拨号先锋 EarthLink 仍然存在，并且它正在与 Windstream 合并

Internet provider Windstream to buy EarthLink: Windstream announced it will buy EarthLink for $673 million in an all-stock transaction. The merger aims to create a stronger network operator for business customers.
- EarthLink's history: Founded in 1994 to provide dial-up Internet service and had over 1 million customers by the late 1990s. Still offers dial-up service and boasts being dial-up experts.
- Dial-up service details: Costs $9.95 a month for the first 3 months and $24.95 a month thereafter (or $14.50 a month with a year's prepayment), with unlimited 56K dial-up access, email, and 10MB of webspace. Also sells DSL, cable, and satellite services through reseller agreements.
Company details and merger details: EarthLink has 671,000 consumer subscribers and Windstream has about 1 million residential Internet subscribers. The merger is about business customers, tax benefits, and cost savings, with $125 million in annual expenses to be cut within 36 months and operating losses carried forward.
- Merger announcement: The combination will create an extensive national footprint with advanced network connectivity and services. Windstream will take on $436 million of EarthLink debt, and the merger requires FCC approval and is expected to close in the first half of 2017.
EarthLink's revenue history: Revenue has fluctuated over the past decade. In 2005, it was $1.3 billion with $142.8 million net income. After a quick drop, it rebounded in 2011 due to acquisitions. Revenue rose again in 2012 but declined each year since, reaching $1.1 billion in 2015. Services for enterprises now provide nearly 80% of revenue, with residential customers the rest. EarthLink had net losses in 2014 and 2015 but reported profits in the first three quarters of 2016.
Recent financials: In the most recent quarter, Windstream reported $1.34 billion in revenue and a net loss of $66 million. In 2015, full-year revenue was $5.77 billion with net income of $27 million.