The first non-AOL internet provider I ever had was Earthlink. Their stock rose with the rest of the brand new ISPs of the late 1990's. The sky was truly the limit.

However, as the internet buble burst in 2000, many companies who provided internet access with equipment purchased with investor dollars were left holding the back with huge networks and no one to fill them. Earthlink DSL was differeint - they saw the need to diversify into high-speed internet access and other cusotmer-friendly value-adds, like Spam Blocker and Adult Controls.

Fast-forward to 2005, where we see Earthlink becomming the leader in DSL - and - Satellite internet access. The demand for high-speed access has never been greater - and by virtue of their carefull planning and listening the collective voice of their customers, Earthlink has vaulted itself into the lead in the race for number one residential high-speed access provider.