Raleigh, N.C. (February 18, 2004) -- Progress Energy and EarthLink are teaming up to test broadband Internet service in several southern Wake County neighborhoods via the power lines. This is the first time in North Carolina that high-speed Internet service is available commercially via the power lines.
"Providing high-speed Internet service via our power lines holds great potential," said Matt Oja, director, emerging technologies at Progress Energy. "It could offer a very competitive option for broadband users in our service territories, especially in rural areas not currently or easily served by other high-speed Internet providers."
"We are excited to be collaborating with EarthLink on this product test," said Oja. "The company is a leader among Internet service providers in customer service and advanced Internet applications. Both Progress Energy and EarthLink share a commitment to excellent customer service and reliability."
Customers who sign up for the new service will receive EarthLink High Speed Internet through wireless technology that grabs the signal sent over Progress Energy power lines. The wireless equipment, which is free at sign up, will allow customers to connect to the Internet from anywhere inside the home near a power outlet. The service costs $19.95 a month for the first three months and $39.95 per month thereafter. Only about 500 homes will have the opportunity to participate in this high-speed service.
"EarthLink has always been committed to the innovation of new technologies, which has resulted in product features such as Pop-Up Blocker and spamBlocker," said Kevin Brand, vice president of product management at EarthLink. "Our work with Progress Energy on this trial of high speed Internet over power lines reflects that mission and demonstrates our commitment to providing more access options to consumers."
Progress Energy is one of more than a dozen utilities nationwide testing the delivery of broadband over power lines (BPL). The first phase of the test, completed in June 2003, involved about 25 computers in residential/commercial locations and monitoring of distribution line equipment in the North Raleigh area. This second phase will allow customers in selected neighborhoods to purchase the service through EarthLink.
Progress Energy is using technology developed by Massachusetts-based Amperion, Inc. that uses a combination of fiber optics and power lines to transmit data to a relay point in the neighborhood. At this point, special devices attached to existing electric poles and transformers then send a wireless signal into homes using Wireless Fidelity (Wi-Fi) technology and devices. This technology could be particularly promising in less populous areas where high-speed Internet access has lagged.
Building a broadband system using power lines may also improve operations and reliability at Progress Energy's two utilities. "Delivering high-speed Internet using our proven infrastructure could help us to improve customer service, enhance communications between field locations and our dispatch center and better manage our transmission and distribution system as a whole," said Oja.
Meters on some homes in the new broadband service area will be monitored remotely through the broadband system. Outages in the area will also be monitored through the broadband system and line and service personnel working in the area will be able to access the company intranet and email sites using the technology.
Consumers interested in obtaining more information can call EarthLink at 866-268-4873.
About EarthLink
"EarthLink revolves around yousm." As a leading national Internet service provider (ISP) headquartered in Atlanta, EarthLink has earned an award winning reputation for outstanding customer service and its suite of online products and services. According to the J.D. Power and Associates 2003 Internet Service Provider Residential Customer Satisfaction StudySM, EarthLink is ranked highest in customer satisfaction among high-speed Internet Service Providers. Serving more than five million subscribers, EarthLink offers what every user should expect from their Internet experience: high-quality connectivity, minimal drop-offs and ISP-generated intrusions, and customizable features. Whether it's dial-up, high-speed, Web hosting, or wireless Internet service, EarthLink provides the tools that best let individuals use and enjoy the Internet on their own terms. Learn more about EarthLink by calling (800) EARTHLINK or visiting EarthLink's Web site at www.earthlink.net.
About Progress Energy
Progress Energy (NYSE: PGN), headquartered in Raleigh, N.C., is a Fortune 250 diversified energy company with more than 24,000 megawatts of generation capacity and $9 billion in annual revenues. The company's holdings include two electric utilities serving more than 2.8 million customers in North Carolina, South Carolina and Florida. Progress Energy also includes nonregulated operations covering competitive generation, energy marketing, natural gas production, fuel extraction, rail services and broadband capacity. For more information about Progress Energy, visit the company's Web site at http://www.progress-energy.com.
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Contacts: Progress Energy Corporate Communications at 919.546.6189
David Blumenthal, EarthLink Corporate Communications, 404.748.7316
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