EarthLink gets boost from CompUSA deal
The ISP inks a deal to be the exclusive Internet service provider for the largest PC retailer in the United States.
Pasadena, California-based EarthLink said it will be featured exclusively on CompUSA's private-label computer systems and will be the default Internet service provider, or ISP, for all Internet-related training classes. EarthLink also will be the ISP for in-store promotions.
"This exclusive deal is significant because it gives us prominent exposure in one of the nation's largest computer retailers," EarthLink president and chief executive Garry Betty said in a statement.
"The decision to partner with CompUSA was easy, because both our companies are dedicated to delivering high-quality service and making technology friendly and productive for the mass market," Betty added.
EarthLink said it previously was one of several ISPs, including No. 1 America Online, featured in CompUSA stores.
Shares rose as high as 56.5 in early trading, only to retreat to 54.8750 in the afternoon.
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