of marketing
for New Edge.

"A growing number of businesses today require additional flexibility with
their physical locations, such as retailers which may have to manage through
frequent store openings, moves or kiosk relocations," explained Griffiths.
"EVDO is perfect for businesses with recurrent moves or geographically
dispersed locations where DSL is not available and T1 service is prohibitively
expensive. This wireless access technology fully supports seasonality in
industries like retail, construction, insurance and tax services. A new
location can literally be turned up and online in 48 hours or less."

General Nutrition Centers Inc., the largest global specialty retailer of
nutritional supplements, is one of the first leading retailers to experience
the benefits of this private blended network environment. When EVDO was
introduced to GNC, New Edge Networks was in the process of building and
managing a nationwide wireline MPLS network to power GNC's new point of sale
system for more than 3,500 corporate owned and franchised retail outlets
throughout the country. In late 2008, New Edge connected an additional 110 GNC
retail outlets across 31 states to the company's private wide area network
using EVDO with plans to wirelessly connect more stores in 2009.

"Having a wireless service incorporated into our existing MPLS-based network
delivers more flexibility and options to better manage our business while
reducing our operational costs," said Jerry Werner, vice president and chief
information officer for GNC. "Not only do we enhance our robust and secure
network, but we are seeing faster cash transactions at our registers and
real-time inventory management improvements."

EVDO is also among the best back-up network alternatives for businesses in
terms of level of redundancy. Unlike landline technologies, this high-speed
ubiquitous wireless access platform is inherently resilient to natural
disasters and construction incidents. Additionally, this service can be
utilized as an interim solution when businesses encounter facility issues or
long lead times with DSL or T1 installations.

"New Edge has been aggressive in providing enhanced applications and services
that rest on our secure MPLS-based network foundation so business customers
can fully realize the transformational power of broadband networks," stated
Griffiths.

About New Edge Networks
New Edge Networks builds and manages private IP-based wide area networks that
do not use the public Internet. Connecting business sites at virtually any
address in the United States, New Edge allows businesses to choose any blend
of available access technologies - from DSL and T1 lines to fiber-optic
connections - for building private and secure MPLS networks with performance
guarantees. A wholly owned subsidiary of Atlanta-based EarthLink Inc.,
(NASDAQ: ELNK), New Edge is based in Vancouver, Wash. For more information
visit www.newedgenetworks.com or call 1-360-693-9009.

About GNC
GNC, headquartered in Pittsburgh, Pa., is the largest global specialty
retailer of nutritional products, vitamin, mineral, herbal and other specialty
supplements and sports nutrition, diet and energy products. GNC has more than
4,800 retail locations throughout the United States (including more than 1,000
franchise and 1,200 Rite Aid store-within-a-store locations) and franchise
operations in 48 international markets. The Company - which is dedicated to
helping consumers Live Well - also offers products and product information
online at http://www.gnc.com/

SOURCE New Edge Networks

Michele Sadwick of New Edge Networks, +1-404-748-7255,
sadwick@corp.earthlink.net