EarthLink and Musicmatch to Offer 99-Cent Downloads [8th December 2003]

ATLANTA and SAN DIEGO, Dec 08, 2003 /PRNewswire-FirstCall via Comtex/ -- EarthLink (ELNK) customers have a new reason to hum their favorite songs; to the tune of $.99 music downloads. EarthLink, a leading national Internet service provider, and Musicmatch, the leader in personalized music software and services, today expanded their relationship to offer EarthLink subscribers the ability to download individual songs for $.99 each. The EarthLink Digital Music Center, powered by Musicmatch, can be accessed at http://www.earthlink.net/extras.

Along with the ability to download more than 350,000 songs from the five major labels and hundreds of major independents, the EarthLink Digital Music service includes integrated jukebox software that enables subscribers to organize their MP3 collections and listen to free Internet radio. Users can further enhance their service by upgrading to the EarthLink Jukebox Plus, powered by Musicmatch, which includes faster CD burning and a faster MP3 recorder. The EarthLink Jukebox Plus upgrade is available for $19.99.

"EarthLink customers want to experience the Internet on their own terms, and Musicmatch's download services enable them to choose the music they want, when they want it," said Erika Jolly, vice president of strategic brand management at EarthLink. "Whether it is listening to the free radio service while Web surfing, building a library of a rare musician's albums or buying $.99 singles to compile a favorite hits list, EarthLink Digital Music delivers the tools for our customers to more fully enjoy the time they spend online."

"Both Musicmatch and EarthLink service customers who use the Internet for entertainment on a regular basis," said Bob Ohlweiler, Musicmatch senior vice president of business development. "The expansion of the relationship with EarthLink to deliver $.99 downloads provides a way for millions of online consumers nationwide to explore and enjoy the Musicmatch experience."

EarthLink Digital Music Internet radio users can also upgrade to two levels of premium service. For $2.95 a month, EarthLink Digital Music MX Gold customers receive Musicmatch's Artist MATCH(TM) radio, which allows them to create and save stations containing music from selected and related artists. They also receive exclusive genre and era stations, CD-quality sound, no advertisements and remote access from any personal computer.

For $4.95 a month, EarthLink Digital Music MX Platinum customers receive all the services available at the Gold level, as well as Musicmatch's Artist ON DEMAND(TM), which allows subscribers to choose the artists they want to hear, and provides unlimited song skipping; and Composer ON DEMAND(TM), enabling users to create custom composer playlists and discover composers by searching and browsing by period.

The EarthLink Digital Music service powered by Musicmatch will also ship with EarthLink's TotalAccess(R) 2004 software for easy installation and quick access to the music consumers want to download and purchase.

About EarthLink

"EarthLink revolves around you(sm)." 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 Study(SM), EarthLink is ranked highest in customer satisfaction among high-speed Internet Service Providers. Serving approximately 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 http://www.earthlink.net.

About Musicmatch

Musicmatch, Inc. is the leader in personalized music software and services, helping people find, manage, enjoy and buy music that best matches their unique tastes. The company invented the digital jukebox concept in 1997 and since then has registered more than 40 million users of its best-selling Musicmatch Jukebox. The Musicmatch Radio network, launched in 2000, now features the world's most popular Internet radio station, Artist MATCH(TM) Radio. The Musicmatch Downloads service is the easiest way to find, buy and enjoy music. For additional information, visit www.musicmatch.com.

Musicmatch(R) is a registered trademark of Musicmatch, Inc.

SOURCE EarthLink

Linda Barger of Musicmatch, +1-858-485-4366, or
lbarger@musicmatch.com; or Jerry Grasso of EarthLink, +1-404-748-7208, or
grassoj@corp.earthlink.net