EarthLink tries Net software carrot

National Internet access provider EarthLink Network tried a new trick today to get users to forget new Net campaigns by AT&T and MCI Communications and sign up with its own service: a $50 CD-ROM with $250 worth of Net software.

In partnership with multimedia vendor Graphix Zone, EarthLink is now offering the ExpressNet Suite, which includes: EarthLink Network setup software, Netscape Navigator 2.0, an Internet Coach Netscape tutorial from APTE, Internet Phone from VocalTec, SurfWatch parental control software, and a selection of Navigator multimedia plug-ins. The EarthLink software provides users with free Internet setup, a service that normally costs $25, and seven days of free unlimited Net access. EarthLink services costs $19.95 per month for unlimited access.

EarthLink's offer comes just days after MCI followed AT&T in announcing its own Internet access service. The entrance of the telcos into this market has been widely interpreted as bad news for Internet service providers such as Netcom and PSINet, as well as EarthLink.

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