EARTHLINK NETWORK INC
S-1/A, 1996-12-23
PREPACKAGED SOFTWARE
Previous: HOUSEHOLD CONSUMER LOAN TRUST 1996-2, 8-K, 1996-12-23
Next: RIVER VALLEY BANCORP, 3, 1996-12-23



<PAGE>
   
   AS FILED WITH THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION ON DECEMBER 23, 1996.
    
 
                                                      REGISTRATION NO. 333-15781
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
                       SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                             WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
                            ------------------------
 
   
                                AMENDMENT NO. 3
                                       TO
                                    FORM S-1
            REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933
    
                               ------------------
 
                            EARTHLINK NETWORK, INC.
               (Exact Name of Issuer as specified in its Charter)
 
<TABLE>
<S>                              <C>                            <C>
           DELAWARE                          4825                  95-4481766
 (State or other jurisdiction    (Primary Standard Industrial   (I.R.S. Employer
              of                 Classification Code Number)     Identification
incorporation or organization)                                        No.)
</TABLE>
 
                3100 NEW YORK DRIVE, PASADENA, CALIFORNIA 91107
                                 (818) 296-2400
         (Address and Telephone Number of Principal Executive Offices)
                            ------------------------
 
                     BARRY W. HALL, CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER
                            EARTHLINK NETWORK, INC.
                              3100 NEW YORK DRIVE
                           PASADENA, CALIFORNIA 91107
                                 (818) 296-2400
           (Name, address and telephone number of agent for service)
                            ------------------------
 
                                   COPIES TO:
 
<TABLE>
<S>                                       <C>
         Scott M. Hobby, Esq.                       Alan Singer, Esq.
       J. Stephen Hufford, Esq.                Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP
    W. Tinley Anderson, III, Esq.                 2000 One Logan Square
          Hunton & Williams                  Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19103
    NationsBank Plaza, Suite 4100                     (215) 963-5000
       600 Peachtree Street, NE
        Atlanta, Georgia 30308
            (404) 888-4000
</TABLE>
 
                            ------------------------
 
        APPROXIMATE DATE OF COMMENCEMENT OF PROPOSED SALE TO THE PUBLIC:
AS SOON AS PRACTICABLE AFTER THE EFFECTIVE DATE OF THIS REGISTRATION STATEMENT.
                            ------------------------
 
    If any of the securities being registered on this Form are to be offered on
a delayed or continuous basis pursuant to Rule 415 under the Securities Act,
check the following box. / /
 
    If this Form is filed to register additional securities for an offering
pursuant to Rule 462(b) under the Securities Act, please check the following box
and list the Securities Act registration statement number of the earlier
effective registration statement for the same offering. / /
 
    If this Form is a post-effective amendment filed pursuant to Rule 462(c)
under the Securities Act, check the following box and list the Securities Act
registration statement number of the earlier registration statement for the same
offering. / /
 
    If delivery of the prospectus is expected to be made pursuant to Rule 434,
please check the following box. / /
 
                            ------------------------
 
    THE REGISTRANT HEREBY AMENDS THIS REGISTRATION STATEMENT ON SUCH DATE OR
DATES AS MAY BE NECESSARY TO DELAY ITS EFFECTIVE DATE UNTIL THE REGISTRANT SHALL
FILE A FURTHER AMENDMENT WHICH SPECIFICALLY STATES THAT THE REGISTRATION
STATEMENT SHALL THEREAFTER BECOME EFFECTIVE IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 8(A) OF
THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933 OR UNTIL THIS REGISTRATION STATEMENT SHALL BECOME
EFFECTIVE ON SUCH DATE AS THE COMMISSION, ACTING PURSUANT TO SAID SECTION 8(A),
MAY DETERMINE.
 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<PAGE>
Information contained herein is subject to completion or amendment. A
registration statement relating to these securities has been filed with the
Securities and Exchange Commission. These securities may not be sold nor may
offers to buy be accepted prior to the time the registration statement becomes
effective. This prospectus shall not constitute an offer to sell or the
solicitation of an offer to buy nor shall there be any sale of these securities
in any State in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior
to registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such State.
<PAGE>
   
PROSPECTUS       SUBJECT TO COMPLETION, DATED DECEMBER 23, 1996
    
 
                                2,000,000 SHARES
 
                    EARTHLINK NETWORK-REGISTERED TRADEMARK-
 
                                  COMMON STOCK
 
    ALL OF THE SHARES OF COMMON STOCK OFFERED HEREBY ARE BEING SOLD BY EARTHLINK
NETWORK, INC. (THE "COMPANY"). PRIOR TO THIS OFFERING, THERE HAS BEEN NO PUBLIC
MARKET FOR THE COMPANY'S COMMON STOCK. IT IS CURRENTLY ESTIMATED THAT THE
INITIAL PUBLIC OFFERING PRICE WILL BE BETWEEN $14.00 AND $16.00 PER SHARE. FOR
FACTORS CONSIDERED IN DETERMINING THE INITIAL PUBLIC OFFERING PRICE, SEE
"UNDERWRITING." THE COMMON STOCK HAS BEEN APPROVED FOR QUOTATION ON THE NASDAQ
NATIONAL MARKET UNDER THE SYMBOL "ELNK."
 
   
    UP TO 10% OF THE COMMON STOCK OFFERED HEREBY MAY BE RESERVED FOR EMPLOYEES,
DIRECTORS AND FRIENDS OF THE COMPANY. SEE "UNDERWRITING."
    
 
          THE COMMON STOCK OFFERED HEREBY INVOLVES A HIGH DEGREE OF RISK.
                    SEE "RISK FACTORS" BEGINNING ON PAGE 5.
                             ---------------------
 
 THESE SECURITIES HAVE NOT BEEN APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED BY THE SECURITIES
    AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION OR ANY STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION, NOR HAS
       THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION OR ANY STATE SECURITIES
           COMMISSION PASSED UPON THE ACCURACY OR ADEQUACY OF THIS
              PROSPECTUS. ANY REPRESENTATION TO THE CONTRARY
                             IS A CRIMINAL OFFENSE.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                         UNDERWRITING
                                                         DISCOUNTS AND       PROCEEDS TO
                                     PRICE TO PUBLIC    COMMISSIONS (1)      COMPANY (2)
                                    -----------------  -----------------  -----------------
<S>                                 <C>                <C>                <C>
Per Share.........................          $                  $                  $
Total (3).........................          $                  $                  $
</TABLE>
 
(1) FOR INFORMATION REGARDING INDEMNIFICATION OF THE UNDERWRITER, SEE
    "UNDERWRITING."
 
(2) BEFORE DEDUCTING EXPENSES OF THE OFFERING PAYABLE BY THE COMPANY, ESTIMATED
    AT $500,000.
 
(3) THE COMPANY HAS GRANTED THE UNDERWRITER AN OPTION, EXERCISABLE FOR 30 DAYS
    FROM THE DATE OF THIS PROSPECTUS, TO PURCHASE UP TO       ADDITIONAL SHARES
    OF COMMON STOCK SOLELY TO COVER OVER-ALLOTMENTS, IF ANY. IF THE OPTION IS
    EXERCISED IN FULL, THE TOTAL PRICE TO PUBLIC, UNDERWRITING DISCOUNTS AND
    COMMISSIONS AND PROCEEDS TO COMPANY WILL BE $       , $       AND $       ,
    RESPECTIVELY. SEE "UNDERWRITING."
 
                            ------------------------
 
        THE SHARES OF COMMON STOCK ARE OFFERED BY THE UNDERWRITER, SUBJECT TO
PRIOR SALE, WHEN, AS AND IF DELIVERED TO AND ACCEPTED BY IT AND SUBJECT TO ITS
RIGHT TO REJECT ANY ORDER IN WHOLE OR IN PART. IT IS EXPECTED THAT DELIVERY OF
THE SHARES WILL BE MADE IN NEW YORK, NEW YORK ON OR ABOUT          , 1996.
 
                            INVEMED ASSOCIATES, INC.
 
   
               THE DATE OF THIS PROSPECTUS IS            , 1997.
    
<PAGE>
    [GATEFOLD PAGES SHOWING VARIOUS SCREEN IMAGES FROM THE EARTHLINK NETWORK
WORLD WIDE WEB SITE, SCREENS FROM THE EARTHLINK REGISTRATION SOFTWARE AND
PICTURES OF PRODUCTS WITH WHICH THE EARTHLINK NETWORK TOTALACCESS SOFTWARE
PRODUCT IS BUNDLED AND OFFERED BY VARIOUS OF THE COMPANY'S AFFINITY MARKETING
PARTNERS]
 
                     THE EARTHLINK INTERNET USER EXPERIENCE
 
EarthLink focuses on providing reliable access, useful information, assistance
and services to its customers to encourage their introduction to the Internet
and help them have a satisfying user experience.
 
            GAINING ACCESS TO THE INTERNET THROUGH EARTHLINK NETWORK
 
The EarthLink Network-R- TotalAccess-TM- software package enables quick and easy
Internet access. A customer simply inserts the EarthLink Network-R-
TotalAccess-TM- disk into the computer and follows the step-by-step instructions
to register on-line for a new EarthLink account and gain access to the resources
of the Internet.
 
EarthLink Network-R- TotalAccess-TM- guides customers through a simple account
registration procedure. EarthLink provides a toll-free customer support number,
staffed 24 hours a day.
 
Once on the Internet, the customer can access a variety of EarthLink services,
such as the EarthLink Store, The Daily Blink-TM- on-line newsletter and The
Arena-TM-, EarthLinks' multi-player Internet game area.
 
                            [INSIDE BACK COVER PAGE]
 
EarthLink Network-R- has established relationships with a number of affinity
marketing partners through which the Company has expanded the reach of its
marketing efforts.
 
Trademarks are property of their respective owners. EarthLink Network-R-
TotalAccess-TM- is a trademark of EarthLink Network, Inc. Netscape Navigator-TM-
is a trademark of Netscape Communications Corporation. T@P Online is a trademark
of MarketSource Corporation. LAUNCH-TM- is a trademark of 2Way Media, Inc.
Activision-R- and Zork are registered trademarks. Spycraft-TM-: The Great Game
and Zork Nemesis are trademarks of Actvision, Inc. CNN-TM-, CNN Interactive-TM-,
CNN Learning-TM-, and each of their logos are trademarks of Cable News Network,
Inc. Smart Ventures-TM- is a trademark for American Institute for Financial
Research, Inc. DealerNet-TM- is a trademark of the Reynolds & Reynolds Company.
 
IN CONNECTION WITH THIS OFFERING, THE UNDERWRITER MAY OVER-ALLOT OR EFFECT
TRANSACTIONS WHICH STABILIZE OR MAINTAIN THE MARKET PRICE OF THE COMMON STOCK OF
THE COMPANY AT A LEVEL ABOVE THAT WHICH MIGHT OTHERWISE PREVAIL IN THE OPEN
MARKET. SUCH TRANSACTIONS MAY BE EFFECTED ON THE NASDAQ NATIONAL MARKET OR
OTHERWISE. SUCH STABILIZING, IF COMMENCED, MAY BE DISCONTINUED AT ANY TIME.
 
                                       2
<PAGE>
                               PROSPECTUS SUMMARY
 
    THIS PROSPECTUS CONTAINS FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS THAT INVOLVE RISKS AND
UNCERTAINTIES. ACTUAL EVENTS AND RESULTS COULD DIFFER MATERIALLY FROM THOSE
ANTICIPATED IN THESE FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS AS A RESULT OF CERTAIN FACTORS,
INCLUDING THOSE SET FORTH UNDER "RISK FACTORS" AND ELSEWHERE IN THIS PROSPECTUS.
UNLESS OTHERWISE INDICATED, ALL INFORMATION IN THIS PROSPECTUS GIVES EFFECT TO
THE AUTOMATIC CONVERSION, UPON CONSUMMATION OF THIS OFFERING, OF ALL OUTSTANDING
SHARES OF THE COMPANY'S SERIES A CONVERTIBLE PREFERRED STOCK INTO 1,363,624
SHARES OF COMMON STOCK AND ALSO ASSUMES THE UNDERWRITER'S OVER-ALLOTMENT OPTION
IS NOT EXERCISED. SEE "DESCRIPTION OF CAPITAL STOCK" AND "UNDERWRITING." THE
PROSPECTUS REFLECTS A ONE-FOR-TWO REVERSE STOCK SPLIT EFFECTIVE ON DECEMBER 4,
1996. THE FOLLOWING SUMMARY IS QUALIFIED IN ITS ENTIRETY BY THE MORE DETAILED
INFORMATION AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS APPEARING ELSEWHERE IN THIS PROSPECTUS.
 
                                  THE COMPANY
 
    EarthLink Network, Inc. ("EarthLink" or the "Company") is an Internet
service provider ("ISP") that was formed to help users derive meaningful
benefits from the extensive resources of the Internet. The Company focuses on
providing reliable access, useful information, assistance and services to its
customers to encourage their introduction to the Internet and to help them have
a satisfying user experience.
 
    The Company believes that many users have not been able to enjoy the
benefits of the Internet. Particularly for non-technical users, access to the
Internet is often difficult. In addition, for some users the volume and lack of
organization of the information on the Internet makes accessing useful
information and entertainment an intimidating task. EarthLink's principal
strategy is to rapidly expand its customer base and retain those customers who
use its services principally by addressing these problems. The Company provides
its services through its EarthLink Network TotalAccess software ("TotalAccess"),
which is designed to simplify access to the Internet through an online
registration feature and a "point and click" graphical user interface. This
software permits users to browse the Internet through use of Netscape
Communications Corporation's ("Netscape") Navigator ("Netscape Navigator") or
Microsoft Corporation's ("Microsoft") Internet Explorer ("Microsoft Explorer")
(one or the other of which is included in each copy of TotalAccess), or any
other third-party browser that a customer may wish to use. The Company also
provides useful information to users through its extensive World Wide Web site.
On this site, users can find technical assistance information, an on-line
newsletter, links to numerous popular categories of information and
entertainment and many other items and services designed to enhance users'
satisfaction with their Internet experience. In addition, the Company provides a
monthly printed newsletter, as well as 24 hour customer and technical support.
 
    The Company markets its services through print advertisements, an affinity
marketing program, a customer referral program and other marketing activities.
Its affinity marketing program includes relationships with, among others,
prominent print publication, software and hardware companies. For example,
Macmillan Publishing USA bundles TotalAccess with several Internet-related book
titles. Customer referrals have also been an important source of new customers,
and the Company provides economic incentives to its customers to encourage these
referrals. The Company believes that these programs are a cost-effective means
of acquiring new customers.
 
    The Company believes that its long-term success largely depends on
maintaining customer satisfaction with its services. Therefore, the Company will
continue to devote substantial resources to enhancing its service offerings,
expanding its technical support staff and expanding its World Wide Web site.
 
    EarthLink also seeks to enhance its revenues by offering business services,
including business Web sites, high-speed ISDN communications capability and
frame relay connectivity. In addition, the Company offers consumer services such
as multiplayer Internet games and the EarthLink online store.
 
    The Company has achieved a nationwide presence, without incurring
significant capital costs, by leasing access to dial-up points-of-presence
("POPs") from UUNET Technologies, Inc. ("UUNET") on a non-exclusive basis. The
Company also operates its own POPs in California. In addition, EarthLink has
agreed to lease POP access from PSINet, Inc. ("PSINet") on a non-exclusive basis
and the Company anticipates that its customers will have Internet access through
PSINet's POPs beginning in early 1997. The Company plans to expand its own POPs
in Northern California within the next year and will consider establishing its
own POPs in other areas if there is sufficient concentration of customers to
support the required capital investment.
 
    The Company was incorporated as a California corporation in May 1994 and
reincorporated as a Delaware corporation in June 1996. The Company's principal
executive offices are located at 3100 New York Drive, Pasadena, California
91107, and its telephone number is (818) 296-2400.
 
                                       3
<PAGE>
                                  THE OFFERING
 
<TABLE>
<S>                                             <C>
Common Stock Offered..........................  2,000,000 shares
Common Stock Outstanding after this
 Offering.....................................  9,386,348 shares (1)
Use of Proceeds...............................  To finance sales and marketing activities,
                                                leasehold improvements and investments in
                                                network equipment, information systems and
                                                office equipment, new service introductions
                                                and for working capital and other general
                                                corporate purposes, including the repayment
                                                of indebtedness and possibly acquisitions.
Nasdaq National Market Symbol.................  ELNK
Risk Factors..................................  The Common Stock offered hereby involves a
                                                high degree of risk. See "Risk Factors."
</TABLE>
 
- ---------------
 
(1) Based on shares of Common Stock outstanding as of October 31, 1996, and
    1,363,624 additional shares of Common Stock that will be outstanding upon
    consummation of this Offering pursuant to the automatic conversion of all of
    the Company's outstanding shares of Series A Convertible Preferred Stock.
    This amount excludes (i) 1,005,750 shares of Common Stock subject to options
    outstanding under the Company's 1995 Stock Option Plan having a weighted
    average exercise price of $7.40 per share, (ii) 1,331,438 shares of Common
    Stock subject to outstanding warrants and non-plan stock options having a
    weighted average exercise price of $5.82 per share, (iii) 244,250 and 62,500
    shares of Common Stock reserved for future grant of options under the
    Company's 1995 Stock Option Plan and Directors Stock Option Plan,
    respectively, (iv) up to approximately 382,500 shares of Common Stock into
    which $5,000,000 of outstanding indebtedness is convertible and (v) 360,000
    shares of Common Stock underlying warrants and options that the Company has
    committed to issue if certain future events occur. See "Capitalization,"
    "Management -- 1995 Stock Option Plan and Other Option and Warrant
    Issuances," "Management -- Directors Stock Option Plan and Other Director
    Option Issuances," "Description of Capital Stock" and Notes 7 and 8 of Notes
    to Financial Statements.
 
                             SUMMARY FINANCIAL DATA
                     (in thousands, except per share data)
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                             INCEPTION                        NINE MONTHS ENDED
                                                           (MAY 26, 1994)   YEAR ENDED   ----------------------------
                                                              THROUGH      DECEMBER 31,  SEPTEMBER 30,  SEPTEMBER 30,
                                                           DEC. 31, 1994       1995          1995           1996
                                                           --------------  ------------  -------------  -------------
<S>                                                        <C>             <C>           <C>            <C>
STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS DATA:
  Total revenues.........................................    $      111     $    3,028     $   1,447     $    20,162
  Loss from operations...................................          (148)        (6,018)       (2,914)        (21,240)
  Net loss...............................................          (148)        (6,120)       (2,972)        (21,809)
  Net loss per share (1).................................    $    (0.04)    $    (1.15)    $   (0.59)    $     (3.15)
  Weighted average shares
   outstanding (1).......................................         4,062          5,312          5,005          6,924
</TABLE>
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                      SEPTEMBER 30, 1996
                                                                          -------------------------------------------
                                                                            ACTUAL    PRO FORMA (2)   AS ADJUSTED (3)
                                                                          ----------  --------------  ---------------
<S>                                                                       <C>         <C>             <C>
BALANCE SHEET DATA:
  Working capital (deficit).............................................  $   (6,439)  $     (6,439)    $    18,011
  Total assets..........................................................      26,033         31,033          50,483
  Capital lease obligations, net of current portion.....................       5,388          5,388           5,388
  Total liabilities.....................................................      23,941         28,941          20,991
  Accumulated deficit...................................................     (26,816)       (26,816)        (26,816)
  Stockholders' equity (deficit)........................................     (11,921)       (11,921)         29,492
</TABLE>
    
 
- ------------
 
(1) See Note 1 of Notes to Financial Statements for an explanation of the
    determination of the number of weighted average shares outstanding used in
    the net loss per share computation.
 
(2) Adjusted to give effect to the issuance of a $5.0 million convertible
    promissory note, as if such event occurred on September 30, 1996.
 
(3) Adjusted to reflect the automatic conversion upon consummation of this
    Offering of the Series A Convertible Preferred Stock into 1,363,624 shares
    of Common Stock, the sale of the 2,000,000 shares of Common Stock offered
    hereby and application by the Company of a portion of the estimated net
    proceeds therefrom (after deduction of estimated offering expenses and
    underwriting discounts and commissions) to repay certain indebtedness. See
    "Use of Proceeds" and "Capitalization."
 
    "EARTHLINK NETWORK-REGISTERED TRADEMARK-," "EARTHLINK NETWORK
TOTALACCESS-TM-," "BLINK-TM-," "THE ARENA-TM-" AND THE EARTHLINK LOGO ARE
TRADEMARKS OF THE COMPANY. THIS PROSPECTUS INCLUDES TRADEMARKS OF COMPANIES
OTHER THAN THE COMPANY.
 
                                       4
<PAGE>
                                  RISK FACTORS
 
    THIS PROSPECTUS CONTAINS FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS THAT INVOLVE RISKS AND
UNCERTAINTIES. ACTUAL EVENTS AND RESULTS COULD DIFFER MATERIALLY FROM THOSE
ANTICIPATED IN THESE FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS AS A RESULT OF CERTAIN FACTORS,
INCLUDING THOSE SET FORTH IN THE FOLLOWING RISK FACTORS AND ELSEWHERE IN THIS
PROSPECTUS. INVESTMENT IN THE COMMON STOCK OFFERED HEREBY INVOLVES A HIGH DEGREE
OF RISK. PROSPECTIVE INVESTORS IN THE SHARES OFFERED HEREBY SHOULD CAREFULLY
CONSIDER THE FOLLOWING RISK FACTORS IN ADDITION TO THE OTHER INFORMATION
CONTAINED IN THIS PROSPECTUS.
 
LIMITED OPERATING HISTORY; HISTORY OF LOSSES AND EXPECTATIONS OF FUTURE LOSSES
 
    The Company was founded in May 1994 and began offering its services in July
1994. Accordingly, the Company has only a limited operating history upon which
an evaluation of its prospects can be made. Such prospects must be considered in
light of the substantial risks, expenses and difficulties encountered by new
entrants into the Internet services industry. The Company had net losses of
approximately $6.3 million from inception through 1995 and of approximately
$21.8 million for the nine months ended September 30, 1996. As of September 30,
1996, the Company had an accumulated deficit of approximately $26.8 million
(exclusive of $1.3 million of losses incurred while the Company was an S
Corporation for tax purposes, which, upon the Company's conversion to C
Corporation status in June 1995, were charged to the Company's capital
accounts). The Company expects that it is likely to continue to incur net losses
as it continues to expend substantial resources on sales, marketing and
administration, build its network systems, develop new service offerings and
improve its management information systems. There can be no assurance that the
Company will achieve or sustain profitability or positive cash flow from its
operations. See "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and
Results of Operations."
 
COMPETITION
 
    The Internet services market in which the Company operates is extremely
competitive, and the Company expects competition in this market to intensify in
the future. The Company's current and prospective competitors include many large
companies that have substantially greater market presence and financial,
technical, marketing and other resources than the Company. The Company competes
(or in the future is expected to compete) directly or indirectly with the
following categories of companies: (i) national and regional ISPs such as Bolt
Beranek & Newman, Inc. ("BBN"), IDT Corporation ("IDT"), MindSpring Enterprises,
Inc. ("MindSpring"), Netcom On-line Communication Services, Inc. ("NETCOM"),
PSINet and UUNET; (ii) established online services such as America Online,
CompuServe, Prodigy and the Microsoft Network; (iii) computer software and
technology companies such as Microsoft; (iv) national telecommunications
companies such as AT&T Corp. ("AT&T"), MCI Communications Corporation ("MCI")
and Sprint Corporation ("Sprint"); (v) regional Bell operating companies
("RBOCs"); (vi) cable operators such as Comcast Corporation ("Comcast"),
Tele-Communications, Inc. ("TCI") and Time Warner, Inc. ("Time Warner"); and
(vii) nonprofit or educational ISPs.
 
    The entry of new participants from these categories and the potential entry
of competitors from other categories (such as computer hardware manufacturers)
would result in substantially greater competition for the Company. The ability
of these competitors or others to bundle services and products with Internet
connectivity services could place the Company at a significant competitive
disadvantage. In addition, competitors in the telecommunications industry may be
able to provide customers with reduced communications costs in connection with
their Internet access services, reducing the overall cost of Internet access and
significantly increasing pricing pressures on the Company. Among other
competitors who have recently introduced or enhanced their Internet offerings,
AT&T has recently expanded its Internet services offerings. The Company believes
that AT&T's expansion has substantially increased pricing pressure in the
industry. In addition, certain of the Company's online competitors, including
America Online, the Microsoft Network and Prodigy, have recently announced
unlimited access to the Internet and their proprietary content at flat rates
that are equal to the Company's monthly flat rate, and do not require a set-up
fee. Certain of the RBOCs have also announced competitive flat-rate pricing for
unlimited access (without a set-up fee for at least some period of time). As a
result, competition for active users of Internet services should intensify.
There can be no assurance that the
 
                                       5
<PAGE>
Company will be able to offset the adverse effect on revenues of any necessary
price reductions resulting from competitive pricing pressures by increasing the
number of its customers, by generating higher revenue from enhanced services, by
reducing costs or otherwise.
 
    Competition is also expected to focus increasingly on overseas markets, in
which Internet services are just beginning to be introduced. The Company is not
presently seeking to penetrate overseas markets. To the extent that the ability
to provide Internet services overseas becomes a competitive advantage in the
Internet services industry, the failure of the Company to penetrate overseas
markets may result in the Company being at a competitive disadvantage relative
to other Internet access providers.
 
    There can be no assurance that the Company will have the financial
resources, technical expertise or marketing and support capabilities to compete
successfully. See "-- Dependence on Third-Party Network Providers," "-- New and
Uncertain Market; Dependence on Continued Growth in Use of the Internet;
Uncertainty of Customer Retention," "-- Dependence on Network Infrastructure;
Capacity; Risk of System Failure; Security Risks," "-- Dependence on Affinity
Marketing and Distribution Relationships," "Business -- Competition" and "--
Government Regulation."
 
RISKS ASSOCIATED WITH MANAGEMENT OF POTENTIAL GROWTH
 
    The Company's growth has placed, and is expected to continue to place, a
significant strain on its managerial, operational, financial and information
systems resources. To accommodate its current size and manage growth, the
Company must continue to implement and improve its operational, financial and
information systems, and expand, train and manage its employee base.
Additionally, expansion of the Company's information and network systems is
required to accommodate its growth. There can be no assurance that the Company
will be able to effectively manage the expansion of its operations, or that the
Company's facilities, systems, procedures or controls will be adequate to
support the Company's operations. The inability of the Company to manage
effectively its future growth would have a material adverse effect on the
Company.
 
    Demand on the Company's network infrastructure, technical staff and
resources has grown rapidly with the Company's expanding customer base, and the
Company has experienced difficulties satisfying the demand for its Internet
services. There can be no assurance that the Company's infrastructure, technical
staff and resources will be adequate to facilitate the Company's growth. In
addition, delays have occurred in establishing Internet accounts for the
Company's customers, and customers have experienced significant delays in
contacting, and in receiving responses from, the Company's customer and
technical support personnel. There can be no assurance that the Company will be
able to establish accounts or provide customer or technical support on a timely
basis, or that any delays will not result in a loss of customers. The Company
believes that its ability to provide timely access for customers and adequate
customer and technical support largely will depend on its ability to attract,
identify, train, integrate and retain qualified personnel. Failure to provide
adequate customer and technical support services would adversely affect the
Company's ability to maintain and increase its customer base, and could
therefore have a material adverse effect on the Company. See "-- Dependence on
Network Infrastructure; Capacity; Risk of System Failure; Security Risks,"
"-- Dependence on Key Personnel," "Management's Discussion and Analysis of
Financial Condition and Results of Operations -- Overview" and "Business --
Employees."
 
DEPENDENCE ON THIRD-PARTY NETWORK PROVIDERS
 
    As of October 31, 1996, the Company maintained 20 Company-owned POPs and
provided Internet access through an additional 336 UUNET POPs to which it has
access on a non-exclusive basis. The Company is dependent on UUNET, a
third-party provider of Internet network infrastructure, to continue to provide
the Company's customers with access to the Internet through UUNET's systems of
POPs. The Company recently executed an agreement with PSINet to access PSINet's
nationwide system of POPs on a non-exclusive basis. The Company anticipates that
its customers will have Internet access through PSINet POPs in early 1997. The
Company's agreement with UUNET has a term expiring in March 1999 (subject to
earlier cancellation after
 
                                       6
<PAGE>
March 1998 upon one year's prior notice, but provided that if this notice is
given, EarthLink is required to begin to reduce its usage of UUNET's POPs in
accordance with a schedule set forth in the agreement). Unless otherwise
terminated prior to or at the end of its current term, the agreement
automatically renews for consecutive one-year terms. The PSINet agreement has a
term expiring in July 1998 after which it is automatically renewed for
consecutive one-year terms unless prior notice of termination is given.
 
    Both UUNET and PSINet provide POP access to ISPs other than the Company and
to entities offering online services. UUNET provides such access to, among
others, Microsoft for the Microsoft Network, a competitor of the Company. The
Microsoft Network has recently announced unlimited access to the Internet at a
flat rate, which, the Company believes, has substantially increased utilization
of UUNET POPs by subscribers to the Microsoft Network. Microsoft is a
stockholder of UUNET's parent corporation, MFS Communications Company, Inc.
("MFS"), and therefore could be granted preferred access to UUNET's system of
POPs. Accordingly, if customer usage of the Microsoft Network materially
increases, the Company's access to UUNET's system of POPs may be limited and the
Company's customers may experience increased difficulties in gaining access to
the Internet. As usage of UUNET's and PSINet's POPs by other ISPs' and online
service providers' customers increases, system performance experienced by
EarthLink's customers may degrade and POP access may become limited. UUNET and
PSINet also independently compete with the Company.
 
    UUNET was recently acquired by MFS, a supplier of local and long distance
telephone service. In August 1996, MFS and WorldCom, Inc. ("WorldCom") announced
that MFS and WorldCom had executed a definitive agreement for the merger of MFS
into WorldCom. The parties also announced that they expect to consummate this
merger late in 1996 or during the first quarter of 1997. There can be no
assurance that, following the expiration of the Company's current agreement with
UUNET, the Company will continue to have access to UUNET's POPs or that such
access, if provided, will be available to the Company on acceptable terms.
 
    The Company's customers generally pay a fixed monthly fee for the Company's
Internet services. Under the Company's current agreement with UUNET, the Company
pays UUNET a monthly fee equal to the greater of a specified minimum or an
amount that varies based primarily on peak customer usage. The Company also pays
UUNET an additional fee to the extent that hours of usage exceed a formula set
forth in the agreement. The Company has recently experienced increasing per
customer usage of its services. If the number of hours used by EarthLink
customers accessing the Internet through UUNET increases beyond the amount
provided for in the agreement or the usage becomes more concentrated during peak
times, the fees paid by the Company to UUNET would increase, which would
adversely affect the Company's operating margins. The UUNET agreement also
provides that in the event of regulatory or legislative changes having a
structural impact on the ISP marketplace which materially increase UUNET's
costs, EarthLink will renegotiate the agreement in good faith at UUNET's
request. There can be no assurance that EarthLink and UUNET will be able to
renegotiate the UUNET agreement with terms acceptable to UUNET and EarthLink or
that any renegotiation would not result in additional costs to the Company. Any
such renegotiated agreement or the failure to renegotiate the agreement could
have a material adverse affect on the Company.
 
    As noted above, under the Company's current agreement with UUNET, the
Company pays UUNET a monthly fee equal to the greater of a specified minimum or
an amount that varies based primarily on peak customer usage. The specified
minimum amount increases over the term of the agreement. The Company's operating
margins could be adversely affected if the Company is unable to increase its
customer base so as to avoid paying the increasing minimum amount. See "--
Dependence on Network Infrastructure; Capacity; Risk of System Failure; Security
Risks," "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results
of Operations -- Results of Operations -- Cost of Revenues," "Business --
EarthLink's Services" and "-- Customers, POPs and Network Infrastructure."
 
    The inability or unwillingness of one or both of UUNET and PSINet to provide
POP access to the Company's customers, or the Company's inability to secure
alternative POP arrangements if necessary, would
 
                                       7
<PAGE>
limit the Company's ability to provide Internet access to its customers, and
would, in turn, have a material adverse effect on the Company. See "--
Dependence on Network Infrastructure; Capacity; Risk of System Failure; Security
Risks."
 
FACTORS AFFECTING OPERATING RESULTS; POTENTIAL FLUCTUATIONS IN QUARTERLY RESULTS
 
    The Company's operating results may fluctuate significantly in the future as
a result of a variety of factors, many of which are beyond the Company's
control. These factors include the rates of, and costs associated with, new
customer acquisition, customer retention, capital expenditures and other costs
relating to the expansion of operations, including upgrading the Company's
systems and infrastructure, the timing and market acceptance of new and upgraded
service introductions, changes in the pricing policies of the Company and its
competitors, changes in operating expenses (including telecommunications costs),
personnel changes, the introduction of alternative technologies, the effect of
potential acquisitions, increased competition in the Company's markets and other
general economic factors. In addition, a significant portion of the Company's
expenses are fixed; therefore, the Company's operating margins are particularly
sensitive to fluctuations in revenues. Due to these factors, in some future
quarter the Company's operating results may fall below the expectations of
securities analysts and investors. In such event, the market price of the
Company's Common Stock would likely be materially and adversely affected.
 
    In May 1996, the Company entered into an agreement with National Media
Corporation ("NMC"), a producer of infomercials and commercials, pursuant to
which NMC agreed to produce and broadcast 15-second and 60-second commercials
for EarthLink's services. Under this agreement, in addition to certain fees
payable to NMC, the Company agreed to issue warrants to NMC to purchase 50,000
shares of Common Stock having an exercise price of $9.76 per share, upon the
completion by NMC, subject to the Company's approval, of the 15-second and
60-second commercials, and to issue warrants to NMC to purchase one share of
Common Stock for each two customers generated by this relationship, up to
300,000 shares of Common Stock. The exercise price of such additional warrants
earned through December 31, 1997 will be $9.76 per share, and thereafter the
exercise price will be the fair market value of the Common Stock on the date of
grant. Upon issuance of any such warrants, the Company will be required to
record in the quarter in which such warrant is issued a non-cash charge against
earnings in an amount equal to the fair value of the warrant on the date of
issuance. See "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and
Results of Operations -- Potential Fluctuations in Quarterly Results."
 
DEPENDENCE ON NETWORK INFRASTRUCTURE; CAPACITY; RISK OF SYSTEM FAILURE; SECURITY
RISKS
 
    The future success of the Company's business will depend on the capacity,
reliability and security of the Company's network infrastructure, including the
POP sites to which the Company has access through UUNET and PSINet. The Company
will be required to expand and improve this infrastructure as the number of
customers and the amount and type of information its customers communicate over
the Internet increases, and the means by which customers connect to the Internet
evolve. Such expansion and improvement may require substantial financial,
operational and managerial resources. There can be no assurance that the Company
will be able to expand or improve its network infrastructure to meet any
additional demand or changing customer requirements on a timely basis or at a
commercially reasonable cost, if at all.
 
    Capacity constraints have occurred, and may occur in the future, both at the
level of particular POPs (affecting only customers attempting to use that
particular POP) and in connection with system wide services (such as email and
news services, which can affect all customers). From time to time, the Company
has experienced delayed delivery from suppliers of new telephone lines, modems,
servers and other equipment used by the Company in providing its services. Any
severe shortage of new telephone lines, modems, servers or other equipment could
result in incoming access lines becoming full during peak times, causing busy
signals for customers who are trying to connect to the Internet. Similar
problems may occur if the Company is unable to expand the capacity of its
various network, email, Web and other servers quickly enough to keep pace with
demand from the Company's expanding customer base. If the capacity of such
servers is exceeded, customers
 
                                       8
<PAGE>
will experience delays when trying to use a particular service. Further, if the
Company does not maintain sufficient capacity in its network connections,
customers will experience a general slow down of all services on the Internet.
Any of these events could cause customers to terminate use of the Company's
services. Accordingly, any failure of the Company to expand or enhance its
network infrastructure on a timely basis, or to adapt it to an expanding
customer base, changing customer requirements or evolving industry standards,
could have a material adverse effect on the Company. See "-- Dependence on
Third-Party Network Providers" and "Business -- Customers, POPs and Network
Infrastructure."
 
    The Company's operations are dependent on its ability to protect its
computer equipment against damage from fire, earthquake, power loss,
telecommunication failure and similar events. The occurrence of a natural
disaster or another unanticipated problem at the Company's headquarters and
network hub or at POPs through which customers connect to the Internet could
cause interruptions in the services provided by the Company. For example, in
October 1996, the Company experienced a power outage at its network hub in Los
Angeles, which caused a several hour system wide disruption of the Company's
Internet services. Services were restored when the Company installed a backup
power source. The Company's computer equipment, including critical equipment
dedicated to its Internet services, is located in Los Angeles and Pasadena,
California. The Company will relocate its data center from Los Angeles to a
facility adjacent to its Pasadena headquarters in the near future. The risks
associated with such a move include network and services down time, loss of
data, loss of system integrity and the risk of system failure. The occurrence of
any of these events could have a material adverse effect on the Company's
ability to provide Internet services to its customers, and, in turn, on the
Company. In addition, failure of the Company's telecommunications providers to
provide the data communications capacity required by the Company as a result of
a natural disaster, operational disruption or for any other reason could cause
interruptions in the services provided by the Company, which could have a
material adverse effect on the Company.
 
    The Company's network infrastructure, including the POP sites to which the
Company has access through UUNET and PSINet, is vulnerable to computer viruses
and other similar disruptive problems caused by its customers, other Internet
users or other third parties. Computer viruses and other problems could lead to
interruptions, delays in or cessation of service to the Company's customers, as
well as corruption of the Company's or its customers' computer systems.
Inappropriate use of the Internet by third parties could also potentially
jeopardize the security of confidential information stored in the computer
systems of the Company or those of its customers, which may cause losses to the
Company or its customers, or deter certain persons from using the Company's
services. The Company expects that its customers may increasingly use the
Internet for commercial transactions in the future. Any network malfunction or
security breach could cause these transactions to be delayed, not completed or
completed with compromised security. Alleviating problems caused by computer
viruses or other inappropriate uses or security breaches may cause
interruptions, delays or cessation in service to the Company's customers, which
could have a material adverse effect on the Company. In addition, there can be
no assurance that customers or others will not assert claims of liability
against the Company as a result of these events.
 
    The Company does not presently maintain redundant or backup Internet
services or backbone facilities or other redundant computing and
telecommunications facilities. Any accident, incident or system failure that
causes interruptions in the Company's operations could have a material adverse
effect on the Company's ability to provide Internet services to its customers,
and, in turn, on the Company. See "-- Risks Associated with Management of
Potential Growth," and "-- Dependence on Third-Party Network Providers."
 
FUTURE ADDITIONAL CAPITAL REQUIREMENTS
 
    The Company believes that the net proceeds from this Offering, together with
other available cash, will be sufficient to meet the Company's operating
expenses and capital requirements for at least the next 12 months. However, the
Company's capital requirements depend on numerous factors, including the rate of
market acceptance of the Company's services, the Company's ability to maintain
and expand its customer base, the rate of expansion of the Company's network
infrastructure, the level of resources required to expand the
 
                                       9
<PAGE>
Company's marketing and sales organization, information systems and research and
development activities, the availability of hardware and software provided by
third-party vendors and other factors. The timing and amount of such capital
requirements cannot accurately be predicted. If capital requirements vary
materially from those currently planned, the Company may require additional
financing sooner than anticipated. The Company has no commitments for any
additional financing, and there can be no assurance that any such commitments
can be obtained on favorable terms, if at all. Any additional equity financing
may be dilutive to the Company's stockholders, and debt financing, if available,
may involve restrictive covenants with respect to dividends, raising future
capital and other financial and operational matters. If the Company is unable to
obtain additional financing as needed, the Company may be required to reduce the
scope of its operations or its anticipated expansion, which could have a
material adverse effect on the Company, as well as the market price of the
Common Stock. See "-- Risks Associated with Management of Potential Growth," "--
Dependence or Network Infrastructure; Capacity; Risk of System Failure; Security
Risks," "Use of Proceeds" and "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial
Condition and Results of Operations -- Liquidity and Capital Resources."
 
DEPENDENCE ON TELECOMMUNICATIONS CARRIERS AND OTHER SUPPLIERS
 
    The Company relies on local telephone companies and other companies to
provide data communications capacity via local telecommunications lines and
leased long distance lines. The Company is subject to potential disruptions in
these telecommunications services and may have no means of replacing these
services, on a timely basis or at all, in the event of such disruption. Any such
disruptions could have a material adverse effect on the Company.
 
    In addition, the Company is dependent on certain third-party suppliers of
hardware components. Certain components used by the Company in providing its
network services are currently acquired from limited sources. The Company also
depends on third-party software vendors to provide the Company with much of its
Internet software, including Netscape Navigator and Microsoft Explorer, the
World Wide Web browser software that the Company licenses from Netscape and
Microsoft, respectively. Failure of the Company's suppliers to provide
components and products in the quantities, at the quality levels or at the times
required by the Company, or an inability by the Company to develop alternative
sources of supply if required, could materially adversely affect the Company's
ability to effectively support the growth of its customer base in a timely
manner and increase its costs of expansion. Moreover, because Netscape Navigator
and Microsoft Explorer are the two most widely used Web browsers, the failure of
Netscape or Microsoft to continue to provide World Wide Web browser software to
the Company could have a material adverse effect on the Company.
 
    The Company's suppliers and telecommunications carriers also sell or lease
services and products to the Company's competitors, and some of these carriers
are, and in the future others may become, competitors of the Company. There can
be no assurance that the Company's suppliers and telecommunications carriers
will not enter into exclusive arrangements with the Company's competitors or
otherwise stop selling or leasing their services or products to the Company,
which events could have a material adverse effect on the Company. See "--
Competition," "Business -- Supplier Relationships" and "-- Marketing."
 
DEPENDENCE ON AFFINITY MARKETING AND DISTRIBUTION RELATIONSHIPS
 
    A significant number of the Company's customers have been generated through
its relationships with its affinity marketing partners. The Company relies on
these marketing relationships to assist it with distributing TotalAccess, which
enables users to register as customers and to access the Company's Internet
services. There can be no assurance that the Company's current affinity
marketing partners will continue to distribute the Company's software or will be
successful in developing new customers for the Company's services. The Company's
inability to maintain its affinity marketing relationships or establish new
affinity marketing
 
                                       10
<PAGE>
relationships could result in delays and increased costs in expanding its
customer base, which could, in turn, have a material adverse effect on the
Company. See "Business -- Marketing -- Affinity Marketing Partners Program."
 
NEW AND UNCERTAIN MARKET; DEPENDENCE ON CONTINUED GROWTH IN USE OF THE INTERNET;
UNCERTAINTY OF     CUSTOMER RETENTION
 
    EarthLink's future success is substantially dependent on continued growth in
the use of the Internet. Rapid growth in the use of, and interest in, the
Internet, and in particular the World Wide Web, is a recent phenomenon and there
can be no assurance that Internet usage will become more widespread, that
extensive Internet content will continue to be developed or that extensive
Internet content will continue to be accessible at no or nominal cost. The
Internet may not prove to be viable for a number of reasons, including
potentially inadequate development of the necessary infrastructure or of
performance improvements. If use of the Internet does not continue to grow, the
Company would be materially and adversely affected. Conversely, to the extent
that the Internet continues to experience significant growth in the number of
users and level of use, there can be no assurance that the Internet
infrastructure will be able to support the demands placed on it by such
potential growth. See "-- Risks Associated with Management of Potential Growth."
 
    The sales, marketing and other costs to the Company of acquiring new
customers are substantial relative to the monthly fee derived from such
customers. Accordingly, the Company believes that its long-term success largely
depends on its ability to retain its existing customers, while continuing to
attract new customers. The Company continues to invest significant resources in
its infrastructure and customer and technical support capabilities. However,
there can be no assurance that such investment will improve customer retention.
Because the Internet services market is new and the variety of available
services is not well understood by new and potential customers, it is difficult,
if not impossible, for the Company to predict future customer retention rates.
Moreover, intense competition from competitors, some of whom offer many free
hours of services for new customers, have most likely caused, and may continue
to cause, some of the Company's customers to switch to a competitor's service.
In addition, a certain number of new Internet users experience the Internet only
as a novelty and do not become consistent users of Internet services. These
factors adversely affect the Company's customer retention rates. See "-- Risks
Associated with Management of Potential Growth," "-- Dependence on Network
Infrastructure; Capacity; Risk of System Failure; Security Risks," "--
Competition" and "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition
and Results of Operations -- Overview."
 
RAPID TECHNOLOGICAL CHANGE
 
    The market for Internet services is characterized by rapidly changing
technology, evolving industry standards, changes in customer needs and frequent
new service and product introductions. The Company's future success will depend,
in part, on its ability to use leading technologies effectively, to continue to
develop its technical expertise, to enhance its existing services and to develop
new services that meet changing customer needs on a timely and cost-effective
basis and obtain market acceptance. There are currently under development a
number of alternative methods for users to connect to the Internet, including
cable modems and satellite and other wireless telecommunications technologies.
Any failure on the part of the Company to use new technologies effectively, to
develop its technical expertise and new services or to enhance existing services
on a timely basis, either internally or through arrangements with third parties,
could have a material adverse effect on the Company.
 
DEPENDENCE ON KEY PERSONNEL
 
    The Company is highly dependent on the technical and managerial skills of
its key employees, including technical, sales, marketing, information systems,
financial and executive personnel, and on its ability to identify, hire and
retain additional personnel. To accommodate its current size and manage its
anticipated growth, the Company must maintain and expand its employee base.
Competition for key personnel, particularly persons having technical expertise,
is intense, and there can be no assurance that the Company will be
 
                                       11
<PAGE>
able to retain existing personnel or to identify or hire additional personnel.
The need for such personnel is particularly important given the strains on the
Company's existing infrastructure and the need to anticipate the demands of
future growth. In particular, the Company is highly dependent on the continued
services of its senior management team, which currently is composed of a small
number of individuals, most of whom only recently joined the Company. Of the
members of its senior management team, only the Company's President and Chief
Executive Officer, Charles G. Betty is a party to an employment agreement with
the Company. The Company does not maintain key-man life insurance on the life of
any employee. The inability of the Company to attract, hire or retain the
necessary technical, sales, marketing, information systems, financial and
executive personnel, or the loss of the services of any member of the Company's
senior management team, could have a material adverse effect on the Company. See
"-- Risks Associated with Management of Potential Growth," "Business --
Employees" and "Management."
 
GOVERNMENT REGULATION
 
   
    The Company provides Internet services, in part, through data transmissions
over public telephone lines. These transmissions are governed by regulatory
policies establishing charges and terms for wire line communications. The
Company is not currently subject to direct regulation by the Federal
Communications Commission (the "FCC") or any other governmental agency, other
than regulations applicable to businesses generally. However, in the future the
Company could become subject to regulation by the FCC or another regulatory
agency as a provider of basic telecommunications services. For example, a number
of long distance telephone carriers recently filed a petition with the FCC
seeking a declaration that Internet telephone service is a "telecommunications
service" subject to common carrier regulation. Such a declaration, if enacted,
would create substantial barriers to the Company's entry into the Internet
telephone market. The FCC has requested comments on this petition, but has not
set a deadline for issuing a final decision. Also, a number of local telephone
companies have asked the FCC to levy access charges on "enhanced service
providers," which may be deemed to include ISPs. Although the Chairman of the
FCC has indicated his opposition to levying service charges against ISPs, local
interconnection charges could be levied in the future. Moreover, the public
service commissions of certain states are exploring the adoption of regulations
that might subject ISPs to state regulation.
    
 
    The recently enacted Telecommunications Act of 1996 (the "Telecommunications
Act") contains certain provisions that lift, or establish procedures for
lifting, certain restrictions relating to the RBOCs' ability to engage directly
in the Internet access business. The Telecommunications Act also makes it easier
for national long distance carriers such as AT&T to offer local telephone
service and allows RBOCs to provide electronic publishing of information and
databases. Competition from these companies could have a material adverse effect
on the Company. See "Business -- Government Regulation."
 
POTENTIAL LIABILITY
 
   
    The case law relating to the liability of ISPs and online services companies
for information carried on or disseminated through their networks has not yet
been definitively established. Several private lawsuits seeking to impose such
liability upon ISPs and online services companies are currently pending.
Although no such claims have been asserted against the Company to date, there
can be no assurance that such claims will not be asserted in the future, or if
asserted, will not be successful. The Telecommunications Act imposes fines on
any entity that knowingly (i) uses any interactive computer service or
telecommunications device to send obscene or indecent material to minors; (ii)
makes obscene or indecent material available to minors via an interactive
computer service; or (iii) permits any telecommunications facility under such
entity's control to be used for the purposes detailed above. The standard for
determining whether an entity acted "knowingly" has not yet been established
although a federal district court panel recently issued a preliminary injunction
preventing enforcement of this part of the Telecommunications Act. This decision
has been appealed. As the law in this area develops, the potential imposition of
liability upon the Company for information carried on and disseminated through
its network could require the Company to implement measures to reduce its
exposure to such liability.
    
 
                                       12
<PAGE>
The implementation of such measures could require the expenditure of substantial
resources or the discontinuation of certain service offerings. Any costs that
are incurred as a result of such expenditure, contesting any such asserted
claims or the imposition of liability could have a material adverse effect on
the Company.
 
   
    Due to the increasing use of the Internet, it is possible that additional
laws and regulations may be adopted with respect to the Internet covering issues
such as content, user privacy, pricing, libel, intellectual property protection
and infringement and technology export and other controls. Changes in the
regulatory environment relating to the Internet services industry, including
regulatory changes that directly or indirectly affect telecommunication costs or
increase the likelihood or scope of competition, could have a material adverse
effect on the Company.
    
 
PROPRIETARY RIGHTS; INFRINGEMENT CLAIMS
 
    The Company believes that its success is dependent in part on its technology
and its continuing right to use such technology. The Company relies on a
combination of copyright, trademark and trade secret laws and contractual
restrictions to establish and protect its technology. It is the Company's policy
to require employees, consultants and, when possible, suppliers to execute
confidentiality agreements upon the commencement of their relationships with the
Company. There can be no assurance that the steps taken by the Company will be
adequate to prevent misappropriation of its technology and other proprietary
property or that the Company's competitors will not independently develop
technologies that are substantially equivalent or superior to the Company's
technology.
 
    The Company has obtained authorization, typically in the form of a license,
to distribute third-party software incorporated in the EarthLink Network
TotalAccess software product for Windows 3.1, Windows 95 and Macintosh
platforms. Most of these licenses have one-year terms and automatically renew
for additional one-year terms in the absence of notice of termination from the
other party, but are generally terminable earlier upon the occurrence of certain
events (and, with respect to Microsoft, is terminable by Microsoft or the
Company at will). Applications licensed by the Company include Netscape
Navigator, Microsoft Explorer and MacTCP software from Apple Computer, Inc.
("Apple"). There can be no assurance that the Company will be able to maintain
its existing licenses or successfully obtain necessary license renewals in the
future. The failure to maintain or renew its licenses in the future could have a
material adverse effect on the Company.
 
    There can be no assurance that third parties will not assert that the
Company's services and products infringe their proprietary rights. From time to
time, the Company has received communications from third parties alleging that
certain of the names or marks for the Company's services infringe the trademarks
of such parties. To date, no such claims have had an adverse effect on the
Company's ability to market and sell its services. However, there can be no
assurance that those claims will not have an adverse effect in the future or
that other parties will not assert infringement claims against the Company in
the future with respect to current or future services. Such claims could result
in substantial costs and diversion of resources, even if ultimately decided in
favor of the Company, and could have a material adverse effect on the Company,
particularly if judgments on such claims are adverse to the Company. In the
event a claim is asserted alleging that the Company has infringed the
proprietary technology or information of a third party, the Company may be
required to seek licenses to continue to use such intellectual property. There
can be no assurance, however, that such licenses would be offered or obtained on
commercially reasonable terms, if at all, or that the terms of any offered
licenses will be acceptable to the Company. The failure to obtain the necessary
licenses or other rights could have a material adverse effect on the Company.
See "Business -- Proprietary Rights."
 
INTEGRATION OF POTENTIAL ACQUISITIONS
 
    As part of its business strategy, EarthLink may make acquisitions of, or
significant investments in, complementary companies, services or technologies,
although no such acquisitions or investments are currently pending. Any such
future transactions would be accompanied by the risks commonly encountered in
making acquisitions of companies, services and technologies. Such risks include,
among other things, the difficulty associated with assimilating the operations
and personnel of the acquired companies, the potential
 
                                       13
<PAGE>
disruption of the Company's ongoing business, the inability of management to
maximize the financial and strategic position of the Company through the
successful integration of acquired network facilities, technology, rights and
other assets, additional expenses associated with the amortization of acquired
intangible assets, the inability to maintain uniform standards, controls,
procedures and policies and the impairment of relationships with employees and
customers as a result of the integration of new management personnel. There can
be no assurance that the Company will be successful in overcoming these risks or
any other problems encountered in connection with any such acquisitions. See
"Use of Proceeds" and "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial
Condition and Results of Operations -- Potential Fluctuations in Quarterly
Results."
 
CONTROL BY DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS, FIVE PERCENT STOCKHOLDERS AND
AFFILIATED ENTITIES
 
   
    The Company's executive officers, directors and holders of more than 5% of
the outstanding Common Stock and their affiliates will beneficially own an
aggregate of approximately 59.3% of the Company's outstanding shares of Common
Stock after this Offering (approximately 57.4% if the Underwriter's over-
allotment option is exercised in full). If warrants and options outstanding and
exercisable within 60 days of November 30, 1996 were exercised, these
percentages would increase to 61.0% and 59.2%, respectively. As a result, these
stockholders, acting together, would effectively be able to control most matters
requiring approval by the Company's stockholders, including the election of a
majority of the Company's directors. See "Principal Stockholders."
    
 
BENEFITS OF THE OFFERING TO CURRENT STOCKHOLDERS
 
   
    After consummation of this Offering, current stockholders, including members
of management, will benefit from the creation of a public market for the
Company's Common Stock and the increase in the market value of the shares held
by such persons. Based upon the assumed public offering price of $15.00 per
share, the excess of market value over amounts paid for Common Stock (including
Common Stock issuable upon conversion of the Series A Convertible Preferred
Stock) by executive officers and directors of the Company is approximately $54.6
million. In addition, the excess of the assumed offering price over the
aggregate exercise price of options and warrants held by executive officers and
directors is approximately $13.0 million.
    
 
SHARES ELIGIBLE FOR FUTURE SALE
 
   
    Sales of a substantial number of shares of the Common Stock in the public
market following this Offering could adversely affect the market price of the
Common Stock. The number of shares of Common Stock available for sale in the
public market is limited by restrictions under the Securities Act and lock-up
agreements under which the holders of 5,930,380 shares of Common Stock,
2,727,273 shares of Series A Convertible Preferred Stock (that will be converted
into 1,363,624 shares of Common Stock upon completion of this Offering) and
warrants, options and convertible debt securities exercisable or convertible
into an aggregate of 1,988,890 shares of Common Stock (including all of the
Company's officers and directors) have agreed not to sell or otherwise dispose
of any of such shares of Common Stock, any such options or warrants to acquire
shares of Common Stock or any such securities convertible into shares of Common
Stock (or any shares of Common Stock issuable upon exercise of such securities)
for a period of one year after the date of this Prospectus without the prior
written consent of the Underwriter. However, the Underwriter may, in its sole
discretion and at any time without notice, release all or any portion of the
securities subject to such lock-up agreements. Further, the holders of
substantially all of the shares of Common Stock outstanding prior to this
Offering as well as holders of certain warrants and convertible debt are parties
to registration rights agreements. The exercise of these registration rights and
subsequent sale of a substantial number of shares of the Common Stock in the
public market could adversely affect the market price of the Common Stock. See
"Description of Capital Stock -- Registration Rights," "Shares Eligible for
Future Sale" and "Underwriting."
    
 
                                       14
<PAGE>
EFFECT OF CERTAIN CHARTER AND BYLAW PROVISIONS
 
    The Company's Certificate of Incorporation and Bylaws contain certain
provisions that may discourage proposals or bids to acquire the Company. These
provisions could limit the price that investors might be willing to pay for
shares of the Common Stock. Certain of such provisions allow the Company to
issue Preferred Stock, the rights and preferences of which may be specified by
the Board of Directors at any time prior to issuance, without further
stockholder approval, and could have the effect of delaying, deferring or
preventing a change in control of the Company. The Company also will be subject
to Section 203 of the Delaware General Corporation Law which, under certain
circumstances, could delay, defer or prevent a business combination with an
"interested stockholder." Following the first meeting of its stockholders
subsequent to this Offering, and provided that there are 800 or more beneficial
owners of the Common Stock, the Company anticipates that it will seek
stockholder approval to divide its Board into three classes, each serving a
staggered three-year term. See "Description of Capital Stock."
 
NO PUBLIC MARKET FOR COMMON STOCK; POTENTIAL VOLATILITY OF STOCK PRICE
 
    Prior to this Offering, there has been no public market for the Common
Stock, and there can be no assurance that a regular trading market will develop
and continue after this Offering or that the market price of the Common Stock
will not decline below the initial public offering price. The initial public
offering price will be determined through negotiations between the Company and
the Underwriter and may not be indicative of the market price of the Common
Stock following this Offering. Among the factors to be considered in such
negotiations are an estimate of the business potential of the Company, the
present state of the Company's development, an assessment of the Company's
management, prevailing market conditions, the demand for similar securities of
comparable companies and other factors deemed relevant. The stock markets have
experienced price and volume fluctuations that have particularly affected the
stocks of technology companies, resulting in changes in the market prices of the
stocks of many companies that may not have been directly related to the
operating performance of those companies. Such broad market fluctuations may
adversely affect the market price of the Common Stock following this Offering.
In addition, the market price of the Common Stock following this Offering may be
highly volatile. Factors such as variations in the Company's financial results,
comments by securities analysts, announcements of technological innovations or
new products by the Company or its competitors, changing government regulations,
developments concerning the Company's proprietary rights or litigation may have
a material adverse effect on the market price of the Common Stock.
 
IMMEDIATE AND SUBSTANTIAL DILUTION
 
    Assuming an initial public offering price of $15.00 per share, investors
purchasing shares of Common Stock in this Offering will incur immediate and
substantial dilution in net tangible book value of the Common Stock of $11.94
per share. To the extent that currently outstanding options, warrants and
convertible debt are exercised or converted, there will be further dilution. See
"Dilution."
 
                                USE OF PROCEEDS
 
   
    The net proceeds to the Company from the sale of the shares of Common Stock
offered hereby are estimated to be approximately $27,400,000 ($31,585,000 if the
Underwriter's over-allotment option is exercised in full) at an assumed initial
public offering price of $15.00 per share (the mid-point of the range set forth
on the cover page of this Prospectus), after deducting estimated underwriting
discounts and commissions and offering expenses payable by the Company.
    
 
   
    EarthLink expects to use the net proceeds of this Offering to finance sales
and marketing activities, leasehold improvements, investments in network
equipment, information systems and office equipment. In addition, the Company
expects to use the net proceeds for new service introductions and for working
capital and other general corporate purposes. The Company intends to use a
portion of the net proceeds of this Offering to repay all outstanding
indebtedness under its 10% Promissory Notes. As of November 30, 1996,
    
 
                                       15
<PAGE>
   
approximately $2.95 million was outstanding under the 10% Promissory Notes
(which mature in June 1997). The Company also intends to repay all outstanding
indebtedness under a promissory note issued to UUNET (which, as of November 30,
1996, had a principal balance of $5.0 million and accrued interest of
approximately $42,700), unless UUNET decides to convert the note into Common
Stock prior to repayment. The note bears interet at a floating rate of prime
plus 2% per annum, and matures in October 1997. See "Management's Discussion and
Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations -- Liquidity and
Capital Resources" and "Certain Transactions."
    
 
    The amounts actually expended for each purpose, other than repayment of the
indebtedness described above, will be determined at the discretion of the
Company's management. The Company's future capital requirements and the
allocation of the net proceeds of this Offering will depend on many factors,
including the rate of market acceptance of the Company's services, the Company's
ability to expand and maintain its customer base, the rate of expansion of the
Company's network infrastructure, the level of resources required to expand the
Company's marketing and sales organization, information systems and research and
development activities, the availability of hardware and software provided by
third-party vendors and other factors. The Company also anticipates that it may
use a portion of the net proceeds to acquire complementary product and service
lines, technology, equipment, other companies or interests in other companies.
While the Company from time to time has engaged in preliminary discussions
concerning possible acquisitions, investments or joint ventures, it has no
present understandings, commitments, agreements or active negotiations with
respect to any such transaction.
 
    Pending such uses, the net proceeds of this Offering will be invested in
government securities or short-term, investment grade, interest-bearing
securities. The Company believes that the net proceeds from this Offering,
together with other available cash, will be sufficient to meet the Company's
operating expenses and capital requirements for at least the next 12 months. See
"Risk Factors -- Future Additional Capital Requirements" and "Management's
Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations --
Liquidity and Capital Resources."
 
                                DIVIDEND POLICY
 
    The Company has not paid any dividends since its inception and does not
intend to pay any dividends in the foreseeable future. The payment of future
cash dividends, if any, will be at the sole discretion of the Board of
Directors.
 
                                       16
<PAGE>
                                 CAPITALIZATION
 
    The following table sets forth as of September 30, 1996 (i) the
capitalization of the Company, (ii) the pro forma capitalization of the Company
giving effect to the issuance by the Company of a convertible note payable in
the principal amount of $5,000,000 and (iii) the capitalization of the Company
as adjusted to reflect the automatic conversion upon consummation of this
Offering of the Series A Convertible Preferred Stock into 1,363,624 shares of
Common Stock, the sale of the shares of Common Stock being offered hereby at an
assumed initial public offering price of $15.00 per share and the application of
the estimated net proceeds therefrom after deduction of estimated offering
expenses and underwriting discounts and commissions.
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                      SEPTEMBER 30, 1996
                                                                               ---------------------------------
                                                                                                          AS
                                                                                 ACTUAL     PRO FORMA  ADJUSTED
                                                                               -----------  ---------  ---------
                                                                                        (IN THOUSANDS)
 
<S>                                                                            <C>          <C>        <C>
Capitalized lease obligations, net of current portion........................   $   5,388   $   5,388  $   5,388
Convertible debt.............................................................          --       5,000         --
                                                                               -----------  ---------  ---------
        Total debt...........................................................       5,388      10,388      5,388
Redeemable preferred stock...................................................      14,013      14,013         --
Stockholders' equity.........................................................
  Common Stock, $0.01 par value, 50,000,000 shares authorized; 6,022,724
   issued and outstanding, actual and pro forma; 9,386,348 shares issued and
   outstanding, as adjusted (1)..............................................          60          60         94
Additional paid-in capital...................................................      14,236      14,236     55,615
Warrants to purchase Common Stock............................................         599         599        599
Accumulated deficit..........................................................     (26,816)    (26,816)   (26,816)
                                                                               -----------  ---------  ---------
        Total stockholders' equity (deficit).................................     (11,921)    (11,921)    29,492
                                                                               -----------  ---------  ---------
        Total capitalization.................................................   $   7,480   $  12,480     34,880
                                                                               -----------  ---------  ---------
                                                                               -----------  ---------  ---------
</TABLE>
    
 
- ---------------
 
(1) This amount excludes the following securities outstanding or reserved for
    future grant as of October 31, 1996: (i) 1,005,750 shares of Common Stock
    subject to options outstanding under the Company's 1995 Stock Option Plan
    having a weighted average exercise price of $7.40 per share, (ii) 1,331,438
    shares of Common Stock subject to outstanding warrants and non-plan stock
    options having a weighted average exercise price of $5.82 per share, (iii)
    244,250 and 62,500 shares of Common Stock reserved for future grant of
    options under the Company's 1995 Stock Option Plan and Directors Stock
    Option Plan, respectively, (iv) up to approximately 382,500 shares of Common
    Stock into which $5,000,000 of outstanding indebtedness is convertible and
    (v) 360,000 shares of Common Stock underlying warrants and options that the
    Company has committed to issue if certain future events occur. See
    "Capitalization," "Management -- 1995 Stock Option Plan and Other Option and
    Warrant Issuances," "Management -- Directors Stock Option Plan and Other
    Director Option Issuances," "Description of Capital Stock" and Notes 7 and 8
    of Notes to Financial Statements.
 
                                       17
<PAGE>
                                    DILUTION
 
    The pro forma net tangible book value of the Common Stock as of September
30, 1996, assuming the conversion of the Series A Convertible Preferred Stock,
was $1,349,000, or approximately $0.18 per share. Pro forma net tangible book
value per share represents the amount of the Company's total tangible assets
less total liabilities, divided by the pro forma number of shares of Common
Stock outstanding (assuming the issuance, on September 30, 1996, of the
Company's Series A Convertible Preferred Stock and the conversion of such stock
into shares of Common Stock). After giving effect to the sale by the Company of
the 2,000,000 shares of Common Stock offered hereby at an assumed initial public
offering price of $15.00 per share and after deducting estimated underwriting
discounts and commissions and offering expenses payable by the Company, the pro
forma net tangible book value of the Company as of September 30, 1996 would have
been $28,749,000, or approximately $3.06 per share. This represents an immediate
increase in the net tangible book value of $2.88 per share to existing
stockholders and an immediate dilution of $11.94 per share to new investors
purchasing shares of Common Stock in this Offering. Dilution per share
represents the difference between the amount per share paid by purchasers of
shares of Common Stock in the Offering made hereby and the net tangible book
value per share of Common Stock immediately after completion of this Offering.
 
    The following table illustrates this per share dilution:
 
<TABLE>
<S>                                                                 <C>        <C>
Initial public offering price per share...........................             $   15.00
  Pro forma net tangible book per share value as of September 30,
   1996...........................................................  $    0.18
  Increase per share attributable to the Offering.................       2.88
                                                                    ---------
Pro forma net tangible book value after this Offering.............                  3.06
                                                                               ---------
Dilution per share to new investors...............................             $   11.94
                                                                               ---------
                                                                               ---------
</TABLE>
 
    The following table sets forth, on an as adjusted basis as of September 30,
1996, the difference between the number of shares of Common Stock purchased from
the Company (assuming the conversion, on September 30, 1996, of the Company's
Series A Convertible Preferred Stock into 1,363,624 shares of Common Stock), the
total cash consideration paid and the average price per share paid by the
existing holders of Common Stock and by the new investors, before deducting
estimated underwriting discounts and commissions and offering expenses payable
by the Company, at an assumed initial public offering price of $15.00 per share:
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                             SHARES PURCHASED        TOTAL CONSIDERATION (1)      AVERAGE
                                         ------------------------  ---------------------------     PRICE
                                           NUMBER       PERCENT        AMOUNT        PERCENT     PER SHARE
                                         -----------  -----------  --------------  -----------  -----------
<S>                                      <C>          <C>          <C>             <C>          <C>
Existing stockholders..................    7,386,348       78.7%   $   30,095,000       50.1%    $    4.07
New investors..........................    2,000,000       21.3        30,000,000       49.9         15.00
                                         -----------      -----    --------------      -----
  Total................................    9,386,348      100.0%   $   60,095,000      100.0%
                                         -----------      -----    --------------      -----
                                         -----------      -----    --------------      -----
</TABLE>
    
 
- ------------
(1)  Excludes non-cash consideration.
 
    The foregoing table excludes all outstanding options, warrants and
convertible debt. See Notes 7 and 8 of Notes to Financial Statements. The
exercise or conversion of outstanding options, warrants and convertible debt
having an exercise or conversion price less than the initial public offering
price would increase the dilutive effect to new investors illustrated by the
foregoing tables.
 
                                       18
<PAGE>
                            SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA
 
    The following selected financial data should be read in conjunction with
"Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of
Operations" and the Financial Statements and Notes thereto included elsewhere in
this Prospectus. The statement of operations data for the period from inception
(May 26, 1994) through December 31, 1994, for the year ended December 31, 1995
and the nine months ended September 30, 1996, and the balance sheet data as of
December 31, 1994 and 1995 and September 30, 1996, have been derived from
financial statements audited by Price Waterhouse LLP, independent accountants.
The selected financial data for the nine months ended September 30, 1995 have
been derived from the Company's unaudited financial statements. In the opinion
of management, the unaudited financial statements include all adjustments
(consisting only of normal recurring adjustments) necessary for a fair
presentation of the results for the period presented.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                              INCEPTION
                                                            (MAY 26, 1994)                  NINE MONTHS ENDED
                                                               THROUGH       YEAR ENDED       SEPTEMBER 30,
                                                             DECEMBER 31,   DECEMBER 31,  ----------------------
                                                                 1994           1995        1995        1996
                                                            --------------  ------------  ---------  -----------
                                                                   (in thousands, except per share data)
 
<S>                                                         <C>             <C>           <C>        <C>
STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS DATA:
  Revenues:
    Recurring revenues....................................    $       53     $    2,422   $   1,057  $    15,914
    Other revenues........................................            58            606         390        4,248
                                                            --------------  ------------  ---------  -----------
      Total revenues......................................           111          3,028       1,447       20,162
  Operating costs and expenses:
    Cost of recurring revenues............................             4          1,055         448       11,736
    Cost of other revenues................................            12            349         105        2,020
    Sales and marketing...................................            37          3,711       1,775        9,867
    General and administrative............................           168          2,062         990        7,838
    Operations and customer support.......................            38          1,869       1,043        9,941
                                                            --------------  ------------  ---------  -----------
      Total operating costs and expenses..................           259          9,046       4,361       41,402
                                                            --------------  ------------  ---------  -----------
  Loss from operations....................................          (148)        (6,018)     (2,914)     (21,240)
  Interest expense........................................            --           (136)        (70)        (683)
  Interest income.........................................            --             34          12          114
                                                            --------------  ------------  ---------  -----------
      Net loss............................................    $     (148)    $   (6,120)  $  (2,972) $   (21,809)
                                                            --------------  ------------  ---------  -----------
                                                            --------------  ------------  ---------  -----------
  Net loss per share (1)..................................    $    (0.04)    $    (1.15)  $   (0.59) $     (3.15)
                                                            --------------  ------------  ---------  -----------
                                                            --------------  ------------  ---------  -----------
  Weighted average shares outstanding (1).................         4,062          5,312       5,005        6,924
 
<CAPTION>
 
                                                                    DECEMBER 31,              SEPTEMBER 30,
                                                            ----------------------------  ----------------------
                                                                 1994           1995        1995        1996
                                                            --------------  ------------  ---------  -----------
<S>                                                         <C>             <C>           <C>        <C>
BALANCE SHEET DATA:
  Working capital (deficit)...............................    $      (62)    $   (1,976)  $   1,365  $    (6,439)
  Total assets............................................           186          4,874       4,554       26,033
  Capital lease obligations, net of current portion.......            --            355         211        5,388
  Total liabilities.......................................            89          4,584       2,239       23,941
  Accumulated deficit.....................................          (148)        (5,007)     (1,859)     (26,816)
  Total stockholders' equity (deficit)....................            97            290       2,316      (11,921)
</TABLE>
 
- ---------------
 
(1) See Note 1 of Notes to Financial Statements for an explanation of the
    determination of the number of weighted average shares outstanding used in
    the net loss per share computation.
 
                                       19
<PAGE>
                    MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF
                 FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
 
OVERVIEW
 
    EarthLink is an ISP that was formed to help users derive meaningful benefits
from the extensive resources of the Internet. The Company began offering its
services in July 1994. Since inception, the growth in the Company's customer
base along with an expansion of service offerings has resulted in significant
increases in revenues and related expenses. As a result, period-to period
comparisons of the Company's results of operations may not be as meaningful as
these comparisons would be for mature companies.
 
    The Company's standard EarthLink Network service provides unlimited Internet
access for a one-time registration fee of $25.00 and a flat monthly fee of
$19.95, which is generally collected from a pre-authorized credit card account.
In addition to its standard service, the Company offers a number of premium,
add-on and other services which can increase the speed of, or add features to,
the capabilities of the standard service. Prices and billing methods for
premium, add-on and other services vary. See "Business -- EarthLink's Services."
 
    The Company has experienced net losses since it commenced operations and had
net losses of approximately $6.3 million from inception through 1995 and of
approximately $21.8 million for the nine months ended September 30, 1996. As of
September 30, 1996, the Company had an accumulated deficit of approximately
$26.8 million (exclusive of $1.3 million of losses incurred while the Company
was an S Corporation for tax purposes, which, upon the Company's conversion to C
Corporation status in June 1995, were charged to the Company's capital
accounts). The Company expects that it will continue to incur net losses as it
continues to expend substantial resources on sales, marketing and
administration, build its infrastructure, develop new service offerings and
improve its management information systems. There can be no assurance that the
Company will achieve or sustain profitability or positive cash flow from its
operations.
 
    The Company's principal strategy is to expand rapidly and retain its
customer base. To realize this strategy, the Company intends to increase its
investment in sales and marketing. Also, the Company plans to add administrative
infrastructure, increase customer and technical support capability and build
network infrastructure to meet customer demand. The sales and marketing and
other costs to the Company of acquiring new customers are substantial relative
to the monthly fee derived from such customers. Accordingly, the Company's
long-term success depends largely upon its ability to retain its existing
customers, while continuing to attract new customers.
 
    The market for the Company's services has only recently begun to develop, is
rapidly evolving and is characterized by an increasing number of market entrants
who have introduced new services for access to the Internet. The Company and its
prospects must be considered in light of the risks, expenses and difficulties
frequently encountered by companies in the new and rapidly evolving market for
Internet services and products. To address these risks, the Company must, among
other things, continue to attract, retain and motivate qualified persons, and
continue to upgrade its infrastructure, including its information systems,
technologies and services. There can be no assurance that the Company will be
successful in addressing such risks. See "Risk Factors."
 
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
 
    REVENUES.  Recurring revenues consist of monthly fees charged to customers
for Internet access and other ongoing services. Other revenues generally
represent one-time setup fees. Recurring revenues are recognized over the period
for which the services are performed.
 
    For the period from inception, May 26, 1994, through December 31, 1994 (the
"Inception Period") and the year ended December 31, 1995, recurring revenues
were approximately $53,000 and $2.4 million, respectively. Other revenues for
the same periods were approximately $58,000 and $606,000, respectively.
Recurring revenues were approximately $1.1 million and $15.9 million for the
nine months ended September 30, 1995 and September 30, 1996, respectively. Other
revenues were approximately $390,000 and
 
                                       20
<PAGE>
$4.2 million for the nine months ended September 30, 1995 and September 30,
1996, respectively. The increase in recurring revenues in 1995 as compared to
the Inception Period is primarily attributable to the Company being operational
for the full year in 1995 and an increase in the number of customers during that
period. Revenues for the nine months ended September 30, 1996 increased over
revenues for the nine months ended September 30, 1995 as a result of an increase
in the number of customers. The increase in revenues was partially offset by
credits given to customers under the Company's customer referral program. Under
this program, the Company waives one month of service fee in consideration for
each new customer referred by an existing customer. This waived service fee
results in a reduction to revenue. The increase in other revenues for 1995 as
compared to the Inception Period is primarily attributable to an increase in the
number of customers added in 1995 and one-time set-up fees collected from
customers. Other revenues for the nine months ended September 30, 1996 increased
over other revenues in the nine months ended September 30, 1995 as a result of
an increase in the number of new customers during that period and one-time
set-up fees collected from customers. From time to time, the Company waives the
one-time set-up fee it charges new customers. As competition in the ISP market
intensifies, the Company may find it necessary to waive the one-time set-up fee
to remain competitive. Therefore, revenues from the one-time set-up fee are
expected to decrease in future periods.
 
    COST OF REVENUES.  Cost of revenues consists of cost of recurring revenues
and cost of other revenues. Cost of recurring revenues principally includes
telecommunications expenses and depreciation expense on equipment used in
network operations for ongoing customer services. Included in telecommunications
cost are fees paid to UUNET for local access to its nationwide system of POPs.
Cost of other revenues principally includes expenses related to the registration
of new customers. These costs include licensing fees for software, software
duplication costs and commissions paid to third parties for referring new
customers to the Company.
 
    For the year ended December 31, 1995, cost of recurring revenues increased
to approximately 44% of recurring revenues, up from 8% of recurring revenues for
the Inception Period. This increase was due to increased hourly customer usage
and the Company's expansion of its POP sites. Cost of recurring revenues for the
nine months ended September 30, 1996 increased to approximately 74% of recurring
revenues, up from 42% of recurring revenues for the nine months ended September
30, 1995 due to increased hourly customer usage and the Company's expansion to
nationwide service through its relationship with UUNET. During these periods,
the Company paid UUNET a fixed monthly fee per customer plus a variable amount
based on customer usage in excess of a threshold number of hours per month. The
Company's agreement with UUNET was amended as of October 1996 such that the key
variable component is peak usage rather than hourly usage. As the Company
continues to expand, the Company anticipates that it may build and use
additional Company-owned POPs in those geographical areas where there is a
sufficient concentration of customers to support the cost of such investment.
 
    The Company's customers generally pay a fixed monthly fee for the Company's
Internet services. Under the Company's current agreement with UUNET, the Company
pays UUNET a monthly fee equal to the greater of a specified minimum or an
amount that varies based primarily on peak customer usage. The Company also pays
UUNET an additional fee to the extent that hours of usage exceed a formula set
forth in the agreement. The Company has recently experienced increasing per
customer usage of its services. If the number of hours used by EarthLink
customers accessing the Internet through UUNET increases beyond the amount
provided for in the agreement or the usage becomes more concentrated during peak
times, the fees paid by the Company to UUNET would increase, which would
adversely affect the Company's operating margins. The UUNET agreement also
provides that in the event of regulatory or legislative changes having a
structural impact on the ISP marketplace which materially increase UUNET's
costs, EarthLink will renegotiate the agreement in good faith at UUNET's
request. There can be no assurance that EarthLink and UUNET will be able to
renegotiate the UUNET agreement with terms acceptable to UUNET and EarthLink or
that any renegotiation would not result in additional costs to the Company. Any
such renegotiated agreement or the failure to renegotiate the agreement could
have a material adverse affect on the Company.
 
    As noted above, under the Company's current agreement with UUNET, the
Company pays UUNET a monthly fee equal to the greater of a specified minimum or
an amount that varies based primarily on peak
 
                                       21
<PAGE>
customer usage. The specified minimum amount increases over the term of the
agreement. The Company's operating margins could be adversely affected if the
Company is unable to increase its customer base so as to avoid paying the
increasing minimum amount. See "Business -- EarthLink's Services" and "--
Customers, POPs and Network Infrastructure."
 
    SALES AND MARKETING.  Sales and marketing expenses consist primarily of
sales commissions, salaries, cost of promotional material, advertising, travel
and third-party sales commissions. Sales and marketing expenses were
approximately $37,000, or 33% of revenues, and $3.7 million, or 123% of
revenues, for the Inception Period and the year ended December 31, 1995,
respectively. Sales and marketing expenses were approximately $1.8 million, or
123% of revenues, and $9.9 million, or 49% of revenues, for the nine months
ended September 30, 1995 and September 30, 1996, respectively. These
period-to-period increases have primarily resulted from increased emphasis on
marketing the Company's services, expanding sales and marketing efforts
nationwide, increased sales commissions and increased marketing personnel. The
Company intends to aggressively promote EarthLink's services and as a result
expects further significant increases in sales and marketing expenses in future
periods. The Company does not capitalize costs associated with the acquisition
of customers.
 
   
    GENERAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES.  General and administrative expenses
consist primarily of costs associated with the finance and accounting and human
resources departments, professional expenses, rent and expenses, principally
compensation, related to certain executive officers and bad debts. General and
administrative expenses were approximately $168,000 and $2.1 million for the
Inception Period and the year ended December 31, 1995, respectively. General and
administrative expenses were approximately $990,000 and $7.8 million, for the
nine months ended September 30, 1995 and September 30, 1996, respectively. Since
inception, general and administrative expenses have increased as a result of
increased employee headcount, rent and other general and administrative
expenses. During the nine months ended September 30, 1996, the Company hired a
number of senior management personnel, moved into a new headquarters building
and engaged professional consultants to assist in the development of an
administrative infrastructure to accommodate anticipated increases in the number
of customers and employees, which resulted in a significant increase in general
and administrative expenses as compared to the same period in 1995. General and
administrative expenses for the nine months ended September 30, 1996, included
bad debt expense of $1.7 million resulting from difficulties in billing
customers and in disconnecting late-paying customers on a timely basis. In
addition, in September 1996, the Company issued 37,500 shares of Common Stock as
consideration for the termination of a consulting agreement. The value of the
stock, $413,000, was included in general and administrative expenses for the
nine months ended September 30, 1996. Management intends to implement new
information systems and continue to expand staff in order to support anticipated
customer and operational growth. As a result, the Company expects general and
administrative expenses to increase in future periods.
    
 
    OPERATIONS AND CUSTOMER SUPPORT.  Operations and customer support expenses
consist primarily of expenses associated with technical support and customer
service to register and maintain customer accounts. Operations and customer
support expenses were approximately $38,000, or 34% of revenues, and $1.9
million, or 62% of revenues, for the Inception Period and the year ended
December 31, 1995, respectively. Operations and customer support expenses were
approximately $1.0 million, or 72% of revenues, and $9.9 million, or 49% of
revenues, for the nine months ended September 30, 1995 and September 30, 1996,
respectively. These expenses have increased significantly since the Company's
inception. This trend reflects the costs associated with building a customer
service organization to support the Company's customer base and anticipated
customer growth. The Company intends to continue to increase expenditures for
operations and customer support.
 
    INCOME TAXES.  No provision for federal or state income taxes has been
recorded as the Company incurred net operating losses through September 30,
1996. At September 30, 1996, the Company had net operating loss carryforwards
for federal income tax purposes of approximately $24.7 million, which begin to
expire in 2010. The Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, includes
provisions that limit the net operating loss carryforwards for use in a given
year if significant ownership changes have occurred. The Company expects that
this Offering will result in an ownership change limiting the Company's ability
to utilize net operating loss carryforwards to offset future income, if any. The
Company has provided a full valuation allowance on the deferred tax asset
because of the uncertainty regarding realizability. Prior to July 1995, the
Company was
 
                                       22
<PAGE>
taxed as an S Corporation under the Internal Revenue Code. As a result, losses
totaling approximately $2.8 million flowed directly to the stockholders during
the period and are not included in the amount of net operating loss
carryforwards.
 
POTENTIAL FLUCTUATIONS IN QUARTERLY RESULTS
 
    The Company's operating results may fluctuate significantly in the future as
a result of a variety of factors, many of which are beyond the Company's
control. These factors include the rates of, and costs associated with, new
customer acquisition, customer retention, capital expenditures and other costs
relating to the expansion of operations, including upgrading the Company's
systems and infrastructure, the timing and market acceptance of new and upgraded
service introductions, changes in the pricing policies of the Company and its
competitors, changes in operating expenses (including telecommunications costs),
personnel changes, the introduction of alternative technologies, the effect of
potential acquisitions, increased competition in the Company's markets and other
general economic factors. In addition, a significant portion of the Company's
expenses are fixed; therefore, the Company's operating margins are particularly
sensitive to fluctuations in revenues.
 
   
    In May 1996, the Company entered into an agreement with NMC, a producer of
infomercials and commercials, pursuant to which NMC agreed to produce and
broadcast 15-second and 60-second commercials for EarthLink's services. Under
this agreement, for customers who, in response to these commercials, subscribe
to and pay for the Company's services for 60 days from the date of registration,
the Company is obligated to pay NMC, at NMC's one-time election made prior to
the first airing of any such commercials, either a $45.00 per customer fee or
fees equal to 7% of all revenues received from such customers for five years
from their registration. In addition, the Company agreed to issue warrants to
NMC to purchase 50,000 shares of Common Stock, having an exercise price of $9.76
per share, upon the completion by NMC, subject to the Company's approval, of the
15-second and 60-second commercials, and to issue warrants to NMC to purchase
one share of Common Stock for each two customers generated by this relationship,
up to 300,000 shares of Common Stock. The exercise price of such additional
warrants earned through December 31, 1997 will be $9.76 per share, and
thereafter the exercise price will be the fair market value of the Common Stock
on the date of grant. Upon issuance of any such warrants, the Company will be
required to record in the quarter in which such warrant is issued a non-cash
charge against earnings in an amount equal to the fair value of the warrant on
the date of issuance.
    
 
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
 
    The Company has not generated net cash from operations since its inception.
The Company has funded its operations primarily through private sales of equity
securities, borrowings from third parties and capital leases of equipment. The
Company's operating activities used net cash of approximately $3.6 million and
$11.1 million during 1995 and the nine months ended September 30, 1996,
respectively. During 1995 and the nine months ended September 30, 1996, net cash
used in operations resulted primarily from net losses, partially offset by
increases in trade accounts payable.
 
    Cash used by investing activities has consisted primarily of equipment
purchases for POP and network expansion. For the year ended December 31, 1995
and the nine months ended September 30, 1996, capital expenditures amounted to
approximately $2.8 million and $13.6 million, respectively. The Company
estimates that capital expenditures for the remainder of 1996 and through the
end of 1997 will be approximately $20.0 million including network enhancements,
data center expansion, and procurement of telecommunication and office equipment
and furniture and fixtures. Where feasible, the Company will seek to finance
certain of these expenditures through capital leases.
 
   
    Cash from financing activities provided the Company with approximately $8.2
million and $31.9 million during 1995 and the nine months ended September 30,
1996, respectively. The Company's financing activities have consisted of the
private sale of debt and equity securities and capital lease transactions,
primarily for equipment. From inception through September 30, 1996, the Company
raised $29.1 million through the private sale of debt and equity securities and
$9.8 million relating to capital lease obligations, respectively. Capital lease
obligations generally result from the sale and leaseback of equipment. During
the year ended December 31, 1995 and the nine months ended September 30, 1996,
the Company financed the acquisition of data processing and office equipment
amounting to approximately $556,000 and $9.2 million, respectively, by entering
into a number of agreements for the sale and leaseback of equipment. The sale
leaseback transactions
    
 
                                       23
<PAGE>
   
are recorded at cost, which approximates the fair market value of the property
and, therefore, no gains or losses have been recorded. The property remains on
the books and continues to be depreciated. A financing obligation representing
the proceeds is recorded and reduced based upon payments under the lease
agreement.
    
 
   
    As of December 31, 1995 and September 30, 1996, the Company had cash and
cash equivalents of approximately $290,000 and $8.7 million, respectively, and
negative working capital of approximately $2.0 million and $6.4 million,
respectively. During the second quarter of 1996, the Company received short-term
debt financing (issued in the form of 10% Promissory Notes that mature in June
1997) of $2.95 million from a limited number of investors, including certain
directors and existing stockholders. As additional consideration for this
investment, EarthLink issued warrants to purchase 98,340 shares of Common Stock
having an exercise price of $11.00 per share. Also during the third quarter of
1996, the Company sold 2,727,273 shares of Series A Convertible Preferred Stock
to a limited number of investors, including certain directors, existing
stockholders, the Underwriter and certain of its affiliates and associates for
approximately $15.0 million in the aggregate, or $5.50 per share. In connection
with this financing, the Company issued to certain of the investors warrants to
purchase up to 100,000 shares of Common Stock at an exercise price of $11.00 per
share. The Series A Convertible Preferred Stock will automatically convert into
1,363,624 shares of Common Stock upon the consummation of this Offering. See
"Certain Transactions."
    
 
    In connection with an amendment of its strategic network services
relationship with UUNET, in October 1996, the Company issued a $5.0 million,
one-year promissory note to UUNET. This note bears interest at prime plus 2% per
annum (an effective rate of 10.25% per annum at December 1, 1996), and is
convertible into up to approximately 382,500 shares of Common Stock at a
conversion price of between $13.20 and $16.00 per share, depending upon the
number of shares of Common Stock, if any, purchased in this Offering by certain
investors referred to in the preceding paragraph and the public offering price
of the Common Stock in this Offering. See "Certain Transactions."
 
   
    EarthLink expects to use the net proceeds of this Offering to finance sales
and marketing activities, leasehold improvements, investments in network
equipment, information systems, office equipment and new service introductions,
and for working capital and other general corporate purposes. The Company
intends to use a portion of the net proceeds of this Offering to repay the 10%
Promissory Notes. The Company also intends to use a portion of the net proceeds
of this Offering to repay its outstanding convertible debt to UUNET, unless
UUNET decides to convert such debt to Common Stock prior to repayment. See "Use
of Proceeds." The Company also anticipates that it may use a portion of the net
proceeds to acquire complementary products and service lines, technology,
equipment, other companies or interests in other companies. While the Company
from time to time has engaged in preliminary discussions concerning possible
acquisitions, investments or joint ventures, it has no present understandings,
commitments, agreements or active negotiations with respect to any such
transaction. See "Certain Transactions."
    
 
    Pending such uses, the net proceeds of this Offering will be invested in
short-term, investment grade, interest-bearing securities. The Company believes
that the net proceeds from this Offering, together with other available cash
will be sufficient to meet the Company's operating expenses and capital
requirements for at least the next 12 months. However, the Company's capital
requirements depend on numerous factors, including the rate of market acceptance
of the Company's services, the Company's ability to maintain and expand its
customer base, the rate of expansion of the Company's network infrastructure,
the level of resources required to expand the Company's marketing and sales
organization, information systems and research and development activities, the
availability of hardware and software provided by third-party vendors and other
factors. The timing and amount of such capital requirements cannot accurately be
predicted. If capital requirements vary materially from those currently planned,
the Company may require additional financing sooner than anticipated. The
Company has no commitments for any additional financing, and there can be no
assurance that any such commitments can be obtained on favorable terms, if at
all. Any additional equity financing may be dilutive to the Company's
stockholders, and debt financing, if available, may involve restrictive
covenants with respect to dividends, raising future capital and other financial
and operational matters. If the Company is unable to obtain additional financing
as needed, the Company may be required to reduce the scope of its operations or
its anticipated expansion, which could have a material adverse effect on the
Company.
 
                                       24
<PAGE>
                                    BUSINESS
 
OVERVIEW
 
    EarthLink is an ISP that was formed to help users derive meaningful benefits
from the extensive resources of the Internet. The Company focuses on providing
access, information, assistance and services to its customers to encourage their
introduction to the Internet and to help them have a satisfying user experience.
 
    The Company provides its services through its EarthLink Network TotalAccess
software package, which is designed to simplify access to the Internet through
an online registration feature and a "point and click" graphical user interface.
This software permits users to browse the Internet through use of Netscape
Navigator or Microsoft Explorer (one or the other of which is included in each
copy of TotalAccess), or any other third-party browser that a customer may wish
to use. The Company also provides useful information to its users through its
extensive World Wide Web site. On this site, a user can find technical
assistance information, an on-line newsletter, links to numerous popular
categories of information and entertainment and many other items and services
designed to enhance users' satisfaction with their Internet experience. In
addition, the Company provides a monthly printed newsletter to its customers, a
booklet entitled "Getting the Most Out of EarthLink" and 24 hour customer and
technical support.
 
    The Company markets its services through print advertisements, an affinity
marketing program, a customer referral program and other marketing activities.
Its affinity marketing programs include relationships with, among others,
prominent print publication, software and hardware companies. Customer referrals
have also been an important source of new customers, and the Company provides
economic incentives to its customers to encourage referrals.
 
    EarthLink also offers business services, including business Web sites,
high-speed ISDN communications capability and frame relay connectivity. In
addition, the Company offers consumer services such as multiplayer Internet
games and the EarthLink online store.
 
INDUSTRY BACKGROUND
 
    The Internet is a collection of computer networks linking millions of public
and private computers around the world. Historically, the Internet was used by
government agencies and academic institutions to exchange information, publish
research and transfer email. A number of factors, including the proliferation of
communication-enabled personal computers, the availability of intuitive
graphical user interface software and the wide accessibility of an increasingly
robust network infrastructure, have combined to allow users to easily access the
Internet and, in turn, have produced rapid growth in the number of Internet
users.
 
    The emergence of the World Wide Web, the graphical, multimedia environment
of the Internet, has resulted in the development of the Internet as a new mass
communications medium. The ease and speed of publishing, distributing and
communicating text, graphics, audio and video over the Internet has led to a
proliferation of Internet-based services, including chat, online magazines, news
feeds, interactive games and a wealth of educational and entertainment
information, as well as to the development of online communities. In addition,
the reduced cost of executing transactions over the Internet provides
individuals and organizations with a new means to conduct business.
 
STRATEGY
 
    The principal components of EarthLink's growth strategy are as follows:
 
    RAPIDLY EXPAND ITS CUSTOMER BASE.  EarthLink believes that a key to success
in the competitive ISP market is to expand its customer base as rapidly as
possible to establish a significant revenue base, thereby enhancing its ability
to enter into favorable arrangements with affinity marketing partners and
providers of content, network access and software enhancements. The Company
plans to devote significant effort and financial resources on sales and
marketing. The Company also plans to continue print advertising in major
computer
 
                                       25
<PAGE>
magazines, expand its radio advertising program, seek to expand its affinity
marketing program, maintain a presence at national, regional and local trade
shows and continue to offer economic incentives to customers who refer new
customers.
 
    RETAIN THE COMPANY'S EXISTING CUSTOMERS.  The sales, marketing and other
costs to the Company of acquiring new customers are substantial relative to the
monthly fee derived from such customers. Accordingly, the Company believes that
its long-term success largely depends on maintaining customer satisfaction with
its services. EarthLink plans to devote significant resources to enhancing its
network operations capability, its World Wide Web site and its service
offerings. In addition, the Company will continue to expand its technical
support staff and enhance the staff 's effectiveness by implementing a new call
center and providing software tools that can assist the staff in identifying and
solving customer problems.
 
    DEVELOP ADDITIONAL SERVICE OFFERINGS.  EarthLink recognizes that the
introduction of additional service offerings can serve not only to expand and
maintain its customer base, but also, in certain instances, to enhance revenues.
Accordingly, the Company has introduced a variety of services for business
consumers, including business Web sites, high-speed ISDN communications
capability and frame relay connections, each of which involve a monthly service
charge plus set-up fees. The Company also plans to expand its service offerings
for consumers, including personalized start pages, chat and multiplayer Internet
games.
 
    FOCUS ON CUSTOMER NEEDS.  EarthLink seeks to help its customers derive
meaningful benefits from the extensive resources of the Internet. In order to
maintain its focus on customer needs, the Company has leveraged the
infrastructure and software development efforts of others by leasing POP
capacity from UUNET (and, in the future, PSINet) and licensing software from
software developers. The Company believes that this approach gives it
flexibility to rapidly expand its service coverage without the need for
substantial capital expenditures. The Company will continue to pursue this
strategy so that, in addition to its sales and marketing efforts, it can devote
its principal resources to improving its customers' experience with the
Internet.
 
EARTHLINK'S SERVICES
 
    EarthLink provides a variety of competitively-priced Internet services to
consumer and business customers. The Company makes these services available
through its EarthLink Network TotalAccess software package. This software
incorporates a telephone dialer and email functionality with several leading
third-party Internet access tools, including either Netscape Navigator or
Microsoft Explorer, thereby providing a functional, easy-to-use Internet access
solution for Windows 3.1, Windows 95 and Macintosh platforms. EarthLink Network
TotalAccess installation software automatically installs these and other
software applications on the customer's computer. The simple point-and-click
functionality of EarthLink Network TotalAccess, combined with its easy-to-use
registration module, permits online credit card registration, allowing new
EarthLink customers to quickly access the Internet.
 
    The prices quoted below are subject to change.
 
    STANDARD EARTHLINK NETWORK INTERNET SERVICES.  EarthLink provides its
customers with a core set of features through its standard Internet service,
which provides unlimited access to the Internet as well as the other features
and services for a flat monthly fee of $19.95 and a one-time setup fee of $25.
The following functionalities are included in the standard EarthLink service:
 
    INTERNET ACCESS.  EarthLink provides customers with direct high-speed access
to the Internet and the World Wide Web in a manner that is designed to be
reliable and easy to use.
 
    EARTHLINK NETWORK WEB SITE.  EarthLink has developed and maintains its own
Web site containing EarthLink content and links to third-party content.
EarthLink's in-house staff actively seeks out interesting content from across
the World Wide Web and categorizes it into subject areas of interest organized
on the EarthLink Web site under topics such as "What's Hot," "Hollywood,"
"News," "Finance" and "Games." The Company's Web site provides a road map to
volumes of information and services available on the Internet. A
 
                                       26
<PAGE>
user can browse the site and click on topics of interest in order to link to
desired information. In addition, through search engines and the embedded
functionality of Netscape Navigator or Microsoft Explorer, a user can conduct
customized searches for other topics.
 
    EMAIL.  Each customer is provided a mailbox, or address, from which to send
and receive email. Email functionality allows customers to exchange an unlimited
number of multimedia text, graphics, audio and video messages with other
EarthLink customers as well as with non-EarthLink Internet users.
 
    PERSONAL WEB SITES.  Each EarthLink customer is provided two megabytes of
disk space on the Company's Web server to create his or her own Web home page.
This enables each customer to participate in the Internet community by
personally adding content to the World Wide Web.
 
    PUBLICATIONS.  EarthLink publishes BLINK, a monthly newsletter, which it
mails to each of its customers. Through this publication, the Company provides
its customers with useful information, such as tips on how to search for certain
categories of information on the Internet and information regarding new
EarthLink service offerings, new Internet sites and other items of interest.
This publication is also available as an online feature, updated daily, on the
EarthLink home page. Additionally, the Company's founder, Sky Dayton, has
authored and published a booklet entitled "Getting the Most Out of EarthLink,"
which the Company provides its new customers subscribing through dial-up sales
and provides to all other customers upon request.
 
    CHAT.  Chat enables customers to "talk" with one another in typed text in
real time, one-on-one or in groups known as chat rooms.
 
    PREMIUM EARTHLINK NETWORK SERVICES.  In addition to its standard service,
the Company offers a variety of premium services, including the following:
 
    BUSINESS WEB SITES.  The Company provides space on its Web server for
commercial customers to publish their own Web pages. Monthly fees for business
Web sites range from $89 to $439, plus one-time setup fees of $179 to $479,
depending on the size of the site and whether the site is a shared or unique
address. Each option is also available with an audio feature for an additional
charge. Additional charges, based on the volume of users accessing a site, may
apply.
 
    ISDN CAPABILITY.  EarthLink offers high-speed ISDN Internet access
communication lines on a nationwide basis. ISDN provides a faster, more
efficient method for communicating digital data over telephone lines. ISDN
speeds are up to four times faster than conventional modem speeds (up to 128
Kbps versus up to 33.6 Kbps). The monthly ISDN service charge is $35 for the
first 100 channel hours and $1 for each additional channel hour. A one-time
setup fee of $50 is also charged.
 
    FRAME RELAY CAPABILITY.  Frame relay enables direct, high-speed continuous
connection of an organization's internal local area network to the Internet
using dedicated circuits at speeds ranging from 56 Kbps to 1,536 Kbps. This
service enables businesses to connect an entire local area network or high-end
workstation to the Internet and provides the fastest data transfer rate
generally available. Frame relay service fees range from $335 to $1,675 per
month depending on access speeds, data throughput and other data transfer
metrics. One-time setup fees range from $495 to $1,995.
 
    MULTIPLAYER INTERNET GAMES.  The Company recently introduced The Arena, a
multi-player Internet games service that allows EarthLink and non-EarthLink
users to play multimedia games through the EarthLink Network for an hourly fee.
The Company creates an incentive for non-EarthLink users to subscribe to
EarthLink by charging them a slightly higher fee to participate in The Arena.
 
    SUPPLEMENTAL SERVICES.  To augment its standard and premium services, the
Company provides its customers with the following supplemental services:
 
    ADDITIONAL MAILBOXES.  The Company provides additional mailboxes for a per
mailbox setup fee of $9.95 and a monthly service fee of $4.95 for those
customers who require more than one mailbox for colleagues, employees or family
members.
 
    DOMAIN NAME REGISTRATION.  EarthLink provides unique domain names for those
customers who prefer an individualized address. Instead of
"[email protected]," the user Joe Smith may prefer the name
 
                                       27
<PAGE>
"[email protected]." Or a business user may find greater marketing presence by
having a domain name in the name of his business, such as "[email protected]."
EarthLink charges $75 to assist in establishing unique domain names for
customers. Customers then pay an annual renewal fee to an Internet domain
registration agency.
 
    800 SERVICE.  EarthLink provides 800 number dial-up service for customers
who do not have access to a local POP. EarthLink charges customers $24.95 per
month for five hours of 800 number service plus a one-time setup fee of $25.00.
Additional hours are $4.95 per hour.
 
TECHNICAL DEVELOPMENT AND SERVICE ENHANCEMENT
 
    EarthLink places significant emphasis on expanding and refining its services
to enhance its customers' Internet experience. EarthLink's technical staff is
engaged in a variety of technical development and service enhancement
activities, including improvement of the functionality of the Company's
EarthLink Network TotalAccess software and reviewing new third-party software
products for potential incorporation into TotalAccess. EarthLink also regularly
updates and expands the online services provided through the EarthLink Web site.
These activities include organizing Web content and the development of online
guides, help screens and other user services.
 
    The Company anticipates the near-term release of the following services:
 
    PERSONALIZED START PAGE.  When customers "sign on" to EarthLink, they
generally begin their Internet session at the EarthLink home page and proceed
from there to the other sites and services of their choice. A "personalized
start page," which the Company plans to introduce in late 1996 or early 1997,
will allow customers to customize the page that first appears when they log on
to the EarthLink Network. For example, a customer may include short-cuts to
favorite Web sites, find advertisements targeted to the customer's interests
automatically displayed, change the "look and feel" of the start page and
otherwise tailor the start page to accomodate his or her personal preferences.
 
    PREMIUM SERVICE OFFERINGS.  The Company is engaged in ongoing efforts to
provide its customers with access to premium services, such as the Wall Street
Journal online newspaper and the ESPN sports service. The Company intends to
bundle these third-party premium services in packages and offer them to its
customers at discounted rates. These services will be billed directly to the
user's EarthLink account rather than separately by the provider of the premium
services, and will not require EarthLink customers to establish separate user
names and passwords to access the premium services.
 
    ONLINE COMMERCE.  The Company recently opened the EarthLink online store,
which offers EarthLink branded merchandise that online shoppers may purchase by
placing an order through the EarthLink Network via an online credit card
transaction. The Company intends to further develop its systems for offering
electronic retail services by establishing an online mall through which it can
"lease space" to businesses to advertise and sell their products and services.
 
MARKETING
 
   
    As of September 30, 1996, the Company marketed and sold its services through
its sales and marketing department comprised of 92 employees. EarthLink's sales
and marketing efforts consist of the following programs:
    
 
    ADVERTISING.  The Company advertises its services in print media and on
radio. Included in the advertisement is a toll-free 800 number to contact the
Company's internal sales staff. When a potential customer calls the Company's
sales staff, the customer is assigned a user name and password. Subsequently,
the new customer is sent a copy of EarthLink Network TotalAccess, which the
customer uses to log on to the Company's system.
 
    AFFINITY MARKETING PROGRAM.  EarthLink's affinity marketing program promotes
the Company through the distribution of the EarthLink Network TotalAccess
software package by its affinity marketing partners.
 
                                       28
<PAGE>
These partners typically bundle EarthLink Network TotalAccess disks with their
own goods or services. Marketing partners include MacMillan Publishing USA,
Activision, Inc., Micro Warehouse Incorporated, Adobe Systems, Inc., United
Airlines, Inc., Iomega Corp., CompUSA, Inc. and Best Buy Co., Inc.
 
    A significant number of EarthLink's customers have been generated through
its relationships with its affinity marketing partners, and the Company believes
that its affinity marketing relationships will continue to account for a
significant number of new customers. There can be no assurance, however, that
the Company's current affinity marketing partners will continue to distribute
the Company's software or will continue to generate new customers for the
Company's services. The Company's inability to maintain its affinity marketing
relationships or establish new affinity marketing relationships could result in
delays and increased costs in expanding its customer base, which could, in turn,
have a material adverse effect on the Company.
 
    CUSTOMER REFERRAL PROGRAM.  The Company believes that one of its most
important marketing tools is its existing customers. In order to encourage
customers to refer other users, the Company currently waives one month of
service fees per referred customer.
 
    OTHER MARKETING ACTIVITIES.  EarthLink maintains a presence at national
trade shows such as Comdex, MacWorld and OnLine Expo, as well as local and
regional trade shows. Additionally, the Company markets through computer,
Internet and related publications, and bundles EarthLink Network TotalAccess
with a few of these publications, either as disks that contain only the
EarthLink Network TotalAccess software package or as CD-ROMs that may include
numerous other software applications. See "Management's Discussion and Analysis
of Financial Condition and Results of Operations -- Potential Fluctuations in
Quarterly Results" for additional information concerning a marketing agreement
with NMC.
 
CUSTOMERS, POPS AND NETWORK INFRASTRUCTURE
 
    As of December 1, 1996 the Company had approximately 200,000 customers.
 
    The Company presently provides its customers with Internet access primarily
through UUNET's nationwide system of POPs. Substantially all of the Company's
customers access the EarthLink Network and the Internet by dialing into local
POPs. Of these, the Company owns 20 POP sites in California and currently offers
additional access through 336 UUNET POPs, to which it has access on a
non-exclusive basis. The following map depicts the Company's POP network, as of
October 31, 1996:
 
                                       29
<PAGE>
   
                                  [MAP]
 
    Not reflected on this map are the approximately 225 POPs maintained by
PSINet, through which the Company has agreed to lease POP capacity on a
non-exclusive basis, which the Company anticipates becoming accessible to its
customers in early 1997. The Company is dependent on UUNET (and in the future
may also be dependent on PSINet) to continue to provide the Company's customers
with access to the Internet through its system of POPs. The inability or
unwillingness of either or both of these third-party network providers to permit
POP access to EarthLink's customers, or the Company's inability to secure
alternative POP arrangements, could have a material adverse effect on the
Company. See "Risk Factors -- Dependence on Third-Party Network Providers" and
"Risk Factors -- Dependence on Network Infrastructure; Capacity; Risk of System
Failure; Security Risks."
    
 
    For customers located in a geographic area not presently serviced by a local
POP, the EarthLink Network can be accessed by a toll-free number for which the
Company bills customers on an hourly usage basis. The Company's POP sites are
connected to the Internet primarily through its network hub in Los Angeles. The
Company's network hub is in turn connected directly to the Internet via leased
high-speed fiber optic data lines. The Company intends to relocate its network
hub from Los Angeles to Pasadena. See "-- Facilities" and "Risk Factors --
Dependence on Network Infrastructure; Capacity; Risk of System Failure; Security
Risks."
 
    The Company does not presently maintain redundant or backup Internet
services or backbone facilities or other redundant computing and
telecommunication facilities. Any accident, incident or system failure that
causes interruptions in the Company's operations could have a material adverse
effect on the Company's ability to provide Internet services to its customers,
and, in turn, on the Company.
 
CUSTOMER AND TECHNICAL SUPPORT
 
    The Company believes that reliable customer and technical support is
critical to retaining existing and attracting new customers. The Company
currently provides the following types of customer and technical support: (i)
toll-free, live telephone assistance available seven days a week, 24 hours a
day; (ii) email-based
 
                                       30
<PAGE>
assistance available seven days a week, 24 hours a day; (iii) help sites and
Internet guide files on the EarthLink Web site; (iv) automated "fax back" and
"fax on demand" assistance; and (v) printed reference material. Additionally,
the Company provides dedicated support for its business customers.
 
    In order to continue to improve its support services and to deliver those
services in a more timely and cost-effective manner, the Company is currently
expanding its call center facilities and installing new call management database
software. The Company also intends to purchase new call center hardware and
software.
 
    The Company's growth has placed, and is expected to continue to place, a
significant strain on its managerial, operational, financial and information
system resources. Demand on the Company's network infrastructure, technical
staff and resources has grown rapidly with the Company's expanding customer
base, and the Company has experienced difficulties satisfying the demand for its
Internet services. There can be no assurance that the Company's infrastructure,
information systems, technical staff and resources will be adequate to
facilitate the Company's growth. See "Risk Factors -- Risks Associated with
Management of Potential Growth."
 
SUPPLIER RELATIONSHIPS
 
    The Company is dependent on certain third-party suppliers of hardware
components. Certain components used by the Company in providing its network
services are currently acquired from limited sources. The Company also depends
on third-party software vendors to provide the Company with much of its Internet
software, including Netscape Navigator and Microsoft Explorer, the World Wide
Web browser software that the Company licenses from Netscape and Microsoft,
respectively. Failure of the Company's suppliers to provide components and
products in the quantities, at the quality levels or at the times required by
the Company, or an inability by the Company to develop alternative sources of
supply if required, could materially adversely affect the Company's ability to
effectively support the growth of its customer base in a timely manner and
result in delays in and increase its costs of expansion. Moreover, because
Netscape Navigator and Microsoft Explorer are the two most widely used Web
browsers, the failure of Netscape or Microsoft to continue to provide World Wide
Web browser software to the Company could have a material adverse effect on the
Company.
 
COMPETITION
 
    The Internet services market in which the Company operates is extremely
competitive, and the Company expects competition in this market to intensify in
the future. The Company's current and prospective competitors include many large
companies that have substantially greater market presence and financial,
technical, marketing and other resources than the Company. The Company competes
(or in the future is expected to compete) directly or indirectly with the
following categories of companies: (i) national and regional ISPs, such as BBN,
IDT, MindSpring, NETCOM, PSINet and UUNET; (ii) established online services such
as America Online, CompuServe, Prodigy and the Microsoft Network; (iii) computer
software and technology companies such as Microsoft; (iv) national
telecommunications companies, such as AT&T, MCI and Sprint; (v) RBOCs; (vi)
cable operators, such as Comcast, TCI and Time Warner; and (vii) nonprofit or
educational ISPs.
 
    The entry of new participants from these categories and the potential entry
of competitors from other categories (such as computer hardware manufacturers)
would result in substantially greater competition for the Company. The ability
of these competitors or others to bundle services and products with Internet
connectivity services could place the Company at a significant competitive
disadvantage. In addition, competitors in the telecommunications industry may be
able to provide customers with reduced communications costs in connection with
their Internet access services, reducing the overall cost of Internet access and
significantly increasing pricing pressures on the Company. Moreover, certain of
the Company's online competitors, including America Online, the Microsoft
Network and Prodigy, have recently announced unlimited access to the Internet
and their proprietary content at flat rates that are equal to the Company's flat
rate, and do not require a set-up fee. Certain of the RBOCs have also announced
competitive flat-rate pricing for unlimited
 
                                       31
<PAGE>
access (without a set-up fee) for at least some period of time. As a result,
competition for active users of Internet services should intensify. There can be
no assurance that the Company will be able to offset the adverse effect on
revenues of any necessary price reductions resulting from competitive pricing
pressures by increasing the number of its customers, by generating higher
revenue from enhanced services, by reducing costs or otherwise. See "Risk
Factors -- Competition."
 
    The Company believes that its ability to compete successfully in the
Internet services market depends on a number of factors, including market
presence; the adequacy of the Company's customer and technical support services;
the capacity, reliability and security of its network infrastructure; the ease
of access to and navigation of the Internet provided by the Company's services;
the pricing policies of the Company, its competitors and its suppliers; the
timing of introductions of new services by the Company and its competitors; the
Company's ability to support existing and emerging industry standards; and
industry and general economic trends. There can be no assurance that the Company
will have the financial resources, technical expertise or marketing and support
capabilities to compete successfully.
 
PROPRIETARY RIGHTS
 
    GENERAL.  The Company believes that its success is dependent in part on its
technology and its continuing right to use such technology. The Company relies
on a combination of copyright, trademark and trade secret laws and contractual
restrictions to establish and protect its technology. It is the Company's policy
to require employees and consultants and, when possible, suppliers to execute
confidentiality agreements upon the commencement of their relationships with the
Company. There can be no assurance that the steps taken by the Company will be
sufficient to prevent misappropriation of its technology and other proprietary
property or that the Company's competitors will not independently develop
technologies that are substantially equivalent or superior to the Company's
technology.
 
    There can be no assurance that third parties will not assert that
EarthLink's services infringe their proprietary rights. From time to time, the
Company has received communications from third parties alleging that certain of
the names or marks for the Company's services infringe the trademarks of such
third parties. To date, no such claims have had an adverse effect on the
Company's ability to market and sell its services. However, there can be no
assurance that those claims will not have an adverse effect in the future or
that other parties will not assert infringement claims against the Company in
the future with respect to current or future services. Such claims could result
in substantial costs and diversion of resources even if ultimately decided in
favor of the Company and could have a material adverse effect on the Company,
particularly if judgments on such claims are adverse to the Company. In the
event a claim is asserted alleging that the Company has infringed the
intellectual property or information of a third party, the Company may be
required to seek licenses to continue to use such intellectual property. There
can be no assurance, however, that such licenses would be offered or obtained on
commercially reasonable terms, if at all, or that the terms of any offered
licenses will be acceptable to the Company. The failure to obtain the necessary
licenses or other rights could have a material adverse effect on the Company.
 
    LICENSES.  EarthLink has obtained authorization, typically in the form of a
license, to distribute third-party software incorporated in the EarthLink
Network TotalAccess software product for Windows 3.1, Windows 95 and Macintosh
platforms. Applications licensed by the Company include Netscape Navigator (the
initial term of the license for which expires in December 1997 and thereafter
automatically renews for additional one-year terms unless either party
terminates the license on 120 days notice), Microsoft Explorer (the initial term
of the license for which expires in August 1998 and thereafter automatically
renews for additional one-year terms, although either party may terminate the
license at any time on 30 days notice), and MacTCP software from Apple (the
current term of the license for which expires on December 31, 1996 thereafter
and automatically renews for additional one-year terms unless either party
terminates the license on twelve-month notice). The only software in the
EarthLink Network TotalAccess package that is developed by the Company is the
front-end program and the installation/registration program. The Company
currently
 
                                       32
<PAGE>
intends to maintain or negotiate renewals of existing software licenses and
authorizations. The Company may want or need to license other applications in
the future. The failure to renew existing software licenses and authorizations
or license other applications could have a material adverse effect on the
Company.
 
    TRADEMARKS.  "EarthLink Network-Registered Trademark-," "EarthLink Network
TotalAccess-TM-," "bLink-TM-," "The Arena-TM-" and the EarthLink logo are
trademarks of the Company. This Prospectus includes trademarks of companies
other than the Company.
 
GOVERNMENT REGULATION
 
   
    The Company provides Internet services, in part, through data transmissions
over public telephone lines. These transmissions are governed by regulatory
policies establishing charges and terms for wire line communications. The
Company currently is not subject to direct regulation by the FCC or any other
governmental agency, other than regulations applicable to businesses generally.
However, in the future the Company could become subject to regulation by the FCC
or another regulatory agency as a provider of basic telecommunications services.
For example, a number of long distance telephone carriers recently filed a
petition with the FCC seeking a declaration that Internet telephone service is a
"telecommunications service" subject to common carrier regulation. Such a
declaration, if enacted, would create substantial barriers to the Company's
entry into the Internet telephone market. The FCC has requested comments on this
petition, but has not set a deadline for issuing a final decision. Also, a
number of local telephone companies have asked the FCC to levy access charges on
"enhanced service providers," which may be deemed to include ISPs. Although the
Chairman of the FCC has indicated his opposition to levying service charges
against ISPs, local interconnection charges could be levied in the future.
Moreover, the public service commissions of certain states are exploring the
adoption of regulations that might subject ISPs to state regulation.
    
 
   
    The recently enacted Telecommunications Act contains certain provisions that
lift, or establish procedures for lifting, certain restrictions relating to the
RBOCs' ability to engage directly in the Internet access business. The
Telecommunications Act also makes it easier for national long distance carriers
such as AT&T to offer local telephone service. In addition, the
Telecommunications Act allows the RBOCs to provide electronic publishing of
information and databases. Competition from these companies could have an
adverse effect on the Company's business. The Telecommunications Act also
imposes fines on any entity that knowingly (i) uses any interactive computer
service or telecommunications device to send obscene or indecent material to
minors; (ii) makes obscene or indecent material available to minors via an
interactive computer service; or (iii) permits any telecommunications facility
under such entity's control to be used for the purposes detailed above. The
standard for determining whether an entity acted "knowingly" has not yet been
established, although a federal district court panel recently issued a
preliminary injunction preventing enforcement of this part of the
Telecommunications Act. This decision has been appealed. See "Risk Factors --
Potential Liability."
    
 
   
    Due to the increasing use of the Internet, it is possible that additional
laws and regulations may be adopted with respect to the Internet, covering
issues such as content, user privacy, pricing, libel, intellectual property
protection and infringement and technology export and other controls. Changes in
the regulatory environment relating to the Internet access industry, including
regulatory changes that directly or indirectly affect telecommunications costs
or increase the likelihood or scope of competition from regional telephone
companies or others, could have a material adverse effect on the Company. See
"Risk Factors -- Competition."
    
 
EMPLOYEES
 
    As of September 30, 1996, the Company employed 463 people on a full-time
basis, including 92 sales and marketing personnel, 27 Web site and content
development personnel, 75 MIS and information technologies personnel, 197
customer and technical support representatives and 72 administrative personnel.
As of that date, the Company also employed 81 people on a part-time basis, most
of whom serve as telephone customer and technical support representatives. None
of the Company's employees are represented by a labor union, and the Company is
not a party to any collective bargaining agreement.
 
                                       33
<PAGE>
FACILITIES
 
    EarthLink's corporate headquarters are located in an 85,500-square foot
facility in Pasadena, California. The lease for this space expires June 30, 2001
and currently provides for rental payments of approximately $46,000 per month.
The Company has an option to extend this lease for an additional five years at
the then prevailing market rate. In addition to the Company's corporate
headquarters, the Company also leases approximately 7,200 square feet of office
space in Los Angeles that presently houses the Company's data center. The lease
for this space expires July 31, 1999 and currently provides for rental payments
of approximately $10,000 per month. EarthLink has signed a lease for an
additional 55,000 square feet in a facility located adjacent to its corporate
headquarters in which it plans to house its data center. The Company expects to
occupy this new space commencing February 1997 for an initial ten-year term at a
rent of $66,000 per month for the first 60 months and $77,000 per month for the
remaining 60 months. The Company has an option to extend this lease for an
additional ten years at the then prevailing market rate.
 
                                       34
<PAGE>
                                   MANAGEMENT
 
EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND DIRECTORS
 
    The following table sets forth certain information concerning the Company's
executive officers and directors:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
NAME                                           AGE     POSITION
- ------------------------------------------     ---     ---------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                         <C>        <C>
Sky D. Dayton.............................     25      Founder and Chairman of the Board of Directors
Charles G. Betty..........................     39      President, Chief Executive Officer and Director
Barry W. Hall.............................     48      Vice President, Finance and Administration and Chief Financial
                                                        Officer
Robert E. Johnson, Jr.....................     44      Vice President, Sales and Marketing
David R. Tommela..........................     57      Vice President, Operations
Brinton O.C. Young........................     45      Vice President, Strategic Planning
Sidney Azeez (1)..........................     64      Director
Robert M. Kavner (1)......................     53      Director
Linwood A. Lacy, Jr. (2)..................     51      Director
Paul McNulty..............................     35      Director
Kevin M. O'Donnell (2)....................     46      Director
John W. Sidgmore..........................     45      Director
Reed E. Slatkin (1)(2)....................     47      Director
</TABLE>
 
- ------------
 
(1)  Member of Audit Committee.
 
(2)  Member of Compensation Committee.
 
    SKY D. DAYTON, the founder of the Company, has served as Chairman of the
Board of Directors since the Company's inception in May 1994 and served as its
Chief Executive Officer from May 1994 until May 1996. From 1992 to 1993, he
served as co-owner of a computer-based digital imaging firm, Dayton Walker
Design. From 1991 to 1992, he served as Director of Marketing for new products
at Executive Software, a VAX/VMS utility software maker. From 1990 to 1994, Mr.
Dayton co-owned Cafe Mocha, a coffee house in Los Angeles, which he co-founded,
and was a co-owner of Joe Cafe, a coffee house in Studio City, California.
 
    CHARLES G. BETTY has served as the President and as a director of the
Company since January 1996, and in May 1996, was named the Company's Chief
Executive Officer. From February 1994 to January 1996, Mr. Betty was a strategic
planning consultant, advising Reply Corp., Perot Systems Corporation and
Microdyne, Inc. From September 1989 to February 1994, Mr. Betty served as
President, Chief Executive Officer and a director of Digital Communications
Associates, Inc., a publicly traded network connectivity provider.
 
    BARRY W. HALL has served as Vice President, Finance and Administration and
Chief Financial Officer of the Company since January 1996. From April 1994 to
December 1995, he was an independent management consultant. From 1989 to March
1994, Mr. Hall served as Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of California
Amplifier, Inc., a publicly traded manufacturer of microwave amplifiers. Prior
to joining California Amplifier, Inc., he served as Vice President of Finance
and Chief Financial Officer of Los Angeles Cellular Telephone Company. Mr. Hall
also worked for eight years as a certified public accountant with Arthur Young &
Company. He currently serves on the board of directors of Luther Medical
Products, Inc.
 
    ROBERT E. JOHNSON, JR. has served as Vice President, Sales and Marketing of
the Company since February 1995. From June 1992 through January 1995, he served
as Vice President of Sales for Competence Software, Inc., a provider of
interactive training software. From 1982 to May 1992, he was employed by Real
World Software, Inc., a provider of accounting software, and served as its Vice
President of National Sales from 1990 to May 1992. In December 1994, Mr. Johnson
filed a voluntary bankruptcy petition which was dismissed in January 1996 when
Mr. Johnson and his creditors agreed upon a repayment plan.
 
                                       35
<PAGE>
    DAVID R. TOMMELA has served as Vice President, Operations of the Company
since December 1995. From 1973 to August 1995, he served in various capacities
for, and ultimately as the Chief Information Officer of, Southern California
Edison Company, an electric power utility.
 
    BRINTON O.C. YOUNG has served as Vice President, Strategic Planning of the
Company since March 1996. From 1990 to 1996, Mr. Young was President of Young &
Associates, a consulting firm specializing in strategic planning for high growth
companies.
 
    SIDNEY AZEEZ has been a director of the Company since June 1996. During the
past five years, Mr. Azeez has been a private investor. Mr. Azeez founded
Ultronic Systems Corp., which produced a stock and commodity quotation system.
He also founded American Cellular Network, Inc. and Universal Telecell, Inc.
("Unitel"), cellular telephone companies, PCS, Inc., a wireless communications
company, and several banks in Colorado and New Jersey. Mr. Azeez is a director
of Unitel and Thermal Tech Development, Inc.
 
    ROBERT M. KAVNER has been a director of the Company since June 1996. Since
September 1996, he has served as President and Chief Executive Officer of On
Command Corporation, a provider of on demand video for the hospitality industry.
From 1994 through August 1995, he was director of business advisory services for
Creative Artist Agency. From 1984 to 1994, Mr. Kavner held several senior
management positions at AT&T, including Senior Vice President and Chief
Financial Officer, Executive Vice President of the Communications Products
Group, Chief Executive Officer of the Multimedia Products and Services Group,
President of the Computer Division, Chairman of the UNIX Systems Laboratory,
Chairman of AT&T Capital Corporation, Chairman of AT&T Paradyne Corporation and
Chairman of AT&T Venture Capital Group. Mr. Kavner also served as a member of
AT&T's Executive Committee. Mr. Kavner serves as a director of Fleet Financial
Group, Ascent Entertainment, Inc. and Tandem Computers, Inc.
 
    LINWOOD A. LACY, JR. has been a director of the Company since June 1996.
Since October 1996, he has served as President and Chief Executive Officer of
Micro Warehouse Incorporated. From 1989 to May 1996, he served as the
Co-Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Ingram Micro, Inc., a microcomputer
products distributor and a then wholly-owned subsidiary of Ingram Industries
Inc. From December 1993 to June 1995, Mr. Lacy was also President of Ingram
Industries Inc. From June 1995 until April 1996, he was President and CEO of
Ingram Industries Inc., and from April 1996 to May 1996 served as its Vice
Chairman. Mr. Lacy serves as a director of Ingram Industries Inc., Entex
Information Services, Inc. and Micro Warehouse Incorporated.
 
    PAUL MCNULTY has been a Director of the Company since November 1996. Mr.
McNulty has been a Managing Director of Soros Fund Management ("SFM"), a New
York-based investment firm, since January 1996, and was a Securities Analyst at
SFM from January 1993 until January 1996. Prior thereto, Mr. McNulty was
employed as an Associate at MVP Ventures, a venture capital firm in Boston,
Massachusetts.
 
    KEVIN M. O'DONNELL, a co-founder of the Company, has been a director of the
Company since its inception. Mr. O'Donnell is President of O'Donnell &
Associates, a venture capital firm specializing in emerging high technology
companies. In 1982, Mr. O'Donnell founded Government Technology Services, Inc.,
a reseller of computer equipment to the federal government, and from 1982 to
1990 served as its Chairman, Chief Executive Officer and President.
 
    JOHN W. SIDGMORE has served as a director of the Company since October 1996.
He has served as President and Chief Operating Officer of MFS Communications
Company, Inc. ("MFS") since August 1996 and as a director of MFS since October
1996. Mr. Sidgmore served as President, Chief Executive Officer and a director
of UUNET from June 1994 through August 1996 and has served as Chief Executive
Officer and a director of UUNET since August 1996. In 1989, he became President
and Chief Executive Officer of Intelicom Solutions Corporation (currently CSC
Intelicom), a telecommunications software company. In 1991, this company was
sold to Computer Sciences Corporation, and he remained President and Chief
Executive Officer until June 1994. From 1975 to 1989, Mr. Sidgmore was employed
by GEIS, where he was Vice President and General Manager of GEIS North America
from 1985 to 1989. Mr. Sidgmore is a director of Saville Systems PLC, a provider
of billing software for the telecommunications industry.
 
                                       36
<PAGE>
    REED E. SLATKIN, a co-founder of the Company, has been a director of the
Company since its inception. Mr. Slatkin is a private investor and money manager
who has invested in public and private companies for the last 15 years. Mr.
Slatkin is a director of Havenwood Ventures, Inc.
 
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
 
    Currently, all directors hold office until the next annual meeting of
stockholders and until their successors have been duly elected and qualified.
Following the first meeting of its stockholders subsequent to this Offering, and
provided that there are 800 or more beneficial owners of the Common Stock, the
Company anticipates that it will seek stockholder approval to divide its Board
into three classes, each serving a staggered three-year term. See "Description
of Capital Stock--Common Stock." The Board of Directors maintains an Audit
Committee and a Compensation Committee. The Audit Committee consists of Messrs.
Azeez, Kavner and Slatkin. The Audit Committee is responsible for making
recommendations to the Board regarding the selection of independent auditors,
reviews the results and scope of audits and other services provided by the
Company's independent auditors and reviews and evaluates the Company's internal
audit and control functions. The Compensation Committee consists of Messrs.
Lacy, O'Donnell and Slatkin. The Compensation Committee is responsible for
setting cash and long-term incentive compensation for executive officers and
other key employees of the Company. The Compensation Committee also administers
the Company's 1995 Stock Option Plan.
 
    The holders of the Company's outstanding Series A Convertible Preferred
Stock have the right to elect one director. Mr. McNulty was elected by the
holders of the Series A Convertible Preferred Stock. All outstanding shares of
the Series A Convertible Preferred Stock will automatically be converted into
Common Stock upon consummation of this Offering. In addition, pursuant to the
Note Purchase Agreement with UUNET, the Company agreed to fill a vacancy on the
Board of Directors with a designee of UUNET. Mr. Sidgmore has been designated by
UUNET pursuant to this provision.
 
TECHNOLOGY ADVISORY COUNCIL
 
   
    The Company has established a Technology Advisory Council, the purpose of
which is to help the Company predict and overcome long-range technology barriers
and to help the Company attract talented engineers and technology executives.
The Council is chaired by Mr. Dayton, and it is intended that the Council meet
at least quarterly. Except for Mr. Dayton, the members received warrants to
purchase 7,500 shares of Common Stock which vest in equal quarterly increments
over two years and have an exercise price of $11.00 per share. Presently, the
Council consists of the following three members in addition to Mr. Dayton:
    
 
    DAVID FARBER is an Alfred Fitler Moore Professor of Telecommunications
Systems holding appointments in the Computer and Information Science and
Electrical Engineering Departments at the University of Pennsylvania and is the
Director of the Center for Communications and Information Science and Policy.
Mr. Farber is a member of the boards of trustees of the Internet Society and the
Electronic Fronteir Foundation.
 
    DR. PHILIP M. NECHES is recently retired as Group Technical Officer,
Multimedia Products Group of Lucent Technologies, Inc. He has served as Senior
Vice President and Chief Scientist of NCR Corp. and was Group Technical Officer
for NCR Corp. after its acquisition by AT&T in 1991. Dr. Neches co-founded
Teradata Corporation, a company engaged in commercial parallel computing and
large-scale relational database management systems, and served as its Vice
President and Chief Scientist.
 
    DR. ARNO PENZIAS, a 1978 Nobel Prize recipient, is Chief Scientist at Lucent
Technologies, Inc. Previously he was head of research at Bell Laboratories.
 
                                       37
<PAGE>
DIRECTOR COMPENSATION
 
    Directors do not receive cash compensation for serving in that capacity, but
are reimbursed for the expenses they incur in attending meetings of the Board or
committees thereof. Non-employee directors are eligible to receive options to
purchase Common Stock awarded under the Company's Directors Stock Option Plan.
See "-- Directors Stock Option Plan."
 
EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
 
    The following table sets forth for the year ended December 31, 1995, certain
information regarding compensation paid to Sky D. Dayton, who served as the
Company's Chief Executive Officer during that year, and Robert E. Johnson, Jr.,
its Vice President, Sales and Marketing. Messrs. Dayton and Johnson were the
Company's only executive officers who earned in excess of $100,000 of salary and
bonus in 1995.
 
                           SUMMARY COMPENSATION TABLE
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                   LONG-TERM COMPENSATION
                                                                             ----------------------------------
                                                       ANNUAL COMPENSATION       SECURITIES
                                                       --------------------      UNDERLYING         ALL OTHER
NAME                                                    SALARY      BONUS        OPTIONS (#)      COMPENSATION
- -----------------------------------------------------  ---------  ---------  -------------------  -------------
<S>                                                    <C>        <C>        <C>                  <C>
Sky D. Dayton........................................  $  97,726  $  16,573         250,000            --
Robert E. Johnson, Jr................................     87,578     21,646(1)         50,000          --
</TABLE>
 
- ------------
 
(1)  Represents sales commissions.
 
    The current annual salaries of the Company's executive officers for 1996 are
as follows: Charles G. Betty, $225,000; Sky D. Dayton, $165,000; David R.
Tommela, $128,000; Barry W. Hall, $125,000; Robert E. Johnson, Jr., $100,000;
and Brinton O.C. Young, $90,000. For a description of the Company's employment
agreement with Mr. Betty, see "-- Employment Agreement." All of the foregoing
executive officers are eligible to receive a cash performance bonus for 1996. In
the case of all executive officers other than Mr. Johnson, the bonus will be
based on the growth in the Company's customer base and such other factors as the
Compensation Committee may deem relevant. Mr. Johnson is expected to receive
cash bonuses in the form of sales commissions for 1996 in excess of $100,000.
 
STOCK OPTION INFORMATION
 
    The following table sets forth certain information regarding options granted
in 1995 to the executive officers named in the Summary Compensation Table above.
 
               OPTION GRANTS DURING YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1995
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                        POTENTIAL REALIZABLE
                                                                                          VALUE AT ASSUMED
                                              % OF TOTAL                               ANNUAL RATES OF STOCK
                                 NUMBER OF      OPTIONS                                        PRICE
                                SECURITIES    GRANTED TO                                    APPRECIATION
                                UNDERLYING     EMPLOYEES     EXERCISE                   FOR OPTION TERMS (2)
                                  OPTIONS      IN FISCAL       PRICE     EXPIRATION   ------------------------
NAME                            GRANTED (#)      YEAR         ($/SH)        DATE          5%           10%
- ------------------------------  -----------  -------------  -----------  -----------  -----------  -----------
<S>                             <C>          <C>            <C>          <C>          <C>          <C>
Sky D. Dayton.................     250,000(1)        38.0%   $    1.81      6/18/05   $   284,575  $   721,168
Robert E. Johnson, Jr.........      50,000(1)         7.6         1.81      6/18/05        56,915      144,234
</TABLE>
    
 
- ------------
 
(1)  These options vest in equal increments of 5% per quarter over the five-year
     period beginning on the date of grant, June 19, 1995.
 
(2)  Amounts represent hypothetical gains that could be achieved for the
     respective options if exercised at the end of the option term. These gains
     are based on assumed rates of stock price appreciation of 5% and 10%
     compounded annually from the date the respective options were granted to
     their expiration date based upon the fair market value on the date of grant
     as determined by the Board of Directors. These assumptions are not intended
     to forecast future appreciation of the Company's stock price. The potential
     realizable value computation does not take into account federal or state
     income tax consequences of option exercises or sales of appreciated stock.
 
                                       38
<PAGE>
    The following table sets forth certain information regarding options granted
during the nine months ended September 30, 1996 to the executive officers named
in the Executive Compensation section above.
 
           OPTION GRANTS DURING NINE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 1996
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                        POTENTIAL REALIZABLE
                                   NUMBER OF   % OF TOTAL                                 VALUE AT ASSUMED
                                  SECURITIES     OPTIONS                            ANNUAL RATES OF STOCK PRICE
                                  UNDERLYING   GRANTED TO                                   APPRECIATION
                                    OPTIONS     EMPLOYEES   EXERCISE                    FOR OPTION TERMS (2)
                                    GRANTED     IN FISCAL     PRICE    EXPIRATION   ----------------------------
NAME                                (#)(1)        YEAR       ($/SH)       DATE           5%             10%
- --------------------------------  -----------  -----------  ---------  -----------  -------------  -------------
<S>                               <C>          <C>          <C>        <C>          <C>            <C>
Sky D. Dayton...................      --           --          --          --            --             --
Robert E. Johnson, Jr...........      --           --          --          --            --             --
Charles G. Betty................     175,000         20.6%  $    4.84     1/15/06   $   3,428,848  $   5,961,574
                                      75,000          8.8%      11.00     9/24/06       1,007,506      2,092,960
Barry W. Hall...................      50,000          5.9%       4.84     1/08/06         979,671      1,703,307
                                      25,000          2.9%       9.76     5/07/06         366,835        728,653
David R. Tommela................      12,500          1.5%       9.76     5/07/06         183,418        364,327
Brinton O.C. Young..............     112,500         13.3%       9.76     5/07/06       1,650,760      3,278,940
</TABLE>
    
 
- ------------
 
(1)  These options vest in equal increments of 5% per quarter over the five-year
     period beginning on the respective dates of grant.
 
(2)  Amounts represent hypothetical gains that could be achieved for the
     respective options if exercised at the end of the option term. These gains
     are based on assumed rates of stock price appreciation of 5% and 10%
     compounded annually from the date the respective options were granted to
     their expiration date, based on an assumed initial public offering price of
     $15.00 per share. These assumptions are not intended to forecast future
     appreciation of the Company's stock price. The potential realizable value
     computation does not take into account federal or state income tax
     consequences of option exercises or sales of appreciated stock.
 
    The following table sets forth certain information regarding stock options
held at December 31, 1995 by the executive officers named in the Summary
Compensation Table above. No such options were exercised by Mr. Dayton or Mr.
Johnson during 1995.
 
                     OPTION VALUES AS OF DECEMBER 31, 1995
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                    NUMBER OF
                                                              SECURITIES UNDERLYING        VALUE OF UNEXERCISED
                                                               UNEXERCISED OPTIONS       IN-THE-MONEY OPTIONS (1)
                                                            --------------------------  --------------------------
NAME                                                        EXERCISABLE  UNEXERCISABLE  EXERCISABLE  UNEXERCISABLE
- ----------------------------------------------------------  -----------  -------------  -----------  -------------
<S>                                                         <C>          <C>            <C>          <C>
Sky D. Dayton.............................................      25,000        225,000   $    75,750  $     681,750
Robert E. Johnson, Jr.....................................       5,000         45,000        15,150        136,350
</TABLE>
    
 
- ------------
 
(1)  The value of "in-the-money" options represents the difference between the
     exercise price of stock options and the fair market value for the Company's
     Common Stock, as determined by the Company's Board of Directors, of $4.84
     per share as of December 31, 1995.
 
                                       39
<PAGE>
    The following table sets forth certain information regarding stock options
held at September 30, 1996 by the executive officers named in the Executive
Compensation section above. None of these options has been exercised.
 
                     OPTION VALUES AS OF SEPTEMBER 30, 1996
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                    NUMBER OF
                                                              SECURITIES UNDERLYING        VALUE OF UNEXERCISED
                                                               UNEXERCISED OPTIONS       IN-THE-MONEY OPTIONS (1)
                                                            --------------------------  --------------------------
NAME                                                        EXERCISABLE  UNEXERCISABLE  EXERCISABLE  UNEXERCISABLE
- ----------------------------------------------------------  -----------  -------------  -----------  -------------
<S>                                                         <C>          <C>            <C>          <C>
Sky D. Dayton.............................................      62,500        187,500   $   824,375  $   2,473,125
Robert E. Johnson, Jr.....................................      12,500         37,500       164,875        494,625
Charles G. Betty..........................................      17,500        232,500       177,800      1,900,200
Barry W. Hall.............................................       6,250         68,750        57,350        581,650
David R. Tommela..........................................       6,250         43,750        60,425        386,075
Brinton O.C. Young........................................       5,625        106,875        29,475        560,025
</TABLE>
    
 
- ------------
 
(1)  The value of "in-the-money" options represents the difference between the
     exercise price of stock options and the assumed initial public offering
     price of $15.00.
 
EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT
 
    In January 1996, the Company entered into a two-year employment agreement
with Mr. Charles G. Betty. Under this agreement, the Company agreed to employ
Mr. Betty as its President and Chief Operating Officer at a salary of $225,000
per year plus a $24,000 a year travel allowance for Mr. Betty and his family and
such other benefits as are generally made available to other senior executives
of the Company. In May 1996, Mr. Betty was named the Company's Chief Executive
Officer. Mr. Betty is also guaranteed a bonus of at least $37,500 for 1996 and
may earn up to an additional $37,500 for 1996 if the Company has a specified
number of customers by year-end. The agreement provides that (i) if Mr. Betty is
terminated by the Company other than for "cause" or "total disability," as
defined in the agreement, (ii) if the Company elects not to extend the term of
the employment agreement at the end of the first two-year term or any yearly
extension or (iii) if Mr. Betty terminates his employment because of a breach of
the employment agreement by the Company, he is entitled to severance
compensation equal to 100% of his then-current annual salary. In connection with
entering into the employment agreement, Mr. Betty purchased 25,000 shares of the
Common Stock at $4.84 per share, and also was granted options to purchase an
additional 175,000 shares of Common Stock at an exercise price of $4.84 per
share. In addition, in September 1996, Mr. Betty was granted options to purchase
an additional 75,000 shares of Common Stock at an exercise price of $11.00 per
share. All of Mr. Betty's options vest in equal quarterly increments of 5%
during the five-year period beginning on the respective dates of grant, January
15, 1996 and September 24, 1996. In the event of a "change in control," as
defined in the agreement, the termination of Mr. Betty by the Company other than
for cause or if Mr. Betty terminates his employment because of a breach of the
agreement by the Company, all unvested options held by Mr. Betty will vest
immediately.
 
1995 STOCK OPTION PLAN AND OTHER OPTION AND WARRANT ISSUANCES
 
    The EarthLink Network 1995 Stock Option Plan (the "1995 Plan") provides for
the grant of incentive stock options to employees of the Company within the
meaning of Section 422 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, and
non-qualified stock options to employees, officers, directors and consultants of
the Company. The 1995 Plan is administered by the Compensation Committee of the
Board of Directors, which determines the terms of the options granted, including
the exercise price, the number of shares subject to option and the option
vesting period. The exercise price of all options granted under the plan must be
at least 85% of the fair market value (for non-qualified stock options) or 100%
of the fair market value (for incentive stock options) as of the date of grant.
As of September 30, 1996, options to purchase 1,005,750 shares of
 
                                       40
<PAGE>
Common Stock were outstanding under the 1995 Plan. In addition, as of that date
the Company had issued non-plan options and warrants to purchase an aggregate of
1,331,438 shares of Common Stock at exercise prices ranging from $0.60 to $20.00
per share.
 
DIRECTORS STOCK OPTION PLAN AND OTHER DIRECTOR OPTION ISSUANCES
 
   
    Under the Amended and Restated EarthLink Network, Inc. Stock Option Plan for
Directors (the "Directors Plan"), options to purchase 62,500 shares of Common
Stock may be granted to directors who do not also serve as employees of the
Company and do not beneficially own, nor are employees, directors or officers of
any entity that beneficially owns, 5% or more of the outstanding shares of the
Company's capital stock. Under the Directors Plan, grants of options to purchase
10,000 and 2,500 shares of Common Stock are automatically made to each
non-management director at the time such person first becomes a member of the
Board of Directors and at the beginning of each fiscal year of the Company,
respectively. As of September 30, 1996, there were no options to purchase shares
of Common Stock outstanding under the Directors Plan.
    
 
    Prior to the adoption by the Board of Directors of the Directors Plan, the
Company issued to each of Messrs. Kavner and Lacy warrants to purchase 50,000
shares of Common Stock at an exercise price of $4.84 per share, the amount then
determined by the Board of Directors to constitute fair market value, in
consideration of Messrs. Kavner's and Lacy's agreement to serve on the Board of
Directors. These warrants vest over a five-year period from January 12, 1996,
the date of grant.
 
                                       41
<PAGE>
                              CERTAIN TRANSACTIONS
 
    Kevin M. O'Donnell and Reed E. Slatkin are members of the Board of Directors
of the Company, and each owns more than five percent of the Company's
outstanding Common Stock. Messrs. O'Donnell and Slatkin have participated in the
Company's financing since inception, as described below.
 
    In December 1994, Messrs. Slatkin and O'Donnell provided a $400,000 credit
line to the Company for which each of them received warrants to purchase 75,000
shares of Common Stock at an exercise price of $1.81 per share, the amount then
determined by the Board of Directors to constitute the fair market value of the
Common Stock. Indebtedness outstanding under this line bore interest at 8.1% per
annum. The maximum amount outstanding under this line was $397,686, which was
repaid in full in September 1995.
 
    In August 1995 and January 1996, Mr. Slatkin agreed to act as lessee
together with the Company under equipment leases of $500,000 and $1.5 million,
respectively. As consideration for this agreement, the Company issued Mr.
Slatkin warrants to purchase 50,000 shares of Common Stock at an exercise price
of $1.81 per share and 100,000 shares of Common Stock at an exercise price of
$4.84 per share, the amount then determined by the Board of Directors to
constitute the fair market value as of August 1995 and January 1996,
respectively. The Company and Mr. O'Donnell subsequently agreed to indemnify Mr.
Slatkin against certain liability arising out of these leases. As consideration
for this agreement, Mr. Slatkin transferred one-half of these warrants to Mr.
O'Donnell.
 
    In December 1995, Mr. Slatkin guaranteed a $250,000 letter of credit as
security for the Company's lease of its Pasadena facility. In return, he
received warrants to purchase 50,000 shares of Common Stock at an exercise price
of $4.84 per share, the amount then determined by the Board of Directors to
constitute the fair market value of the Common Stock. The Company and Mr.
O'Donnell subsequently agreed to indemnify Mr. Slatkin with respect to certain
liability arising out of the letter of credit. As consideration for this
agreement, Mr. Slatkin transferred to Mr. O'Donnell one-half of these warrants.
 
    In addition, the Company and Messrs. Dayton, O'Donnell and Slatkin are
parties to a Buy-Sell Agreement pursuant to which the Company has the first
right of refusal upon sale or transfer of shares of Common Stock by such
persons. The right will expire upon consummation of this Offering. See Note 7 to
Notes to Financial Statements.
 
   
    From time to time since the Company's inception, the Company's officers,
directors and more than five percent stockholders (including certain of their
family members and affiliates) have purchased shares of Common Stock at the
weighted average per share purchase prices as follows: Charles G. Betty, 25,000
shares, $4.84 per share; Sky D. Dayton, 1,500,000 shares, $.0006 per share;
Sidney Azeez, 522,457 shares, $6.26 per share; Linwood A. Lacy, Jr., 24,810
shares, $4.84 per share; Robert M. Kavner, 20,675 shares, $4.84 per share;
Robert London, 372,032 shares, $2.16 per share; Kevin M. O'Donnell, 942,152
shares, $.84 per share; Reed E. Slatkin, 942,157 shares, $.84 per share; and
Storie Partners, L.P., 415,598 shares, $6.26 per share.
    
 
    In June 1996, the Company issued $2,950,000 of its 10% Promissory Notes to
17 purchasers, including certain of its directors and more than five percent
stockholders. In connection with this financing, and as additional consideration
for the investment of these purchasers, the Company also issued warrants to
purchase 98,340 shares of Common Stock having an exercise price of $11.00 per
share. The 10% Promissory Notes are due on or before June 6, 1997 with interest
payable monthly until such date. The warrants are exerciseable for five years
commencing on the date of issuance.
 
   
    The following directors and more than five percent stockholders participated
in this financing: Sidney Azeez, $200,000 note, 6,667 warrants; Robert M.
Kavner, $100,000 note, 3,334 warrants; Robert S. London, $200,000 note, 6,667
warrants; Kevin M. O'Donnell, $225,000 note, 7,500 warrants; Reed E. Slatkin,
$225,000 note, 7,500 warrants; and Storie Partners, L.P., $300,000 note, 10,000
warrants.
    
 
    In September 1996, the Company sold 2,727,273 shares of its Series A
Convertible Preferred Stock to certain purchasers, including, among others,
certain directors, stockholders, the Underwriter and certain of its
 
                                       42
<PAGE>
associates for approximately $15,000,000 in the aggregate. In connection with
this transaction, Quantum Industrial Partners LDC and persons and entities
associated with or employed by Soros Fund Management ("SFM") received warrants
to purchase up to 100,000 shares of Common Stock at an exercise price of $11.00
per share. Each two shares of Series A Convertible Preferred Stock will
automatically convert into one share of Common Stock upon the consummation of
this Offering.
 
   
    The following directors and more than five percent stockholders (including
certain of their family members and affiliates) participated in this financing
(share numbers reflect shares of Common Stock to be issued upon conversion of
the Series A Convertible Preferred Stock): Quantum Industrial Partners LDC
(933,063 shares of Common Stock and 95,300 shares of Common Stock underlying
warrants, which includes 214,545 shares of Common Stock and warrants to purchase
23,600 shares of Common Stock held by George Soros, who may be deemed to have
sole and ultimate control over SFM, in which Quantum Industrial Partners LDC has
vested investment discretion with respect to its portfolio investments, and
45,455 shares of Common Stock and 5,000 shares of Common Stock underlying
warrants held by trusts established for the benefit of certain children of Mr.
Soros); Storie Partners, L.P. (90,909 shares of Common Stock); Reed E. Slatkin
(39,273 shares of Common Stock); Sidney Azeez (15,000 shares of Common Stock);
Linwood A. Lacy, Jr. (10,000 shares of Common Stock); Robert S. London (10,000
shares of Common Stock); Paul McNulty (454 shares of Common Stock and 50 shares
of Common Stock underlying warrants); Kevin M. O'Donnell (10,000 shares of
Common Stock); and Charles G. Betty (5,000 shares of Common Stock).
    
 
    John W. Sidgmore, a member of the Company's Board of Directors, also serves
as a director and Chief Executive Officer of UUNET and as President and Chief
Operating Officer and as a director of UUNET's corporate parent, MFS. UUNET is
the Company's primary provider of POP capacity. In connection with the Company's
and UUNET's execution of a new network services agreement in May 1996, the
Company agreed to issue warrants to UUNET to purchase 10,000 shares of Common
Stock having an exercise price of $20.00 per share.
 
    In connection with an amendment to the Company's network services agreement
with UUNET, the Company issued a $5.0 million, one-year promissory note to UUNET
and filled a vacancy on the Board of Directors with a designate of UUNET, John
W. Sidgmore. This note bears interest at prime plus 2% per annum (an effective
rate of 10.25% per annum at December 1, 1996), and is convertible into a maximum
of 382,500 shares of Common Stock at a conversion price at between $13.20 and
$16.00 per share, depending on the number of shares of Common Stock, if any,
purchased in this Offering by certain investors referred to two paragraphs
above, and the public offering price of the Common Stock in this Offering. The
Company also granted UUNET registration rights identical to those presently held
by most of the Company's existing stockholders. For the year ended December 31,
1995 and the nine-month period ended September 30, 1996, EarthLink paid UUNET
approximately $52,000 and approximately $2.0 million for network services.
 
   
    Linwood A. Lacy, Jr., a member of the Company's Board of Directors, also
serves as President and Chief Executive Officer of Micro Warehouse Incorporated
("Micro Warehouse"), one of the Company's affinity marketing partners. For the
nine-month period ended September 30, 1996, the Company paid Micro Warehouse
approximately $35,000 in bounties for new Company customers generated by Micro
Warehouse.
    
 
    The Company believes that the foregoing transactions were on terms no less
favorable to the Company than could be obtained from unaffiliated parties. It is
the Company's current policy that all transactions by the Company with officers,
directors, more than five percent stockholders and their affiliates will be
entered into only if such transactions are approved by a majority of
disinterested independent directors and are on terms such directors believe are
no less favorable to the Company than could be obtained from unaffiliated
parties.
 
                                       43
<PAGE>
                             PRINCIPAL STOCKHOLDERS
 
   
    The following table sets forth certain information with respect to
beneficial ownership of the Common Stock as of November 30, 1996 by (i) each
person or entity who is known by the Company to own beneficially more than five
percent of the Common Stock, (ii) each of the Company's directors and executive
officers, and (iii) all directors and executive officers of the Company as a
group. This table gives effect to the automatic conversion, upon consummation of
this Offering, of all of the Company's outstanding Series A Convertible
Preferred Stock and includes options, warrants and other convertible securities
that are exercisable or convertible within 60 days of November 30, 1996.
    
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                       SHARES                PERCENTAGE OF
                                                                    BENEFICIALLY       SHARES BENEFICIALLY OWNED
                                                                   OWNED PRIOR TO      -------------------------
                                                                   AND AFTER THE       BEFORE THE     AFTER THE
NAME AND ADDRESS OF BENEFICIAL OWNERS (1)                             OFFERING          OFFERING       OFFERING
- ----------------------------------------------------------------  ----------------     ----------     ----------
<S>                                                               <C>                  <C>            <C>
Sky D. Dayton...................................................      1,575,000(2)          21.1%          16.6%
Kevin M. O'Donnell..............................................      1,134,677(3)          15.0           11.8
Reed E. Slatkin.................................................      1,163,930(4)          15.4           12.2
Sidney Azeez....................................................        544,124(5)           7.4            5.8
Charles G. Betty................................................         70,799(6)           1.0              *
Linwood A. Lacy, Jr.............................................         37,310(7)             *              *
Robert M. Kavner................................................         26,510(8)             *              *
Robert E. Johnson, Jr...........................................         15,000(9)             *              *
John W. Sidgmore................................................        392,500(10)          5.0            4.0
Paul McNulty....................................................            504(11)            *              *
Brinton O.C. Young..............................................         21,250(12)            *              *
Barry W. Hall...................................................         12,500(13)            *              *
David R. Tommela................................................          8,750(14)            *              *
Quantum Industrial Partners LDC.................................        673,063(15)          9.0            7.1
c/o Curacao Corporation Company N.V.
  Kaya Flamboyan 9
  Willemstad, Curacao
  Netherlands Antilles
UUNET Technologies, Inc.........................................        392,500(16)          5.0            4.0
  3060 Williams Drive
  Fairfax, Virginia 22031
Storie Partners, L.P............................................        506,507              6.9            5.4
  One Bush Street
  San Francisco, CA 94104
Robert S. London................................................        388,699(17)          5.3            4.1
  Cruttenden Roth Incorporated
  809 Presidio Ave.
  Santa Barbara, CA 93101
All directors and executive officers as a group (13 persons)....      5,002,854(18)         60.1%          48.5%
<FN>
- ------------
</TABLE>
 
 * Represents beneficial ownership of less than 1% of the Common Stock.
   
 (1) Except as otherwise indicated by footnote, the named person has sole voting
    and investment power with respect to all shares of Common Stock shown as
    beneficially owned.
    
   
 (2) Includes options to purchase 75,000 shares of Common Stock. Mr. Dayton's
    address is that of the Company.
    
   
 (3) Includes (i) 7,538 shares of Common Stock held by Mr. O'Donnell's son, (ii)
    warrants to purchase 182,500 shares of Common Stock, and (iii) options to
    purchase 25 shares of Common Stock held by Mr. O'Donnell's son. Mr.
    O'Donnell disclaims beneficial ownership of the shares of Common Stock held
    by his son and the shares of Common Stock issuable upon exercise of options
    held by his son. Mr. O'Donnell's address is 9933 Beverly Grove Drive,
    Beverly Hills, California 90210.
    
   
 (4) Includes (i) warrants to purchase 182,500 shares of Common Stock and (ii)
    7,428 shares of Common Stock held in trust for Mr. Slatkin's minor children.
    Mr. Slatkin's address is 890 N. Kellog Avenue, Santa Barbara, California
    93111.
    
   
 (5) Includes (i) 302,861 shares of Common Stock held by Mr. Azeez's family and
    (ii) warrants to purchase 6,667 shares of Common Stock. The address of Mr.
    Azeez is c/o Unitel Cellular Communications Systems, Bayport One, Suite 400,
    West Atlantic City, New Jersey 08232.
    
 (6) Includes (i) options to purchase 38,750 shares of Common Stock and (ii)
    2,049 shares of Common Stock held by Mr. Betty's father-in-law and
    mother-in-law of which Mr. Betty disclaims beneficial ownership.
 (7) Includes warrants to purchase 2,500 shares of Common Stock.
 (8) Includes warrants to purchase 5,835 shares of Common Stock.
 (9) Includes options to purchase 15,000 shares of Common Stock.
(10) Includes 10,000 shares of Common Stock issuable upon the exercise of
    warrants and up to 382,500 shares of Common Stock issuable upon the
    conversion of outstanding indebtedness. Mr. Sidgmore is Chief Executive
    Officer and a director of UUNET and shares voting and investment power with
    the other UUNET directors.
(11) Includes warrants to purchase 50 shares of Common Stock.
(12) Includes options to purchase 11,250 shares of Common Stock.
(13) Includes options to purchase 12,500 shares of Common Stock.
(14) Includes options to purchase 8,750 shares of Common Stock.
 
                                       44
<PAGE>
(15) Includes warrants to purchase 66,700 shares of Common Stock. Quantum
    Industrial Partners LDC ("Quantum Industrial") has vested investment
    discretion with respect to its portfolio investments, including the Common
    Stock, in SFM, a sole proprietorship of Mr. George Soros, over which Mr.
    Soros may be deemed to have sole and ultimate control. Mr. Soros may be
    deemed to be the beneficial owner of the Common Stock held by Quantum
    Industrial. The shares shown exclude 214,545 shares of Common Stock and
    warrants to purchase 23,600 shares of Common Stock held directly by Mr.
    Soros and 45,455 shares of Common Stock and warrants to purchase 5,000
    shares of Common Stock held by trusts established for the benefit of certain
    children of Mr. Soros. The shares shown also exclude 42,727 shares of Common
    Stock and warrants to purchase 4,700 shares of Common Stock held by certain
    managing directors and other employees of SFM, of which Mr. Soros disclaims
    beneficial ownership.
(16) Includes 10,000 shares of Common Stock issuable upon the exercise of
    warrants and up to 382,500 shares of Common Stock issuable upon the
    conversion of outstanding indebtedness.
(17) Includes warrants to purchase 6,667 shares of Common Stock.
(18) Includes (i) options and warrants to purchase 551,300 shares of Common
    Stock and (ii) 319,876 shares of Common Stock owned by family members or
    affiliates of certain members of the group, (iii) options and warrants held
    by family members or affiliates of certain members of the group to purchase
    25 shares of Common Stock and (iv) up to 382,500 shares of Common Stock
    issuable upon the conversion of outstanding indebtedness held by UUNET, of
    which Mr. Sidgmore serves as Chief Executive Officer and a director.
 
                                       45
<PAGE>
                          DESCRIPTION OF CAPITAL STOCK
 
   
    The authorized capital stock of the Company consists of (i) 50 million
shares of Common Stock, $0.01 par value per share, and (ii) 10 million shares of
Preferred Stock, $0.01 par value per share, of which there is one authorized
series, Series A Convertible Preferred Stock, consisting of 2,727,273 authorized
shares. As of September 30, 1996, there were 6,022,724 shares of Common Stock
outstanding and 2,727,273 shares of Series A Convertible Preferred Stock. The
shares of Series A Convertible Preferred Stock will automatically convert into
1,363,624 shares of Common Stock upon consummation of this Offering. The
following summary is qualified in its entirety by reference to the Company's
Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation, which is filed as an exhibit
to the Registration Statement of which this Prospectus is a part.
    
 
COMMON STOCK
 
   
    Under the Delaware General Corporation Law and the Company's Amended and
Restated Certificate of Incorporation, holders of Common Stock are entitled to
one vote per share on all matters submitted to a vote of the stockholders,
including the election of directors. The Company's Amended and Restated
Certificate of Incorporation provides for cumulative voting rights in the
election of directors, meaning that in such elections (i) each stockholder is
entitled to cast such number of votes as is equal to the product of the number
of shares owned by such stockholder multiplied by the number of directors
standing for election and (ii) each stockholder may cast all of such votes for a
single director or may distribute them among any two or more candidates for
election as such stockholder chooses. Following the first meeting of its
stockholders subsequent to this Offering, and provided that there are 800 or
more beneficial owners of the Common Stock, the Company anticipates that it will
seek stockholder approval to eliminate cumulative voting. The Common Stock
carries no preemptive rights and is not convertible, redeemable or assessable.
The holders of Common Stock are entitled to dividends in such amounts and at
such times as may be declared by the Board of Directors out of funds legally
available therefor. See "Dividend Policy." Upon the liquidation, dissolution or
winding up of the Company, the holders of Common Stock are entitled to receive
ratably the net assets of the Company available after payment or provision for
payment of all debts and other liabilities subject to prior rights of holders of
Preferred Stock then outstanding, if any. All shares of Common Stock outstanding
immediately following this Offering will be fully paid and non-assessable.
    
 
   
    Pursuant to Section 2115 of the California Corporations Code (the
"California Law"), a corporation incorporated in a state other than California
(such as the Company, which is incorporated in Delaware) may nevertheless be
subject to certain of the provisions of the California Law (as specified in
Section 2115 of the California Law) applicable to California corporations
(commonly designated a "Quasi-California Corporation") if more than one-half of
its outstanding voting securities are owned of record by persons having
addresses in California and more than half of its business is conducted in
California (generally, the average of its property factor, payroll factor and
sales factor (as defined in Sections 25129, 25132 and 25134 of the California
Revenue and Taxation Code) is more than 50 percent during its latest full income
year). Such a foreign corporation will not be treated as a Quasi-California
Corporation, however, if it has outstanding securities trading on the Nasdaq
National Market and has at least 800 holders of its equity securities as of the
record date of its most recent annual shareholders' meeting. Prior to this
Offering, a substantial majority of the Company's outstanding voting securities
were owned of record by persons having addresses in California. It is expected
that such percentage will be reduced as a result of this Offering. To the
extent, however, that the Company meets the requirements set forth in Section
2115 of the California Law, the Company could become a Quasi-California
Corporation subject to the California Law which, among other things, requires
cumulative voting and is more restrictive than the Delaware General Corporation
Law concerning dividends and other distributions to stockholders and, generally
with respect to a Quasi-California Corporation, does not permit classification
of the Board of Directors.
    
 
PREFERRED STOCK
 
   
    The Company's Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation authorizes
the issuance of 10 million shares of Preferred Stock, all of which will be
available for future issuance upon consummation of this Offering.
    
 
                                       46
<PAGE>
Preferred Stock may be issued from time to time in one or more series, and the
Board of Directors, without further approval of the stockholders, is authorized
to fix the dividend rights and terms, conversion rights, voting rights,
redemption rights and terms, liquidation preferences, sinking funds and any
other rights, preferences, privileges and restrictions applicable to each such
series of Preferred Stock. The issuance of Preferred Stock, while providing
flexibility in connection with possible acquisitions and other corporate
purposes, could, among other things, adversely affect the voting power of the
holders of Common Stock and, under certain circumstances, make it more difficult
for a third party to gain control of the Company, discourage bids for the Common
Stock at a premium, or otherwise adversely affect the market price of the Common
Stock.
 
CERTAIN CHARTER AND BYLAW PROVISIONS
 
    Following the consummation of this Offering, the Company will be subject to
the "business combination" statute of the Delaware General Corporation Law. This
statute prohibits a publicly-held Delaware corporation from engaging in a
"business combination" with an "interested stockholder" for a period of three
years after the date of the transaction in which the person became an interested
stockholder, unless the business combination is approved in a prescribed manner,
such as the approval of a majority of certain members of the Board of Directors.
The term "business combination" includes mergers and stock and asset sales. An
"interested stockholder" is a person who, together with affiliates and
associates, owns (or within three years, did own) 15% or more of the
corporation's voting stock. The effect of this statute could, among other
things, make it more difficult for a third party to gain control of the Company,
discourage bids for the Common Stock at a premium or otherwise adversely affect
the market price of the Common Stock.
 
LIMITATION OF DIRECTORS' AND OFFICERS' LIABILITY; INDEMNIFICATION
 
   
    The Company has included in its Amended and Restated Certificate of
Incorporation provisions that limit the personal liability of its officers and
directors for monetary damages for breach of their fiduciary duty of directors,
except for liability that cannot be eliminated under the Delaware General
Corporation Law. The Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation provides
that, to the fullest extent provided by the Delaware General Corporation Law,
directors of the Company will not be personally liable for monetary damages for
breach of their fiduciary duty as directors. The Delaware General Corporation
Law does not permit a provision in a corporation's certificate of incorporation
that would eliminate such liability (i) for any breach of their duty of loyalty
to the Company or its stockholders, (ii) for acts or omissions not in good faith
or that involve intentional misconduct or a knowing violation of law, (iii) for
any unlawful payment of a dividend or unlawful stock repurchase or redemption,
as provided in Section 174 of the Delaware General Corporation Law, or (iv) for
any transaction from which the director derived an improper personal benefit.
    
 
    While these provisions provide directors with protection from awards for
monetary damages for breaches of their duty of care, they do not eliminate such
duty. Accordingly, these provisions will have no effect on the availability of
equitable remedies such as an injunction or rescission based on a director's
breach of his or her duty of care. The provisions described above apply to an
officer of a corporation only if he or she is a director of such corporation and
is acting in his or her capacity as director, and do not apply to the officers
of the corporation who are not directors.
 
    The Company's Bylaws provide that, to the fullest extent permitted by the
Delaware General Corporation Law, the Company may indemnify its directors,
officers and employees. The Bylaws further provide that the Company may
similarly indemnify its other employees and agents. In addition, the Company
anticipates that each director will enter into an indemnification agreement with
the Company pursuant to which the Company will indemnify such director to the
fullest extent permitted by the Delaware General Corporation Law. At present,
there is no pending litigation or proceeding involving a director or officer of
the Company in which indemnification is required or permitted, and the Company
is not aware of any threatened litigation or proceeding that may result in a
claim for such indemnification.
 
                                       47
<PAGE>
REGISTRATION RIGHTS
 
    The holders of substantially all of the shares of Common Stock and all of
the shares of Series A Convertible Preferred Stock outstanding prior to this
Offering (including the Company's founder and Chairman of the Board and its
President and Chief Executive Officer) as well as certain holders of warrants
and convertible debt are parties to registration rights agreements with the
Company. These agreements provide incidental or "piggyback" registration rights
that allow such holders, under certain circumstances, to include shares of
Common Stock in registration statements initiated by the Company or other
stockholders. These agreements also permit demand registrations on Form S-3
registration statements at such time when the Company is eligible to register
its capital stock on such form. These agreements do not permit holders of
registration rights to include their shares of Common Stock in this Offering. In
addition, the Company has agreed to register 20,000 shares of Common Stock to be
issued pursuant to a consulting agreement in equal increments in January 1998
and January 1999. See "Shares Eligible for Future Sale."
 
TRANSFER AGENT AND REGISTRAR
 
    The Company's Transfer Agent and Registrar is American Stock Transfer &
Trust Company.
 
                                       48
<PAGE>
                        SHARES ELIGIBLE FOR FUTURE SALE
 
    Prior to this Offering, there has been no market for the Common Stock.
Future sales of substantial amounts of Common Stock in the public market could
adversely affect market prices prevailing from time to time. Sales of
substantial amounts of Common Stock in the public market after various
restrictions lapse could adversely affect the prevailing market price and the
ability of the Company to raise equity capital in the future.
 
    Upon the completion of this Offering, 9,386,348 shares of Common Stock will
be outstanding. Of these shares, the 2,000,000 shares of Common Stock sold in
this Offering will be freely tradable without restriction under the Securities
Act, except that shares purchased by "affiliates" of the Company, as that term
is defined in Rule 144 under the Securities Act, may generally be sold only in
compliance with the limitations of Rule 144.
 
   
    The remaining 7,386,348 shares were issued and sold by the Company in
private transactions and may be publicly sold only if registered under the
Securities Act or sold in accordance with an applicable exemption from
registration, such as those provided under Rules 144 and 701 under the
Securities Act. Of such shares, 2,220,590 shares will be immediately available
for sale upon completion of this Offering (subject to the volume limitations of
Rule 144) and 2,054,815 shares will become eligible for sale during 1997.
However, the holders of 7,294,004 shares of Common Stock (including shares of
Common Stock issuable upon conversion of the Series A Convertible Preferred
Stock) and warrants, options and convertible debt securities exercisable or
convertible into an aggregate of 1,988,890 shares of Common Stock (including all
of the Company's directors and officers) have entered into lock-up agreements
under which they have agreed not to offer, sell or otherwise dispose of any such
shares of Common Stock, any such options or warrants to acquire shares of Common
Stock or any such securities convertible into shares of Common Stock (or any
shares of Common Stock issuable upon exercise or conversion of such securities)
owned by them for a period of one year after the date of this Prospectus,
without the prior written consent of the Underwriter. The Company has entered
into a similar agreement, except that the Company may grant additional options
under its 1995 Stock Option Plan or issue shares of Common Stock under
outstanding options, warrants and convertible securities.
    
 
    The holders of substantially all of the shares of the shares of Common Stock
and all of the shares of Series A Convertible Preferred Stock outstanding prior
to this Offering (including the Company's founder and Chairman and its President
and Chief Executive Officer) as well as certain holders of warrants and
convertible debt are parties to registration rights agreements with the Company
that provide incidental or "piggyback" registration rights that allow such
holders, under certain circumstances, to include shares of Common Stock in
registration statements initiated by the Company or other stockholders. Such
registration rights agreements also permit demand registrations on Form S-3
registration statements at such time as the Company is eligible to register
securities on such form. The number of shares sold in the public market could
increase if such rights are exercised. See "Description of Capital Stock --
Registration Rights."
 
    Approximately 90 days after the date of this Prospectus, the Company intends
to file a Registration Statement on Form S-8 covering shares issuable under the
Company's 1995 Stock Option Plan (including shares subject to then outstanding
options under such plans), thus permitting the resale of such shares in the
public market without restriction under the Securities Act after expiration of
the applicable lock-up agreements.
 
    Following the expiration of the 90-day period following the date of this
Prospectus, 1,005,750 shares of Common Stock subject to outstanding options will
become eligible for sale, to the extent they are vested, without restriction in
the public market pursuant to Rule 701; however, 487,500 of such shares will be
subject to lock-up agreements for an additional 275 days.
 
    In general, under Rule 144 as currently in effect, a person (or persons
whose shares are aggregated) who has beneficially owned shares for at least two
years (including the holding period of any prior owner, except an affiliate) is
entitled to sell within any three month period commencing 90 days after the date
of this Prospectus, a number of shares that does not exceed the greater of (i)
one percent of the number of shares of Common Stock then outstanding or (ii) the
average weekly trading volume of the Common Stock during the four
 
                                       49
<PAGE>
calendar weeks preceding the required filing of a Form 144 with respect to such
sale. Sales under Rule 144 are generally subject to certain manner of sale
provisions and notice requirements and to the availability of current public
information about the Company.
 
    The Securities and Exchange Commission (the "Commission") has recently
proposed reducing the initial Rule 144 holding period to one year. There can be
no assurance as to if or when such rule changes will be enacted. If enacted,
such modifications will have a material effect on the times when shares of the
Company's Common Stock become eligible for resale.
 
                                       50
<PAGE>
                                  UNDERWRITING
 
    Under the terms and subject to the conditions contained in an Underwriting
Agreement dated            , 1996 (the "Underwriting Agreement"), the
Underwriter has agreed to purchase from the Company 2,000,000 shares of Common
Stock at the initial public offering price less the underwriting discounts and
commissions set forth on the cover page of this Prospectus.
 
    The Underwriting Agreement provides that the obligations of the Underwriter
are subject to certain conditions precedent and that the Underwriter will be
obligated to purchase all of the shares of Common Stock offered hereby if any
are purchased.
 
    The Company has granted the Underwriter an option, expiring at the close of
business on the 30th day after the date of this Prospectus, to purchase up to
300,000 additional shares of Common Stock at the initial public offering price
less the underwriting discounts and commissions as set forth on the cover page
of this Prospectus. Such option may be exercised only to cover over-allotments
in the sale of the shares of Common Stock.
 
    The Company has been advised by the Underwriter that the Underwriter
proposes to offer the Common Stock to the public initially at the offering price
set forth on the cover page of this Prospectus. The Underwriter may allot to
certain dealers a concession of $  per share, and the Underwriter and such
dealers may re-allow a concession of $  per share on sales to certain other
dealers. After the initial public offering, the public offering price and
concessions to dealers may be changed by the Underwriter.
 
   
    The Company, the holders of 7,294,004 shares of Common Stock (including
shares issuable upon conversion of the Series A Convertible Preferred Stock) and
warrants, options and convertible debt securities exercisable or convertible
into an aggregate of 1,988,890 shares of Common Stock (including all of the
Company's officers and directors) have entered into lock-up agreements under
which they have agreed, subject to limited exceptions, not to offer, issue, sell
or otherwise dispose of any such shares of Common Stock, any such options or
warrants to acquire shares of Common Stock or any such securities convertible
into shares of Common Stock (or any shares of Common Stock issuable upon
exercise or conversion of such securities) owned by them for a period of one
year after the date of this Prospectus, without the prior written consent of the
Underwriter. See "Shares Eligible for Future Sale."
    
 
    The Company has agreed to indemnify the Underwriter against certain
liabilities, including civil liabilities under the Securities Act, or to
contribute to payments which the Underwriter may be required to make with
respect thereto.
 
    Prior to this Offering, there has been no public market for the Common
Stock. The initial public offering price will be determined through negotiations
between the Company and the Underwriter and may not be indicative of the market
price of the Common Stock following this Offering. Among the factors to be
considered in such negotiations are an estimate of the business potential of the
Company, the present state of the Company's development, an assessment of the
Company's management, prevailing market conditions, the demand for similar
securities of comparable companies and other factors deemed relevant.
 
   
    At the request of the Company, the Underwriter is reserving up to 200,000
shares of Common Stock (10% of the shares to be offered) for sale to employees,
directors and friends of the Company. The number of shares available for sale to
the general public in this Offering will be reduced to the extent such persons
purchase such reserved shares. Shares purchased by employees, directors and
friends of the Company will be at the public offering price as set forth on the
cover page of this Prospectus. Any reserved shares not so purchased will be
offered by the Underwriters to the general public in this Offering.
    
 
    As of October 31, 1996, the Underwriter and certain officers and employees
of the Underwriter held 113,635 shares of Series A Convertible Preferred Stock
(which will be converted into 56,815 shares of Common Stock upon completion of
the offering). In addition, two minority shareholders and directors of the
Underwriter's corporate parent own an aggregate of 13,636 shares of Series A
Convertible Preferred Stock
 
                                       51
<PAGE>
which will be converted into 6,817 shares of Common Stock upon completion of the
offering. Such Series A Convertible Preferred Stock was purchased in September
1996 for $5.50 per share. For a period of one year following the date of this
Prospectus, the Underwriter and the other holders of Series A Convertible
Preferred Stock described in this paragraph will not sell, transfer, assign,
pledge or hypothecate the Series A Convertible Preferred Stock or the Common
Stock issuable upon conversion of the Series A Convertible Preferred Stock,
other than to the Underwriter or an officer of the Underwriter.
 
                                 LEGAL MATTERS
 
   
    The validity of the issuance of the shares of Common Stock offered hereby
will be passed upon for the Company by Hunton & Williams, Atlanta, Georgia.
Certain legal matters in connection with the Offering will be passed upon for
the Underwriter by Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
    
 
                                    EXPERTS
 
    The financial statements as of December 31, 1994 and 1995 and September 30,
1996 and for the period from inception through December 31, 1994, the year ended
December 31, 1995 and the nine months ended September 30, 1996 included in this
Prospectus have been so included in reliance on the report of Price Waterhouse
LLP, independent accountants, given on the authority of said firm as experts in
auditing and accounting.
 
                             ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
 
    The Company has filed a registration statement on Form S-1 (the
"Registration Statement") with the Commission under the Securities Act in
respect of the Common Stock offered hereby. This Prospectus omits certain
information contained in the Registration Statement as permitted by the rules
and regulations of the Commission. For further information with respect to the
Company and the Common Stock offered hereby, reference is made to the
Registration Statement, including the exhibits thereto. Statements herein
concerning the contents of any contract or other document filed with the
Commission as an exhibit to the Registration Statement are not necessarily
complete and are qualified in all respects by such reference. Copies of the
Registration Statement, including all exhibits and schedules thereto, may be
inspected without charge at the public reference facilities maintained by the
Commission at 450 Fifth Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20549, and copies of such
material can be obtained from the Public Reference Section of the Commission
upon payment of certain fees prescribed by the Commission. The Commission
maintains a World Wide Web site that contains reports, proxy and information
statements and other information regarding registrants that file electronically
with the Commission. The address of that site is http://www.sec.gov.
 
                                       52
<PAGE>
                            EARTHLINK NETWORK, INC.
                         INDEX TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                            PAGE
<S>                                                                         <C>
Report of Independent Accountants.........................................  F-2
 
Balance Sheet as of December 31, 1994 and 1995 and September 30, 1996.....  F-3
 
Statement of Operations for the period from inception (May 26, 1994)
 through December 31, 1994, the year ended December 31, 1995 and the nine
 months ended September 30, 1995 (unaudited) and September 30, 1996.......  F-4
 
Statement of Stockholders' Equity (Deficit) for the period from inception
 (May 26, 1994) through December 31, 1994, the year ended December 31,
 1995 and the nine months ended September 30, 1996........................  F-5
 
Statement of Cash Flows for the period from inception (May 26, 1994)
 through December 31, 1994, the year ended December 31, 1995 and the nine
 months ended September 30, 1995 (unaudited) and September 30, 1996.......  F-6
 
Notes to Financial Statements.............................................  F-7
</TABLE>
 
                                      F-1
<PAGE>
                       REPORT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS
 
To the Board of Directors and Stockholders
of EarthLink Network, Inc.
 
    In our opinion, the accompanying balance sheet and the related statements of
operations, of changes in stockholders' equity (deficit) and of cash flows
present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of EarthLink
Network, Inc. at December 31, 1994 and 1995 and September 30, 1996, and the
results of its operations and its cash flows for the period from inception (May
26, 1994) through December 31, 1994, the year ended December 31, 1995 and the
nine months ended September 30, 1996 in conformity with generally accepted
accounting principles. These financial statements are the responsibility of the
Company's management; our responsibility is to express an opinion on these
financial statements based on our audits. We conducted our audits of these
statements in accordance with generally accepted auditing standards which
require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about
whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit
includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and
disclosures in the financial statements, assessing the accounting principles
used and significant estimates made by management, and evaluating the overall
financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a
reasonable basis for the opinion expressed above.
 
PRICE WATERHOUSE LLP
 
Costa Mesa, California
December 4, 1996
 
                                      F-2
<PAGE>
                            EARTHLINK NETWORK, INC.
 
                                 BALANCE SHEET
 
                                     ASSETS
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                        PRO FORMA
                                                                                                      STOCKHOLDERS'
                                                                                                        EQUITY AT
                                                              DECEMBER 31,            SEPTEMBER 30,   SEPTEMBER 30,
                                                          1994            1995            1996            1996
                                                      -------------   -------------   -------------   -------------
                                                                                                       (UNAUDITED)
                                                                                                         NOTE 7)
                                                                     (IN THOUSANDS)
<S>                                                   <C>             <C>             <C>             <C>
Current assets:
  Cash and cash equivalents.........................       --         $         290   $      8,688
  Restricted short-term investment (Note 6).........       --                 1,500            296
  Accounts receivable, net of allowance of $664
   at September 30, 1996............................  $          27             218          1,765
  Prepaid expenses..................................       --                   123            712
  Other assets (Note 4).............................                            122            653
                                                              -----   -------------   -------------
      Total current assets..........................             27           2,253         12,114
Property and equipment, net (Notes 1 and 3).........             90           2,551         13,453
Intangibles, net (Notes 2, 5 and 8).................             69              70            466
                                                              -----   -------------   -------------
      Total assets..................................  $         186   $       4,874   $     26,033
                                                              -----   -------------   -------------
                                                              -----   -------------   -------------
 
                        LIABILITIES, MANDATORILY REDEEMABLE CONVERTIBLE PREFERRED STOCK AND
                                          STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY (DEFICIT)
 
Current liabilities:
  Trade accounts payable............................  $          18   $       1,766   $      5,878
  Accrued payroll and related expenses..............              4             193          1,522
  Other accounts payable and accrued liabilities....       --                   405          3,809
  Lines of credit (Note 6)..........................       --                 1,494        --
  Current portion of capital lease obligations (Note
   10)..............................................       --                   159          2,857
  Notes payable (Note 6)............................             67        --                2,950
  Deferred revenue..................................       --                   212          1,537
                                                              -----   -------------   -------------
      Total current liabilities.....................             89           4,229         18,553
Capital lease obligations, net of current portion
  (Note 10).........................................       --                   355          5,388
                                                              -----   -------------   -------------
      Total liabilities.............................             89           4,584         23,941
                                                              -----   -------------   -------------
Commitments and contingencies (Note 10)
Mandatorily redeemable convertible preferred stock
  (Note 7)..........................................       --              --               14,013    $    --
 
Stockholders' equity (deficit)
  Preferred Stock, $0.01 par value, 10,000,000
   shares authorized, nil, nil and 2,727,273 shares
   outstanding as redeemable preferred stock........       --              --              --
  Common Stock, $0.01 par value, 50,000,000 shares
   authorized, 2,941,180, 5,057,165 and 6,022,724
   issued and outstanding 7,386,348 outstanding on a
   pro forma basis (Note 7).........................             29              51             60              74
  Additional paid-in capital........................            147           5,122         14,236          28,235
  Warrants to purchase common stock (Note 8)........             69             124            599             599
  Accumulated deficit...............................           (148)         (5,007)       (26,816)        (26,816)
                                                              -----   -------------   -------------   -------------
Total stockholders' equity (deficit)................             97             290        (11,921)   $      2,092
                                                              -----   -------------   -------------   -------------
                                                              -----   -------------   -------------   -------------
                                                      $         186   $       4,874   $     26,033
                                                              -----   -------------   -------------
                                                              -----   -------------   -------------
</TABLE>
    
 
   The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
 
                                      F-3
<PAGE>
                            EARTHLINK NETWORK, INC.
                            STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                            INCEPTION
                                            (MAY 26,
                                              1994)                             NINE MONTHS ENDED
                                             THROUGH       YEAR ENDED     -----------------------------
                                          DECEMBER 31,    DECEMBER 31,    SEPTEMBER 30,   SEPTEMBER 30,
                                              1994            1995            1995            1996
                                          -------------   -------------   -------------   -------------
                                                                           (UNAUDITED)
                                                      (IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)
<S>                                       <C>             <C>             <C>             <C>
Revenues:
  Recurring revenues....................  $         53    $      2,422    $      1,057    $     15,914
  Other revenues........................            58             606             390           4,248
                                          -------------   -------------   -------------   -------------
    Total revenues......................           111           3,028           1,447          20,162
Operating costs and expenses:
  Cost of recurring revenues............             4           1,055             448          11,736
  Cost of other revenues................            12             349             105           2,020
  Sales and marketing...................            37           3,711           1,775           9,867
  General and administrative expenses...           168           2,062             990           7,838
  Operations and customer support.......            38           1,869           1,043           9,941
                                          -------------   -------------   -------------   -------------
    Total operating costs and
     expenses...........................           259           9,046           4,361          41,402
                                          -------------   -------------   -------------   -------------
Loss from operations....................          (148)         (6,018)         (2,914)        (21,240)
Interest expense........................       --                 (136)            (70)           (683)
Interest income.........................       --                   34              12             114
                                          -------------   -------------   -------------   -------------
      Net loss..........................  $       (148)   $     (6,120)   $     (2,972)   $    (21,809)
                                          -------------   -------------   -------------   -------------
                                          -------------   -------------   -------------   -------------
Net loss per share (Note 1).............  $      (0.04)   $      (1.15)   $      (0.59)   $      (3.15)
                                          -------------   -------------   -------------   -------------
                                          -------------   -------------   -------------   -------------
 
Weighted average shares outstanding
  (Note 1)..............................         4,062           5,312           5,005           6,924
</TABLE>
 
   The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
 
                                      F-4
<PAGE>
                            EARTHLINK NETWORK, INC.
                  STATEMENT OF STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY (DEFICIT)
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                                   TOTAL
                                                COMMON STOCK          ADDITIONAL                                STOCKHOLDERS'
                                          -------------------------     PAID-IN      WARRANTS     ACCUMULATED     EQUITY
                                            SHARES        AMOUNT        CAPITAL       ISSUED        DEFICIT      (DEFICIT)
                                          -----------   -----------   -----------   -----------   -----------   -----------
                                                                           (IN THOUSANDS)
 
<S>                                       <C>           <C>           <C>           <C>           <C>           <C>
Issuance of Common Stock................       2,941    $       29    $      147    $   --        $   --        $      176
Warrants issued in connection with line
  of credit
  (Note 8)..............................      --            --            --                69        --                69
Net loss................................      --            --            --            --              (148)         (148)
                                               -----         -----    -----------        -----    -----------   -----------
Balance at December 31, 1994............       2,941            29           147            69          (148)           97
Issuance of Common Stock................       2,116            22         6,236        --            --             6,258
Reclassification of S Corporation
  accumulated deficit (Note 8)..........      --            --            (1,261)       --             1,261        --
Warrants issued for lease guarantee
  (Note 8)..............................      --            --            --                50        --                50
Warrants issued for non-competition
  agreement (Notes 2 and 8).............      --            --            --                 5        --                 5
Net Loss................................      --            --            --            --            (6,120)       (6,120)
                                               -----         -----    -----------        -----    -----------   -----------
Balance at December 31, 1995............       5,057            51         5,122           124        (5,007)          290
Issuance of Common Stock................         923             9         8,651        --            --             8,660
Issuance of Common Stock for services...          43        --               463        --            --               463
Warrants issued in connection with
  equipment leases and other
  financings............................      --            --            --               475        --               475
Net loss................................      --            --            --            --           (21,809)      (21,809)
                                               -----         -----    -----------        -----    -----------   -----------
Balance at September 30, 1996...........       6,023    $       60    $   14,236    $      599    $  (26,816)   $  (11,921)
                                               -----         -----    -----------        -----    -----------   -----------
                                               -----         -----    -----------        -----    -----------   -----------
</TABLE>
 
   The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
 
                                      F-5
<PAGE>
                            EARTHLINK NETWORK, INC.
                            STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                INCEPTION
                                                (MAY 26,
                                                  1994)                             NINE MONTHS ENDED
                                                 THROUGH       YEAR ENDED     -----------------------------
                                              DECEMBER 31,    DECEMBER 31,    SEPTEMBER 30,   SEPTEMBER 30,
                                                  1994            1995            1995            1996
                                              -------------   -------------   -------------   -------------
                                                                               (UNAUDITED)
                                                                     (IN THOUSANDS)
<S>                                           <C>             <C>             <C>             <C>
Cash flows from operating activities:
  Net loss..................................  $       (148)   $     (6,120)   $     (2,972)   $    (21,809)
  Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net
    cash provided by (used in) operating
    activities:
    Depreciation and amortization...........             7             305             167           2,773
    Provision for doubtful accounts
     receivable.............................       --              --              --                  664
    Issuance of common stock in exchange for
     professional services..................       --              --              --                   50
    Issuance of common stock in exhange for
     termination of consulting agreement....       --              --              --                  413
    Increase in accounts receivable.........           (27)           (191)            (62)         (2,211)
    Increase in prepaid expenses and other
     assets.................................       --                 (141)           (164)         (1,120)
    Increase in accounts payable and accrued
     liabilities............................            22           2,292           1,308           8,845
    Increase in deferred revenue............       --                  212             118           1,325
                                                     -----          ------          ------    -------------
      Net cash used in operating
       activities...........................          (146)         (3,643)         (1,605)        (11,070)
                                                     -----          ------          ------    -------------
Cash flows from investing activities:
  Purchases of property and equipment.......           (97)         (2,766)         (1,161)        (13,596)
  Liquidation of restricted short-term
   investment...............................       --               (1,500)           (500)           (296)
  Purchase of restricted short-term
   investment...............................       --              --              --                1,500
                                                     -----          ------          ------    -------------
      Net cash used in investing
       activities...........................           (97)         (4,266)         (1,661)        (12,392)
                                                     -----          ------          ------    -------------
Cash flows from financing activities:
  Proceeds from (payment of) line of
   credit...................................       --                1,494             494          (1,494)
  Increase (decrease) in note payable.......            67             (67)            (67)          2,950
  Proceeds from capital lease obligations...       --                  556             298           9,220
  Principal payments under capital lease
   obligations..............................       --                  (42)             (1)         (1,489)
  Proceeds from issuance of Mandatorily
   Redeemable Preferred Stock...............       --              --              --               14,013
  Proceeds from issuance of Common Stock....           176           6,258           3,365           8,660
  Proceeds from Common Stock pending
   issuance.................................       --              --                1,800         --
                                                     -----          ------          ------    -------------
      Net cash provided by financing
       activities...........................           243           8,199           5,889          31,860
                                                     -----          ------          ------    -------------
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents...       --                  290           2,623           8,398
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of
  year......................................       --              --              --                  290
                                                     -----          ------          ------    -------------
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period....  $    --         $        290    $      2,623    $      8,688
                                                     -----          ------          ------    -------------
                                                     -----          ------          ------    -------------
</TABLE>
 
   The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
 
                                      F-6
<PAGE>
                            EARTHLINK NETWORK, INC.
                         NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
 
1.  SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
 
  ORGANIZATION
 
    EarthLink Network, Inc. ("EarthLink" or the "Company") was organized on May
26, 1994 and is an Internet service provider that was formed to help users
derive meaningful benefits from the extensive resources of the Internet.
 
    The Company has experienced operating losses since its inception as a result
of efforts to build its network infrastructure and internal staffing, develop
its systems, and expand into new markets. The Company expects to continue to
focus on increasing its customer base and to expend substantial resources on
sales, marketing and administration, building its network systems, developing
new service offerings and improving its management information systems.
Accordingly, the Company expects its cost of revenues, selling, general, and
administrative expenses and capital expenditures will continue to increase
significantly, all of which will have a negative impact on short-term operating
results. In addition, the Company may change its pricing policies to respond to
a changing competitive environment. There can be no assurance that growth in the
Company's revenues or customer base will continue or that the Company will be
able to achieve or sustain profitability or positive cash flow. The failure of
the Company to achieve or sustain profitability or positive cash flow may
require the Company to reduce the scope of its operations or its anticipated
expansion, which could adversely affect the Company's business and results of
operations.
 
  REVENUES
 
    Recurring revenues from monthly Internet service are recognized over the
period services are provided. Other revenues, consisting primarily of sign-up
fees, are recognized as revenue when the registration process is completed.
 
  CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS
 
    All highly liquid investments with an original maturity of three months or
less at the date of acquisition are classified as cash equivalents.
 
  ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE AND DEFERRED REVENUES
 
    Commencing in 1995, the Company began to bill for Internet service generally
one month in advance. Accordingly, these non-cancelable advanced billings are
included in both accounts receivable and deferred revenue.
 
  CONCENTRATIONS OF CREDIT RISK
 
    Financial instruments that potentially subject the Company to concentrations
or credit risk consist principally of cash investments and trade receivables.
The Company's cash investment policies limit investments to short-term,
investment grade instruments. Concentrations of credit risk with respect to
trade receivables are limited due to the large number of customers comprising
the Company's customer base.
 
  PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT
 
    Property and equipment is stated at cost and depreciated using the
straight-line method over the estimated useful life of the assets, which is
generally three years. Leasehold improvements are amortized using the straight
line method over the shorter of their estimated lives or the term of the lease,
ranging from one to five years.
 
                                      F-7
<PAGE>
                            EARTHLINK NETWORK, INC.
                  NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
 
  EQUIPMENT UNDER CAPITAL LEASE
 
    The Company leases certain of its data communications and other equipment
under capital lease agreements. The assets and liabilities under capital lease
are recorded at the lesser of the present value of aggregate future minimum
lease payments, including estimated bargain purchase options, or the fair value
of the assets under lease. Assets under capital lease are amortized over the
lesser of their estimated useful lives of three years or the term of the lease.
 
  INTANGIBLES
 
    Intangible assets consist primarily of deferred financing and professional
service costs, prepaid lease guarantee costs, goodwill, rights to client lists
and a covenant not to compete. The costs assigned to intangible assets are being
amortized on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful lives of the
assets, which range from two to three years. The Company regularly reviews the
recoverability of intangible assets based on estimated undiscounted future cash
flows from operating activities compared with the carrying values of the
intangibles.
 
  ADVERTISING AND CUSTOMER ACQUISITION COSTS
 
    Advertising and customer acquisition costs are included in sales and
marketing. Such costs are expensed as incurred.
 
  INCOME TAXES
 
    Income taxes are accounted for under Statement of Financial Accounting
Standards No. 109, "Accounting for Income Taxes." Under this method, deferred
tax assets and liabilities are determined based on differences between the
financial reporting basis and tax basis of assets and liabilities and are
measured using the enacted tax rates and laws that will be in effect when the
differences are expected to reverse.
 
  NET LOSS PER SHARE
 
    Net loss per share is computed using the weighted average number of common
shares outstanding. In addition, pursuant to Securities and Exchange Commission
Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 83, Common Stock and other potentially dilutive
instruments issued by the Company at prices below the public offering price
during the twelve-month period prior to the proposed offering date (using the
treasury stock method and an assumed initial public offering price of $15.00 per
share) including Common Stock pending issuance have been included in the
calculation as if they were outstanding for all periods regardless of whether
they are dilutive. Common Stock equivalent shares issued by the Company more
than twelve months prior to the proposed offering date have been excluded from
the net loss per share calculation because the impact is anti-dilutive.
 
  USE OF ESTIMATES IN PREPARATION OF FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
 
    The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally
accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and
assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and
disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial
statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the
reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
 
                                      F-8
<PAGE>
                            EARTHLINK NETWORK, INC.
                  NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
 
  RECENT PRONOUNCEMENTS
 
    The Company has adopted, as of January 1, 1996, SFAS No. 121 "Accounting for
the Impairment of Long-Lived Assets and for Long-Lived Assets to Be Disposed Of"
and SFAS 123 and "Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation". The adoption of SFAS
No. 121 has not had any effect on the Company's financial position or results of
operations. The Company continues to account for its employee stock based
compensation in accordance with the provisions of APB 25 and provides pro forma
disclosures in the notes to the financial statements (see note 8), as if the
measurement provisions of SFAS No. 123 had been adopted. As such SFAS 123 has
not had a material effect on the Company's financial position or results of
operations.
 
  INTERIM FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
 
    The interim financial data for September 30, 1995 is unaudited. However, in
the opinion of the Company, the interim financial data includes all adjustments,
consisting only of normal recurring adjustments, necessary for a fair statement
of the results for the interim periods.
 
2.  PURCHASE OF CERTAIN ASSETS FROM BECKEMEYER DEVELOPMENT TECHNOLOGIES
 
    In order to recruit the principal shareholder of Beckemeyer Development
Technologies ("BDT") to serve as the Company's Vice President of Engineering, on
November 7, 1995, the Company agreed to purchase all fixtures, equipment, and
the client list of BDT for cash of $64,000. In addition to the above, the
principal shareholder was issued warrants to purchase 10,330 shares of the
Company's Common Stock at $4.84 per share as consideration for an agreement not
to compete for a two-year period. The value assigned to the warrants was $5,000
based upon an appraisal obtained by the Company. The warrants expire October 10,
2005. This purchase price was allocated to the assets acquired with the
remainder reflected as an intangible asset. At the time of purchase, BDT was not
material to the results of operations, financial position or customer base of
EarthLink.
 
3.  PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT
 
    Property and equipment consist of:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                             DECEMBER 31,      SEPTEMBER 30,
                                                                         --------------------  -------------
                                                                           1994       1995         1996
                                                                         ---------  ---------  -------------
                                                                            (IN THOUSANDS)
<S>                                                                      <C>        <C>        <C>
Data communications equipment..........................................  $      71  $   2,167   $    10,246
Office and other equipment.............................................         26        661         5,564
Leasehold improvements.................................................     --             35           624
Construction in progress...............................................     --         --                25
                                                                               ---  ---------  -------------
                                                                                97      2,863        16,459
Less accumulated depreciation and amortization.........................         (7)      (312)       (3,006)
                                                                               ---  ---------  -------------
                                                                         $      90  $   2,551   $    13,453
                                                                               ---  ---------  -------------
                                                                               ---  ---------  -------------
</TABLE>
 
    Property under capital lease, primarily data communications equipment
included above, aggregated $556,000 and $9,775,000 at December 31, 1995 and
September 30, 1996, respectively. Included in accumulated depreciation and
amortization are amounts related to property under capital lease of $56,000 and
$1,720,000 at December 31, 1995 and September 30, 1996, respectively.
Depreciation expense charged to operations was $7,000, $305,000 and $2,694,000
in 1994, 1995 and for the nine months ended September 30, 1996, respectively,
and included nil, $56,000, and $1,664,000, respectively, pertaining to property
under capital lease.
 
                                      F-9
<PAGE>
                            EARTHLINK NETWORK, INC.
                  NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
 
4.  OTHER ASSETS
 
    Other assets consist of:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                            SEPTEMBER 30,
                                                                                                1996
                                                                           DECEMBER 31,    ---------------
                                                                               1995
                                                                          ---------------
                                                                          (IN THOUSANDS)
<S>                                                                       <C>              <C>
Deposits................................................................     $     122        $     327
Deferred offering costs.................................................        --                  277
Other...................................................................        --                   49
                                                                                 -----            -----
                                                                             $     122        $     653
                                                                                 -----            -----
                                                                                 -----            -----
</TABLE>
 
5.  INTANGIBLE ASSETS
 
    Intangible assets consist of:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                          DECEMBER 31,
                                                                      --------------------  SEPTEMBER 30,
                                                                        1994       1995          1996
                                                                      ---------  ---------  ---------------
                                                                         (IN THOUSANDS)
<S>                                                                   <C>        <C>        <C>
Deferred financing costs............................................  $      69  $      --     $     347
Lease guarantee.....................................................     --             50           110
Rights to client lists..............................................     --             10            10
Professional Services...............................................     --         --                56
Other...............................................................     --             10            22
                                                                            ---        ---         -----
                                                                             69         70           545
Less: Accumulated amortization......................................     --         --               (79)
                                                                            ---        ---         -----
                                                                      $      69  $      70     $     466
                                                                            ---        ---         -----
                                                                            ---        ---         -----
</TABLE>
 
6.  NOTES PAYABLE
 
    In 1995 the Company had three secured revolving credit agreements with its
banks. The outstanding principal balances under these lines of credit were
$1,000,000, $248,000 and $246,000 at December 31, 1995. The effective interest
rates at December 31, 1995 were 6.48%, 7.62% and 7.65%, respectively. The
Company repaid amounts outstanding on such lines of credit on April 6, 1996,
March 15, 1996 and June 8, 1996 respectively. The lines of credit subsequently
expired.
 
    In June 1996, the Company issued to 17 investors, promissory notes
aggregating $2,950,000. Certain of the investors are directors and stockholders
of the Company. The 10% promissory notes expire on June 6, 1997. As described in
Note 7, the Company issued warrants valued at $116,000 to note holders. The fair
value of the warrants is included in deferred financing costs and is being
amortized as interest expense over the life of the notes resulting in a 14.30%
effective interest rate. Interest expense, which is paid in advance, on these
notes was approximately $123,000 for the nine months ended September 30, 1996.
 
7.  CAPITAL STOCK AND MANDATORILY REDEEMABLE EQUITY SECURITIES
 
  BUY-SELL AGREEMENT
 
    The Company and certain stockholders entered into a Buy-Sell Agreement
pursuant to which the Company has the first right of refusal upon sale or
transfer of shares of Common Stock by these stockholders. The right will expire
by either written agreement of all parties, dissolution, bankruptcy, or
insolvency of the
 
                                      F-10
<PAGE>
                            EARTHLINK NETWORK, INC.
                  NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
Company, registration of the Company's Common Stock under Section 12(b) or 12(g)
of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, consummation of a public offering, sale
or merger, or at such time as only one stockholder remains.
 
  COMMON STOCK
 
    The Company issued 45,485 shares of Common Stock at $4.84 per share and
25,000 shares of Common Stock at $4.84 per share on January 18, 1996 and March
20, 1996, respectively. On May 6, 1996, the Company issued 852,460 shares of
common stock at $9.76 per share in a private placement. As a result of these
placements, EarthLink raised, in the aggregate, $8,660,000.
 
  COMMON STOCK ISSUANCES FOR OTHER THAN CASH
 
    On May 5, 1996, the Company issued 5,122 shares of Common Stock at $9.76 per
share, to a sub-contractor in lieu of cash for services provided to the Company.
In September 1996, the Company issued 37,500 shares of Common Stock at $11.00
per share as consideration for the termination of a consulting agreement.
 
  MANDATORILY REDEEMABLE CONVERTIBLE PREFERRED STOCK
 
    On September 10, 1996, the Company issued 2,727,273 shares of its Series A
Redeemable Convertible Preferred Stock to investors including among others,
certain directors, stockholders and the Underwriter associated with the proposed
initial public offering and certain of its associates for $15,000,000. Each two
shares of the Series A Convertible Preferred Stock is convertible into one
share, adjusted for stock splits or recapitalizations, of the Company's Common
Stock at the option of the holder through March 10, 1997 and is automatically
converted upon consummation of an underwritten public offering of the Company's
common stock in which the proceeds are at least $20 million. Stock issuance
costs of $987,000 have been charged to redeemable convertible preferred stock.
Assuming conversion of the Series A Redeemable Convertible Preferred Stock into
shares of common stock on September 30, 1996, the pro forma number of, and par
value of common stock shares outstanding would be 7,386,348 and $74,000,
respectively.
 
    Holders of Series A Convertible Preferred Stock are entitled to voting
rights and participation in dividends equivalent to the number of common shares
issuable if converted. The Series A Convertible Preferred Stockholders have the
exclusive right to elect one director and participate in the election of other
directors along with holders of Common Stock. In the event of a change in
ownership, as defined, the holders of the Company's Series A Convertible
Preferred Stock have the right to demand complete redemption. The holders of the
Company's Series A Convertible Preferred Stock have a liquidation preference
equal to their initial investment. Any assets remaining after the preferred
liquidation preference plus declared and unpaid dividends will be distributed to
the holders of Common Stock.
 
8.  STOCK OPTIONS AND WARRANTS
 
  STOCK OPTIONS
 
  1995 STOCK OPTION PLAN
 
    In September 1995, the Company established the EarthLink Network 1995 Stock
Option Plan (the "1995 Plan"). The 1995 Plan provides for the grant of incentive
stock options to purchase up to 1,250,000 shares of common stock to employees of
the Company and non-qualified stock options to employees, officers, directors
and consultants of the Company. The 1995 Plan is administered by a committee
appointed by the
 
                                      F-11
<PAGE>
                            EARTHLINK NETWORK, INC.
                  NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
Board which determines the terms of the options granted, including the exercise
price, the number of shares subject to option, and the option vesting period.
The exercise price of all options granted under the plan must be at least 100%
of the fair market value on the date of grant. Options generally vest in equal
quarterly increments over a five year period.
 
  DIRECTORS STOCK OPTION PLAN
 
    In September 1995, the Company established the EarthLink Directors Stock
Option Plan (the "Directors Plan"). The Directors Plan as amended and restated
in December 1996, provides for the grant of options to purchase 62,500 shares of
Common Stock to directors who do not also serve as employees of the Company and
do not beneficially own, nor are employees, directors or officers of any entity
which owns 5% or more of the outstanding shares of the Company's capital stock.
Under the Directors Plan, grants of options to purchase 10,000 and 2,500 shares
of Common Stock are automatically made to each non-management director at such
time as the person first becomes a member of the Board of Directors and at the
beginning of each fiscal year, respectively. Options generally vest in equal
quarterly increments over a five year period. As of September 30, 1996, there
were no options to purchase shares of Common Stock outstanding under the
Directors Plan.
 
  NON-QUALIFIED OPTION GRANTS
 
    In addition to the options granted under the plan described above, the
Company granted non-qualified stock options to certain employees, officers and
directors. Non-qualified options have a maximum term of ten years and generally
vest in equal quarterly increments over a five-year period.
 
                                      F-12
<PAGE>
                            EARTHLINK NETWORK, INC.
                  NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
 
    Following is a summary of the status of the incentive stock and
non-qualified options during the year ended December 31, 1995 and the nine
months ended September 30, 1996.
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                    INCENTIVE STOCK OPTIONS
                                                                            ----------------------------------------
                                                                                             OPTIONS OUTSTANDING
                                                                                         ---------------------------
                                                                                                          WEIGHTED
                                                                                                           AVERAGE
                                                                             NUMBER OF    OPTION PRICE    EXERCISE
                                                                              SHARES       PER SHARE        PRICE
                                                                            -----------  --------------  -----------
<S>                                                                         <C>          <C>             <C>
Plan Creation 1995
Granted...................................................................      232,500  $         4.84   $    4.84
                                                                            -----------  --------------       -----
Balance at December 31, 1995..............................................      232,500  $         4.84   $    4.84
Granted...................................................................      783,750  $   4.84-11.00   $    8.17
Forfeited.................................................................      (10,500) $         9.76   $    9.76
                                                                            -----------  --------------       -----
Balance at September 30, 1996.............................................    1,005,750  $   4.84-11.00   $    7.40
                                                                            -----------  --------------       -----
 
<CAPTION>
 
                                                                                             OPTIONS EXERCISABLE
                                                                                         ---------------------------
                                                                                                          WEIGHTED
                                                                                                           AVERAGE
                                                                             NUMBER OF    OPTION PRICE    EXERCISE
                                                                              SHARES       PER SHARE        PRICE
                                                                            -----------  --------------  -----------
<S>                                                                         <C>          <C>             <C>
Plan Creation 1995
Granted...................................................................       36,125  $         4.84   $    4.84
                                                                            -----------  --------------       -----
Balance at December 31, 1995..............................................       36,125  $         4.84   $    4.84
Granted...................................................................       48,031  $   4.84-11.00   $    6.94
                                                                            -----------  --------------       -----
Balance at September 30, 1996.............................................       84,156  $   4.84-11.00   $    6.04
                                                                            -----------  --------------       -----
<CAPTION>
 
                                                                                  NON-QUALIFIED STOCK OPTIONS
                                                                            ----------------------------------------
                                                                                             OPTIONS OUTSTANDING
                                                                                         ---------------------------
                                                                                                          WEIGHTED
                                                                                                           AVERAGE
                                                                             NUMBER OF    OPTION PRICE    EXERCISE
                                                                              SHARES       PER SHARE        PRICE
                                                                            -----------  --------------  -----------
<S>                                                                         <C>          <C>             <C>
Granted in 1995...........................................................      425,000  $    0.60-1.81   $    1.60
Forfeited.................................................................      (60,209) $         0.60   $    0.60
                                                                            -----------  --------------       -----
Balance at December 31, 1995..............................................      364,791  $    0.60-1.81   $    1.76
Granted...................................................................      175,000  $   4.84-11.00   $    7.48
                                                                            -----------  --------------       -----
Balance at September 30, 1996.............................................      539,791  $   0.60-11.00   $    3.62
                                                                            -----------  --------------       -----
<CAPTION>
 
                                                                                             OPTIONS EXERCISABLE
                                                                                         ---------------------------
                                                                                                          WEIGHTED
                                                                                                           AVERAGE
                                                                             NUMBER OF    OPTION PRICE    EXERCISE
                                                                              SHARES       PER SHARE        PRICE
                                                                            -----------  --------------  -----------
<S>                                                                         <C>          <C>             <C>
Granted in 1995...........................................................       97,292  $    0.60-1.81   $    1.63
                                                                            -----------  --------------       -----
Balance at December 31, 1995..............................................       97,292  $    0.60-1.81   $    1.63
Granted...................................................................      --             --            --
                                                                            -----------  --------------       -----
Balance at September 30, 1996.............................................       97,292  $    0.60-1.81   $    1.63
                                                                            -----------  --------------       -----
</TABLE>
    
 
                                      F-13
<PAGE>
                            EARTHLINK NETWORK, INC.
                  NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
 
    The summary of non-qualified options includes warrants to purchase 100,000
shares of Common Stock at $4.84. These warrants were issued for service on the
Board of Directors and as such are accounted for under APB 25.
 
    Had compensation cost been determined on the basis of fair value pursuant to
SFAS 123, net loss and net loss per share would have been increased as follows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                       YEAR ENDED
                                                                      DECEMBER 31,   NINE MONTHS ENDED
                                                                          1995       SEPTEMBER 30, 1996
                                                                      -------------  ------------------
<S>                                                                   <C>            <C>
Net Loss
  As reported.......................................................  $   6,120,000   $     21,809,000
                                                                      -------------  ------------------
  Pro forma.........................................................  $   6,405,000   $     23,052,000
                                                                      -------------  ------------------
Net loss per share
  As reported.......................................................  $        1.15   $           3.15
                                                                      -------------  ------------------
  Pro forma.........................................................  $        1.21   $           3.33
                                                                      -------------  ------------------
</TABLE>
 
    The fair value of each option grant is estimated on the date of grant using
the minimum value method with the following assumptions used for grants during
both periods: dividend yield of 0.0%, risk free interest rate of 5.83% and
expected option term of 10 years.
 
  WARRANTS
 
    The Company has issued to certain Board members, consultants, lease
providers, creditors and others warrants to purchase shares of the Company's
Common Stock.
 
    On December 15, 1994, certain stockholders provided the Company a revolving
line of credit of $400,000 bearing interest at a rate of 8.1%. As of December
31, 1994, the outstanding balance was $67,000. The loan balance, including
interest expense of $15,000, was repaid during the year ended December 31, 1995.
The Company issued warrants to the stockholders to purchase 150,000 shares of
Common Stock at $1.81 per share valued at $69,000, based upon an appraisal
obtained by the Company, as additional consideration for this line of credit.
These warrants expire June 19, 2000.
 
    On September 1, 1995, certain stockholders guaranteed a $500,000 lease for
networking equipment. The Company issued warrants to purchase 50,000 shares of
Common Stock at $1.81 per share, valued at $25,000, based upon an appraisal
obtained by the Company, as consideration for this guarantee. These warrants
expire August 31, 2000.
 
    On December 13, 1995, certain stockholders provided the Company with a
$250,000 Irrevocable Standby Letter of Credit as a performance guarantee for a
real estate lease. In conjunction with this transaction the Company issued
warrants to purchase 50,000 shares at $4.84 per share, valued at $25,000, based
upon an appraisal obtained by the Company. These warrants expire December 1,
2000.
 
    On January 11, 1996, certain stockholders guaranteed a $1,500,000 lease for
networking equipment. The Company issued warrants to purchase 100,000 shares of
Common Stock at $4.84 per share. The value of the warrants has been reflected in
intangible assets. These warrants expire January 11, 2001.
 
                                      F-14
<PAGE>
                            EARTHLINK NETWORK, INC.
                  NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
 
    On January 12, 1996 the Company issued warrants to purchase 100,000 shares
of Common Stock at $4.84 to Board members. The warrants vest quarterly over five
years. As these warrants were issued for service on the Board of Directors they
are accounted for under APB 25 and as such are included in the summary of
nonqualified options and are not included in the summary of warrant grants
below.
 
    On January 18, 1996, LINC Capital Partners, Inc. ("LINC") provided a
$1,500,000 lease line for equipment. The Company issued warrants to LINC to
purchase 50,000 shares of Common Stock at $4.84 per share. The value of the
warrants has been reflected as deferred financing costs. These warrants expire
January 18, 2006.
 
    On February 15, 1996, Boston Financial & Equity Corporation ("Boston
Financial") provided a $700,000 lease line for equipment. The Company issued
warrants to Boston Financial to purchase 5,000 shares of Common Stock at $9.76
per share. The value of the warrants has been reflected as deferred financing
costs. These warrants expire February 15, 2006.
 
    On May 6, 1996, the Company agreed to issue warrants to a producer of
infomercials and commercials to purchase 50,000 shares of Common Stock at an
exercise price of $9.76 per share upon completion, subject to the Company's
approval, of 15-second and 60-second commercials for the Company's services. In
addition, the Company agreed to issue additional warrants to purchase a maximum
of 300,000 shares of Common Stock based upon the number of customers obtained
through the commercials. Through December 31, 1997, the exercise price will be
$9.76; per share thereafter, the exercise price will be set at the then fair
value of the Common Stock. The value of the warrants will be reflected as
consideration upon issuance.
 
   
    On May 10, 1996, the Company issued warrants to purchase 45,477 shares of
Common Stock at $9.76 per share to various lessors in return for lease lines and
other services to the Company. The value of the warrants has been reflected as
deferred financing costs. The warrants expire on May 10, 2006.
    
 
    On May 31,1996, in connection with the amendment and restatement of the
UUNET Agreement, the Company agreed to issue warrants to purchase 10,000 shares
of Common Stock at an exercise price of $20.00 per share.
 
   
    In connection with the issuance of promissory notes aggregating $2,950,000,
the Company issued to the lenders warrants to purchase an aggregate of 98,340
shares of Common Stock at an exercise price of $11.00 per share, as adjusted.
The value of the warrants has been reflected as deferred financing costs.
    
 
    In connection with the execution of the PSINet Inc. ("PSINet") agreement on
July 22, 1996 (Note 10) the Company issued warrants to purchase 100,000 shares
of Common Stock at an exercise price of $20.00 per share. The value of the
warrants has been reflected as deferred financing costs.
 
    In connection with the private placement of Series A Convertible Preferred
Stock, described above, the Company granted to certain purchasers of the Series
A Convertible Preferred Stock warrants to purchase 100,000 shares of common
stock at $11.00 per share.
 
    On September 24, 1996 the Company issued warrants to purchase 7,500 shares
of the Company's common stock at $11.00 per share to each of the three members
of the Company's Technology Advisory Council. The warrants vest quarterly over
two years. The value of the warrants is reflected as deferred professional
services expense and amortized ratably over the vesting period.
 
                                      F-15
<PAGE>
                            EARTHLINK NETWORK, INC.
                  NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
 
    A summary of these warrant grants is as follows:
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                     WARRANTS OUTSTANDING
                                                                           ----------------------------------------
                                                                                                         WEIGHTED
                                                                                                          AVERAGE
                                                                            NUMBER OF   WARRANT PRICE    EXERCISE
                                                                             SHARES       PER SHARE        PRICE
                                                                           -----------  --------------  -----------
<S>                                                                        <C>          <C>             <C>
Granted..................................................................     150,000   $         1.81   $    1.81
                                                                           -----------  --------------  -----------
Balance at December 31,1994..............................................     150,000   $         1.81   $    1.81
Granted..................................................................     110,330   $    1.81-4.84   $    3.47
                                                                           -----------  --------------  -----------
Balance at December 31,1995..............................................     260,330   $   1.81-11.00   $    2.51
Granted..................................................................     531,317   $   4.84-20.00   $   11.01
                                                                           -----------  --------------  -----------
Balance at September 30,1996.............................................     791,647   $   1.81-20.00   $    8.21
                                                                           -----------  --------------  -----------
                                                                           -----------  --------------  -----------
</TABLE>
    
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                     WARRANTS EXERCISABLE
                                                                           ----------------------------------------
                                                                                                         WEIGHTED
                                                                                                          AVERAGE
                                                                            NUMBER OF   WARRANT PRICE    EXERCISE
                                                                             SHARES       PER SHARE        PRICE
                                                                           -----------  --------------  -----------
<S>                                                                        <C>          <C>             <C>
Granted..................................................................     150,000   $         1.81   $    1.81
                                                                           -----------  --------------  -----------
Balance at December 31,1994..............................................     150,000   $         1.81   $    1.81
Granted..................................................................     110,330   $    1.81-4.84   $    3.47
                                                                           -----------  --------------  -----------
Balance at December 31,1995..............................................     260,330   $   1.81-11.00   $    2.51
Granted..................................................................     508,817   $   4.84-20.00   $   11.01
                                                                           -----------  --------------  -----------
Balance at September 30,1996.............................................     769,147   $   1.81-20.00   $    8.13
                                                                           -----------  --------------  -----------
                                                                           -----------  --------------  -----------
</TABLE>
    
 
9.  INCOME TAXES
 
    The stockholders, upon incorporating the Company, elected to treat the
Company as an S Corporation under the Internal Revenue Code. On June 19, 1995,
this election was revoked as certain ineligible entities (i.e partnerships and
corporations) became stockholders. Losses of $1,261,000 incurred from inception
through June 19, 1995 have been reclassified from accumulated deficit to Common
Stock as a result of the change to C Corporation status. The Company is now
subject to income taxes on income earned after June 19, 1995. At December 31,
1995 and September 30, 1996, the Company had net operating loss carryforwards
for federal income tax purposes totaling approximately $3,328,000 and
$24,707,000 respectively, which begin to expire in 2010. The Internal Revenue
Code of 1986, as amended, includes provisions which may limit the net operating
loss carryforwards available for use in any given year if certain events occur,
including significant changes in ownership. If the Company is successful in
completing its proposed initial public offering, utilization of the Company's
net operating loss carryforwards to offset future income may be limited.
 
                                      F-16
<PAGE>
                            EARTHLINK NETWORK, INC.
                  NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
 
    Deferred tax assets include the following:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                         DECEMBER 31,   SEPTEMBER 30,
                                                                             1995            1996
                                                                        --------------  --------------
<S>                                                                     <C>             <C>
Net operating loss carryforwards......................................  $    1,304,000  $    9,920,000
Deferred financing costs..............................................        --                60,000
Depreciation..........................................................        --                40,000
Vacation accrual......................................................          27,000          56,000
                                                                        --------------  --------------
Gross deferred tax assets.............................................       1,331,000      10,076,000
Deferred tax asset valuation allowance................................      (1,331,000)    (10,076,000)
                                                                        --------------  --------------
                                                                        $           --  $           --
                                                                        --------------  --------------
                                                                        --------------  --------------
</TABLE>
 
    The Company recorded a full valuation allowance for net deferred tax assets
due to the uncertainty of future taxable income.
 
10.  COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
 
  LEASES
 
    The Company leases its facilities and certain equipment under non-cancelable
operating leases expiring in various years through 2000. Total rent expense for
the years ended December 31, 1994 and 1995 and for the nine months ended
September 30, 1996 for all operating leases amounted to $24,000, $145,000 and
$541,000, respectively. The Company also leases equipment, primarily data
communications equipment, under non-cancelable capital leases. Most of the
Company's capital leases include purchase options at the end of the lease term.
 
   
    During the year ended December 31, 1995 and the nine months ended September
30, 1996, the Company financed the acquisition of data processing and office
equipment amounting to approximately $556,000 and $9.2 million, respectively, by
entering into a number of agreements for the sale and leaseback of equipment.
The sale leaseback transactions are recorded at cost, which approximates the
fair market value of the property and, therefore, no gains or losses have been
recorded. The property remains on the books and continues to be depreciated. A
financing obligation representing the proceeds is recorded and reduced based
upon payments under the lease agreement.
    
 
    Minimum lease commitments under non-cancelable leases at September 30, 1996
are as follows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
YEAR ENDING                                                                   CAPITAL       OPERATING
DECEMBER 31,                                                                  LEASES         LEASES
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------  -------------  -------------
<S>                                                                        <C>            <C>
1996 (three months)......................................................  $     908,000  $     188,000
1997.....................................................................      3,523,000        713,000
1998.....................................................................      3,458,000        698,000
1999.....................................................................      1,505,000        647,000
2000.....................................................................        309,000        650,000
thereafter...............................................................         78,000        332,000
                                                                           -------------  -------------
Total minimum lease payments.............................................      9,781,000  $   3,228,000
Less amount representing interest........................................     (1,536,000)
                                                                           -------------
Present value of future lease payments...................................      8,245,000
Less current portion.....................................................     (2,857,000)
                                                                           -------------
                                                                           $   5,388,000
                                                                           -------------
                                                                           -------------
</TABLE>
 
                                      F-17
<PAGE>
                            EARTHLINK NETWORK, INC.
                  NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
 
    GUARANTEED USAGE LEVELS
 
    Guaranteed usage levels of data and voice communication with certain of the
Company's telecommunication vendors at September 30, 1996 aggregate to the
following annual amounts:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
YEAR ENDING
DECEMBER 31,
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                                      <C>
  1996 (three months)..................................................  $   63,000
  1997.................................................................   3,135,000
                                                                         ----------
Total..................................................................  $3,198,000
                                                                         ----------
                                                                         ----------
</TABLE>
 
  SIGNIFICANT AGREEMENTS
 
   
    Access to the Internet for customers outside of the Company's California
regional base is provided through points of presence ("POP") capacity leased
from UUNET Technologies, Inc. ("UUNET"). EarthLink is in effect a reseller of
UUNET's services, buying in bulk at a discount, and providing access to
EarthLink's customer base at EarthLink's normal rates. Payment to UUNET is
generally concurrent with EarthLink's receipt of funds from customers. UUNET was
recently acquired by MFS Communications, Inc. ("MFS"), a supplier of local and
long distance telephone service. In August 1996, MFS and WorldCom, Inc.
("WorldCom") announced that MFS and WorldCom had executed a definitive agreement
for the merger of MFS into WorldCom. At September 30, 1996, $2.4 million and
$2.3 million in amounts due to UUNET were recorded in accounts payable and other
accrued liabilities, respectively.
    
 
    EarthLink has licensed Netscape Navigator software ("Netscape Navigator"),
the World Wide Web client software, from Netscape Communications Corporation.
This license permits the Company to distribute Netscape Navigator as part of its
EarthLink Network TotalAccess software package. Management believes that
contract renewal, under conditions acceptable to EarthLink, is probable.
 
    On July 22, 1996 the Company entered into an agreement with PSINet pursuant
to which the Company intends to lease POP access from PSINet, becoming in effect
a reseller of PSINet services in a similar fashion to the Company's UUNET
arrangement, as amended.
 
11.  SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURE OF CASH FLOW INFORMATION
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                               NINE MONTHS
                                                                                                  ENDED
                                                                                              SEPTEMBER 30,
                                                                                                  1996
                                                                             YEAR ENDED      ---------------
                                                                            DECEMBER 31,
                                                                                1995
                                                                          -----------------
                                                                           (IN THOUSANDS)
<S>                                                                       <C>                <C>
Cash paid for:
  Interest..............................................................      $      60         $     759
  Income taxes..........................................................      $       1         $       1
</TABLE>
 
    NON-CASH INVESTING AND FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
 
    As discussed in Note 2, the Company obtained a covenant not to compete
agreement in exchange for warrants valued at $5,000.
 
    As discussed in Note 7, certain stockholders guaranteed a $500,000 equipment
lease in exchange for warrants valued at $25,000 and provided a standby letter
of credit as a performance guarantee for a real estate lease in exchange for
warrants valued at $25,000 during the year ended December 31, 1995. The Company
obtained a revolving line of credit of $400,000 in exchange for warrants valued
at $69,000 during 1994.
 
                                      F-18
<PAGE>
                            EARTHLINK NETWORK, INC.
                  NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
 
12.  REINCORPORATION
 
    On June 27, 1996, the Company effected a reincorporation in Delaware. As a
result of the reincorporation, the Company's authorized shares of Common Stock
were increased to 25,000,000 shares with a par value of $0.01 per share. In
addition, the Company authorized 10,000,000 shares of preferred stock with a par
value of $0.01 per share. In March 1995 and January 1996 the Company effected
splits of the Company's Common Stock of 100-for-1 and 10-for-1, respectively. In
December 1996, the Company effected a 1-for-2 reverse stock split. The
accompanying financial statements have been retroactively adjusted to give
effect to the reincorporation, the stock splits and the reverse stock split.
 
13.  SUBSEQUENT EVENTS
 
  CONVERTIBLE DEBT
 
    In October, 1996, the Company issued a $5 million, one year promissory note
at prime plus 2% to UUNET. The note is convertible into approximately 382,500
shares of Common Stock at a conversion price between $13.20 per share and $16.00
per share depending upon the number of shares of Common Stock purchased in the
proposed initial offering by certain investors in Series A Convertible Preferred
Stock. UUNET is a provider of service to the Company and has a designate on the
Company's board of directors.
 
  SIGNIFICANT AGREEMENTS
 
    In October 1996, the Company's agreement with UUNet was amended. Under the
amended agreement, the Company pays UUNET a monthly fee equal to the greater of
a specified minimum or an amount that varies based primarily on peak customer
usage. The Company also pays UUNET an additional fee to the extent that hours of
usage exceed a formula set forth in the agreement. This agreement has a term
that expires in March 1999 (subject to earlier cancellation after March 1998
with one year's prior notice, but provided that if this notice is given, the
Company is required to begin to reduce its usage of UUNET's POPs in accordance
with a schedule set forth in the agreement). If the agreement expires at the end
of its term, it is automatically renewed for consecutive one-year terms unless
prior notice of termination is given. Minimum fees under the agreement are:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
YEAR ENDING
DECEMBER 31,                                                                                 IN MILLIONS
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------  -----------
<S>                                                                                          <C>
  1996 (three months)......................................................................   $     3.0
  1997.....................................................................................        16.2
  1998.....................................................................................        22.8
  1999.....................................................................................         6.0
                                                                                                  -----
Total......................................................................................   $    48.0
                                                                                                  -----
                                                                                                  -----
</TABLE>
 
  LEASES
 
    Earthlink has signed a lease for an additional 55,000 square feet in a
facility located adjacent to its corporate headquarters in which it plans to
house its data center. The lease term commences and the Company expects to
occupy this new space in February 1997 for an inital ten-year term. Monthly
rental will be $66,000 for the first 60 months increasing to $77,000 for the
remaining 60 months.
 
                                      F-19
<PAGE>
- -------------------------------------------
                                     -------------------------------------------
- -------------------------------------------
                                     -------------------------------------------
 
    No dealer, saleperson or other person has been authorized to give any
information or make any representation other than those contained in this
Prospectus and, if given or made, such information or representation must not be
relied upon as having been authorized by the Company or the Underwriter. This
Prospectus does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to
buy any of the securities offered hereby in any jurisdiction to any person to
whom it is unlawful to make such offer or solicitation in such jurisdiction.
Neither the delivery of this Prospectus nor any offer or sale made hereunder
shall, under any circumstances, create any implication that there has been no
change in the affairs of the Company or that information contained herein is
correct as of any time subsequent to its date.
 
                            ------------------------
 
                               TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                            PAGE
                                                                            ----
<S>                                                                         <C>
Prospectus Summary........................................................     3
Risk Factors..............................................................     5
Use of Proceeds...........................................................    15
Dividend Policy...........................................................    16
Capitalization............................................................    17
Dilution..................................................................    18
Selected Financial Data...................................................    19
Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of
 Operations...............................................................    20
Business..................................................................    25
Management................................................................    35
Certain Transactions......................................................    42
Principal Stockholders....................................................    44
Description of Capital Stock..............................................    46
Shares Eligible for Future Sale...........................................    49
Underwriting..............................................................    51
Legal Matters.............................................................    52
Experts...................................................................    52
Additional Information....................................................    52
Financial Statements......................................................   F-1
</TABLE>
 
                            ------------------------
 
    UNTIL          , 1997 (25 DAYS AFTER THE DATE OF THIS PROSPECTUS), ALL
DEALERS EFFECTING TRANSACTIONS IN THE COMMON STOCK, WHETHER OR NOT PARTICIPATING
IN THIS OFFERING, MAY BE REQUIRED TO DELIVER A PROSPECTUS. THIS IS IN ADDITION
TO THE OBLIGATION OF DEALERS TO DELIVER A PROSPECTUS WHEN ACTING AS UNDERWRITERS
AND WITH RESPECT TO THEIR UNSOLD ALLOTMENTS OR SUBSCRIPTIONS.
 
                    EARTHLINK NETWORK-REGISTERED TRADEMARK-
 
                                2,000,000 SHARES
                                  COMMON STOCK
 
                                ----------------
 
                                   PROSPECTUS
                              -------------------
 
                            INVEMED ASSOCIATES, INC.
 
- -------------------------------------------
                                     -------------------------------------------
- -------------------------------------------
                                     -------------------------------------------
<PAGE>
                                    PART II
                     INFORMATION NOT REQUIRED IN PROSPECTUS
 
ITEM 13.  OTHER EXPENSES OF ISSUANCE AND DISTRIBUTION
 
    The following are the estimated expenses, other than underwriting discounts
and commissions, to be borne by the Company in connection with the issuance and
distribution of the Common Stock being registered:
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
ITEM                                                                               AMOUNT
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------  -----------
<S>                                                                              <C>
Securities and Exchange Commission registration fee............................  $    10,455
NASD filing fee................................................................        3,950
Nasdaq National Market listing fee.............................................       43,000
Blue Sky fees and expenses.....................................................       10,000
Printing and engraving expenses................................................      150,000
Legal fees and expenses........................................................      150,000
Accounting fees and expenses...................................................      120,000
Transfer Agent and Registrar fee...............................................        3,000
Miscellaneous..................................................................        9,595
                                                                                 -----------
    Total......................................................................  $   500,000
                                                                                 -----------
                                                                                 -----------
</TABLE>
    
 
   
ITEM 14.  INDEMNIFICATION OF DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS
    
 
    Under Section 145 of the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware,
as amended, the Company has the power to indemnify directors and officers under
certain prescribed circumstances and subject to certain limitations against
certain costs and expenses, including attorneys' fees actually and reasonably
incurred in connection with any action, suit or proceeding, whether civil,
criminal, administrative or investigative, to which any of them is a party by
reason of his or her being a director or officer of the Company if it is
determined that he acted in accordance with the applicable standard of conduct
set forth in such statutory provision.
 
    Article XII of the Company's By-laws generally permits indemnification of
directors and officers to the fullest extent authorized by the General
Corporation Law of the State of Delaware.
 
    The Company intends to purchase directors' and officers' liability
insurance.
 
ITEM 15.  RECENT SALES OF UNREGISTERED SECURITIES
 
    Since its inception in May 1994, the Company has issued and sold
unregistered securities in the transitions described below. All of the following
share and per share amounts have been restated to give effect to all of the
Company's stock splits. See Note 12 to Notes to Financial Statements.
 
Shares of Common Stock
 
     1. On May 27, 1994, the Company issued 1,500,000 shares of Common Stock to
Mr. Dayton as founder's stock for an aggregate price of $1,000.
 
     2. On June 10, 1994, the Company sold 500,000 shares of Common Stock to
each of Messrs. Slatkin and O'Donnell, directors of the Company, at a purchase
price of $0.10 per share.
 
   
     3. On October 17, 1994, the Company sold 220,590 shares of Common Stock to
each of Messrs. Slatkin and O'Donnell, directors of the Company, at a purchase
price of $0.17 per share.
    
 
     4. On March 30, 1995, the Company sold 61,170 shares of Common Stock, to
each of Messrs. Slatkin and O'Donnell, directors of the Company, and 244,815
shares of Common Stock to Robert London, at a purchase price of $0.82 per share.
 
                                      II-1
<PAGE>
     5. On June 19, 1995, the Company sold 827,085 shares of Common Stock to 20
investors, including Messrs. Slatkin, O'Donnell, directors of the Company, and
to Mr. Sidney Azeez, a director of the Company, at a purchase price of $1.81 per
share.
 
   
     6. On October 31, 1995, the Company sold 921,745 shares of Common Stock to
19 investors, including Messrs. Slatkin and O'Donnell, directors of the Company,
and to Mr. Azeez, a director of the Company, at a purchase price of $4.84 per
share.
    
 
     7. On January 18, 1996, the Company sold 45,485 shares of Common Stock to
Messrs. Linwood Lacy, Jr. and Robert Kavner, directors of the Company, at a
purchase price of $4.84 per share.
 
     8. On March 20, 1996, the Company sold 25,000 shares of Common Stock to Mr.
Charles G. Betty, a director of the Company and the Company's President and
Chief Operating Officer, at a purchase price of $4.84 per share.
 
     9. On May 6, 1996, the Company sold 5,122 shares of Common Stock to a
sub-contractor at a purchase price of $9.76 per share, which purchase price was
paid by performance of certain services.
 
    10. On May 6, 1996, the Company sold 852,453 shares of Common Stock to 34
investors (primarily existing stockholders of the Company), including Messrs.
Azeez, Slatkin and O'Donnell, directors of the Company, at a purchase price of
$9.76 per share.
 
    11. On September 8, 1996, the Company issued 37,500 shares of Common Stock
to a consultant in consideration of the cancellation of the consulting agreement
between the consultant and the Company.
 
    12. On December 11, 1996, the Company agreed to enter into a consulting
agreement with New Media Group, Inc. pursuant to which the Company will issue an
aggregate of 20,000 shares of Common Stock in equal increments on January 1996
and 1999 as consideration for the consulting services to be performed.
 
Shares of Series A Convertible Preferred Stock
 
    13. On September 10, 1996, the Company issued 1,363,624 shares of Series A
Convertible Preferred Stock to certain investors, including Messrs. Azeez,
Betty, Slatkin, O'Donnell and Lacy, directors of the Company, at a purchase
price of $11.00 per share which shares will be automatically converted into
shares of Common Stock upon consummation of this offering. In connection with
this transaction, certain of these investors were also granted warrants to
purchase 100,000 shares of Common Stock having an exercise price of $11.00 per
share.
 
Warrants to Purchase Common Stock
 
    14. In December 1994 the Company agreed to grant, and on June 18, 1995, the
Company granted, Warrants to purchase 75,000 shares of Common Stock at an
exercise price of $1.81 per share to each of Messrs. Slatkin and O'Donnell in
connection with their provision of a $400,000 credit line to the Company.
 
    15. On August 31, 1995, the Company granted Warrants to purchase 50,000
shares of Common Stock at an exercise price of $1.81 per share to Mr. Slatkin in
connection with his acting as lessee, with the Company, under a $500,000
equipment lease. Mr. Slatkin subsequently transferred one-half of these warrants
to Mr. O'Donnell as consideration for his agreement to indemnify Mr. Slatkin for
certain liability arising in connection with the lease.
 
    16. On October 31, 1995, the Company granted Warrants to purchase 10,330
shares of Common Stock at an exercise price of $4.84 per share to David
Beckemeyer as partial consideration for the sale of certain of the assets of
Beckemeyer Consulting.
 
    17. On December 1, 1995, the Company granted Warrants to purchase 50,000
shares of Common Stock at an exercise price of $4.84 per share to Mr. Slatkin in
connection with their provision of a $250,000 line
 
                                      II-2
<PAGE>
of credit as security for the lease of the Company's Pasadena, California
facility. Mr. Slatkin subsequently transferred one-half of these warrants to Mr.
O'Donnell in consideration for his agreement to indemnify Mr. Slatkin for
certain liability arising in connection with the line of credit.
 
    18. Effective January 11, 1996, the Company granted Warrants to purchase
100,000 shares of Common Stock at an exercise price of $4.84 per share to Mr.
Slatkin in connection with his acting as lessee, with the Company, under a
$1,500,000 equipment lease. Mr. Slatkin subsequently transferred one-half of
these warrants to Mr. O'Donnell as consideration for his agreement to indemnify
Mr. Slatkin for certain liability arising in connection with the lease.
 
    19. On January 12, 1996, the Company granted warrants to purchase 50,000
shares of Common Stock at an exercise price of $4.84 per share to each of
Messrs. Lacy and Kavner as consideration for their agreeing to serve on the
Company's Board of Directors.
 
    20. On January 18, 1996, the Company granted warrants to purchase 50,000
shares of Common Stock at an exercise price of $4.84 per share to LINC Capital
Partners, Inc. ("LINC") in connection with LINC's provision of a $2,000,000
equipment lease credit line.
 
    21. On February 15, 1996, the Company granted warrants to purchase 5,000
shares of Common Stock at an exercise price of $9.76 per share to Boston
Financial & Equity Corporation ("BFE") in connection with BFE's provision of a
$700,000 equipment lease credit line.
 
    22. On May 6, 1996, the Company agreed to issue warrants to purchase up to
50,000 shares of Common Stock at an exercise price of $9.76 per share to
National Media Corporation in connection with the production of commercials on
behalf of the Company. In addition, the Company agreed to issue additional
warrants to National Media Corporation to purchase up to a maximum of 300,000
shares of Common Stock based upon the number of subscribers obtained through the
commercials. Through December 31, 1997, the exercise price will be $9.76 per
share; thereafter, the price will be set at the fair market value of the Common
Stock of the Company.
 
    23. On May 10, 1996, the Company issued warrants to purchase an aggregate of
45,477 shares of Common Stock at an exercise price of $9.76 per share to
MM/GATX, LINC Capital Corporation, Charter Equipment Leasing, El Camino
Resources for lease lines.
 
    24. On May 10, 1996, the Company entered into consulting agreements with two
consultants, David Hayes and Allen Claypool. In connection with these
agreements, the Company agreed that it will issue warrants to purchase an
aggregate of 10,000 shares of Common Stock at a per share exercise price of
$9.76 per share upon completion of the consulting services.
 
    25. On May 31, 1996, in connection with the amendment of its agreement with
UUNET, the Company agreed to issue warrants to purchase 10,000 shares of Common
Stock at $20.00 per share.
 
   
    26. On June 6, 1996, the Company issued warrants to purchase 98,340 shares
of Common Stock at an exercise price of $5.50 per share. Messrs. Azeez, Kavner,
O'Donnell and Slatkin were granted 6,667, 3,334, 7,500 and 7,500 of these
warrants, respectively. The warrants were issued in connection with the issuance
of the 10% Promissory Notes of the Company, as described in paragraph 35 below.
    
 
    27. On July 22, 1996, the Company issued warrants to purchase 100,000 shares
of Common Stock at an exercise price of $20.00 per share in connection with the
execution of its agreement with PSINet.
 
    28. In September 1996, the Company issued Warrants to purchase 7,500 shares
of Common Stock at an exercise price of $11.00 per share to each of three
members of the Company's Technology Advisory Council.
 
Convertible Debt Obligation
 
    29. Effective October 31, 1996, UUNET Technology, Inc. purchased from the
Company, a $5 million convertible promissory note, convertible into a maximum of
382,500 shares of Common Stock.
 
                                      II-3
<PAGE>
Options to Purchase Common Stock
 
    30. On March 18, 1995, the Company granted non-plan Options to purchase
75,000 shares of Common Stock at an exercise price of $0.60 per share to Mr.
Phil Gale in consideration for Mr. Gale's development efforts and as payment for
the development by Mr. Gale of certain software for the Company. Upon
termination by Mr. Gale of his employment on March 8, 1996, 14,791 of these
shares had vested and the balance expired.
 
    31. On June 19, 1995, the Company granted non-plan Options to purchase
250,000 shares of Common Stock at an exercise price of $1.81 to Mr. Dayton in
consideration for his continuing efforts to develop the Company and its
business.
 
    32. On June 19, 1995, the Company granted non-plan Options to purchase
50,000 shares of Common Stock at an exercise price of $1.81 per share to Mr.
Robert E. Johnson, Jr. in consideration for his accepting employment with the
Company.
 
    33. On December 1, 1995, the Company granted non-plan Options to purchase
50,000 shares of Common Stock at an exercise price of $4.84 to Mr. Leland C.
Thoburn in consideration for his accepting employment with the Company.
 
    34. In addition to the options described, between September 30, 1995 and
September 24, 1996, the Registrant granted options to purchase an aggregate of
1,016,250 shares of Common Stock to employees of the Registrant at exercise
prices ranging from $4.84 to $11.00 per share as incentives under the
Registrant's 1995 Stock Option Plan. Of these, options for 10,500 shares of
Common Stock have been forfeited due to the termination of the employment of
various grantees.
 
   
    35. On June 7, 1996, the Company issued $2.95 million principal amount of
10% promissory notes to certain investors, including Messrs. Azeez, Kavner,
O'Donnell and Slatkin, directors of the Company. Messrs. Azeez, Kavner,
O'Donnell and Slatkin purchased notes in the respective principal amounts of
$200,000; $100,000; $225,000; and $225,000. As additional consideration for the
investment, the Company issued warrants described in paragraph 26 above.
    
 
    All issuances of securities described above were made in reliance on the
exemption from registration provided by Section 4(2) of the Securities Act of
1933 or Section 3(b) of the Securities Act of 1933 and Rule 701 thereunder. The
Company believes that all of the securities were acquired by the investors for
investment and with no view toward the resale or distribution thereof. In each
instance, the investor was either an employee of the Company or a sophisticated
investor, the offers and sales were made without any public solicitation and the
stock certificates bear restrictive legends. No underwriter was involved in the
transactions and no commissions were paid.
 
ITEM 16.  EXHIBITS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES
 
    (a)  Exhibits:
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
 EXHIBIT
 NUMBER                                                       DESCRIPTION
- ---------             --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<C>        <C>        <S>
   1.1            --  Form of Underwriting Agreement*
   3.1            --  Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation**
                      (a) Certificate of Amendment of Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation++
   3.2            --  Bylaws**
   3.3            --  Certificate of Designation, Preferences and Rights of Series A Convertible Preferred Stock++
                      (a) Certificate of Amendment of EarthLink Network, Inc. Certificate of Designation,
                       Preferences and Rights of Series A Convertible Preferred Stock++
</TABLE>
    
 
                                      II-4
<PAGE>
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
 EXHIBIT
 NUMBER                                                       DESCRIPTION
- ---------             --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<C>        <C>        <S>
   4.1            --  See exhibits 3.1, 3.2 and 3.3 for provisions of the Certificate of Incorporation and Bylaws
                       defining rights of holders of Common Stock
   4.2            --  Specimen Stock Certificate++
   4.3            --  Form of Warrant Agreement**
   4.4            --  Registration Rights Agreement, Amendment No. 1 to Registration Rights Agreement and
                       Amendment No. 2 to Registration Rights Agreement (See also Exhibit 10.23(c))++
   4.5            --  Buy-Sell Agreement, dated June 10, 1995, among the Registrant, Sky Dayton, Reed Slatkin and
                       Kevin O'Donnell***
   5.1            --  Opinion of Hunton & Williams
   9.1            --  Voting Trust Agreement, dated June 10, 1995, among Sky Dayton, Reed Slatkin and Kevin
                       O'Donnell***
  10.1            --  1995 Stock Option Plan and forms of Stock Option Agreement and Stock Purchase Agreement**
  10.2            --  Amended and Restated Stock Option Plan for Directors++
  10.3            --  Master Lease Agreement, dated February 8, 1996, between the Registrant and Boston Financial
                       & Equity Corporation**
  10.4            --  Lease Line Agreement, dated January 30, 1996, between the Registrant and Boston Financial &
                       Equity Corporation**
  10.5            --  Master Lease Agreement, dated September 1, 1995, between the Registrant and LINC Capital
                       Management**
  10.6            --  Netscape Communications Corporation Internet Service Provider Navigator Distribution
                       Agreement dated May 31, 1996, between the Registrant and Netscape Communications
                       Corporation+**
                      (a) Amendment No. 1 to Netscape Communications Corporation Internet Service Provider
                       Agreement++
                      (b) Amendment No. 2 to Netscape Communications Corporation Internet Service Provider
                       Agreement+, ++
  10.7            --  Network Services Agreement dated May 31, 1996, between the Registrant and UUNET
                       Technologies, Inc.+**
                      (a) Addendum No. 1 to Network Services Agreement+,++
  10.8            --  Software Distribution Agreement (MacTCP), dated October 2, 1995, between the Registrant and
                       Apple Computer, Inc.***
  10.9            --  Employment Agreement, dated January 15, 1996, between the Registrant and Charles G. Betty**
  10.10           --  Indemnification Agreement, dated August 31, 1995, among the Registrant and Kevin O'Donnell
                       as Indemnitors and Reed Slatkin as Indemnitee**
  10.11           --  Indemnification and Participation Agreement, dated December 1, 1995, among the Registrant
                       and Kevin O'Donnell as Indemnitors and Reed Slatkin as Indemnitee**
  10.12           --  Standard Industrial/Commercial Multi-Tenant Lease, dated December 1, 1995, between the
                       Registrant and Becton, Dickinson***
  10.13           --  Business Loan Agreement, dated June 15, 1995, and Promissory Note in the original principal
                       amount of $250,000 between the Registrant and California United Bank***
  10.14           --  Line of Credit Note in the original principal amount of $250,000, dated June 23, 1995, and
                       Security Agreement, dated June 23, 1995, between the Registrant and the Bank of California,
                       N.A.**
</TABLE>
    
 
                                      II-5
<PAGE>
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
 EXHIBIT
 NUMBER                                                       DESCRIPTION
- ---------             --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<C>        <C>        <S>
  10.15           --  Line of Credit Note in the original principal amount of $1,000,000, dated November 2, 1995,
                       between the Registrant and the Bank of California, N.A.**
  10.16           --  Production and Distribution Agreement, dated May 6, 1996, between the Registrant and
                       National Media Corporation**
                      (a) Amendment No. 1 to Production and Distribution Agreement
  10.17           --  Documents evidencing the Company's sale of $2,950,000 of its 10% Promissory Notes, dated
                       June 18, 1996:
                       (a) Form of Subscription Agreement***
                       (b) Form of Warrant***
                       (c) Form of 10% Promissory Note***
  10.18           --  Amended and Restated Stock Purchase Agreement Relating to 2,727,273 Shares of Series A
                       Convertible Preferred Stock between the Company and the Investors named therein, dated
                       September 10, 1996++
                      (a) Form of stock purchase Warrant++
  10.19           --  Internet Wizard Sign-Up Agreement between the Company and Microsoft Corporation, dated
                       August 16, 1996+, ++
  10.20           --  Network Access Agreement between the Company and PSINet, Inc., dated July 22, 1996 and
                       Amendment No. 1 to Network Access Agreement+, ++
  10.21           --  Office Lease by and between The Mutual Life Insurance Company of New York, as Landlord, and
                       the Company, as Tenant, dated September 20, 1996++
  10.22           --  Standard Office Lease -- Gross, by and between Glen Feliz Properties, as Landlord, and the
                       Company, as Tenant, dated July 2, 1996++
  10.23           --  Amended and Restated Note Purchase Agreement between the Company and UUNET Technologies,
                       Inc., dated as of October 31, 1996++
                      (a) $5,000,000 Convertible Note++
                      (b) Stockholders Agreement++
                      (c) Addendum to Amended and Restated Registration Rights Agreement++
  11.1            --  Statement of computation of per share earnings
  23.1            --  Consent of Price Waterhouse LLP, independent public accountants
  23.2            --  Consent of Hunton & Williams (contained in its opinion in exhibit 5.1)
  27.             --  Financial Data Schedule++
</TABLE>
    
 
- ------------
  * To be filed by amendment.
 ** Incorporated by reference to the exhibit designated by the same exhibit
    number and filed as an exhibit to the Company's Registration Statement on
    Form S-1 (Registration No. 333-5055) filed with the Commission on June 3,
    1996.
*** Incorporated by reference to the exhibit designated by the same exhibit
    number and filed as an exhibit to Amendment No. 1 to the Company's
    Registration Statement on Form S-1 (Registration No. 333-5055) filed with
    the Commission on June 27, 1996.
   
  + Confidential portions of this exhibit have been omitted, marked with
    asterisks (*) and filed separately with the Securities and Exchange
    Commission pursuant to an application for confidential treatment.
    
 ++ Previously filed.
 
    (b)  Financial Statement Schedules:
 
    All of the financial statement schedules for which provision is made in the
applicable accounting regulations of the Commission are either not required
under the related instructions or are inapplicable and
 
                                      II-6
<PAGE>
have therefore been omitted, except for the Financial Data Schedule referenced
above as Exhibit 27 and filed herewith; provided, however, that Exhibit 27 shall
not be deemed filed for purposes of Section 11 of the Securities Act, Section 18
of the Exchange Act and Section 323 of the Trust Indenture Act, or otherwise be
subject to the liabilities of such sections, nor shall it be deemed a part of
this Registration Statement.
 
ITEM 17.  UNDERTAKINGS
 
    The Company hereby undertakes to provide the Underwriter at the closing
specified in the underwriting agreement, certificates in such denominations and
registered in such names as required by the Underwriter to permit prompt
delivery to each Purchaser.
 
    Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities Act
of 1933, as amended, may be permitted to directors, officers and controlling
persons to the Company, the Company has been advised that in the opinion of the
Securities and Exchange Commission such indemnification is against public policy
as expressed in the Securities Act and is, therefore, unenforceable. In the
event that a claim for indemnification against such liabilities (other than the
payment by the Company of expenses incurred or paid by a director, officer or
controlling person of the Company in the successful defense of any action, suit
or proceeding) is asserted by such director, officer or controlling person in
connection with the securities being registered, the Company will, unless in the
opinion of its counsel the matter has been settled by controlling precedent,
submit to a court of appropriate jurisdiction the question whether such
indemnification by it is against public policy as expressed in the Securities
Act and will be governed by the final adjudication of such issue.
 
    The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes that:
 
    (1)  For purposes of determining any liability under the Securities Act, the
information omitted from the form of prospectus filed as part of this
registration statement in reliance upon Rule 430A and contained in the form of a
prospectus filed by the registrant pursuant to Rule 424(b)(1) or (4) or 497(h)
under the Securities Act shall be deemed to be part of this registration
statement as of the time it was declared effective.
 
    (2)  For the purpose of determining any liability under the Securities Act,
each post-effective amendment that contains a form of prospectus shall be deemed
to be a new registration statement relating to the securities offered therein,
and the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be the
initial bona fide offering thereof.
 
                                      II-7
<PAGE>
                                   SIGNATURES
 
   
    Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act, the Registrant has duly
caused this Amendment to its Registration Statement to be signed on its behalf
by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the City of Pasadena, State of
California, on the 23rd day of December, 1996.
    
 
                                          EARTHLINK NETWORK, INC.
 
                                          By:          /S/ SKY D. DAYTON
 
                                             -----------------------------------
                                                        Sky D. Dayton
                                             Chairman of the Board of Directors
 
   
    Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, this
Amendment to Registration Statement has been signed by the following persons in
the capacities indicated below on the 23rd day of December, 1996.
    
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
              SIGNATURE                                   TITLE
- --------------------------------------    --------------------------------------
 
<C>                                       <S>
          /S/ SKY D. DAYTON
- --------------------------------------    Chairman of the Board of Directors
            Sky D. Dayton
 
         /S/ CHARLES G. BETTY             President, Chief Executive Officer and
- --------------------------------------     Director (Principal Executive
           Charles G. Betty                Officer)
 
          /S/ BARRY W. HALL               Chief Financial Officer (Principal
- --------------------------------------     Financial and
            Barry W. Hall                  Accounting Officer)
 
            SIDNEY AZEEZ*
- --------------------------------------    Director
             Sidney Azeez
 
          ROBERT M. KAVNER*
- --------------------------------------    Director
           Robert M. Kavner
 
        LINWOOD A. LACY, JR.*
- --------------------------------------    Director
         Linwood A. Lacy, Jr.
 
         KEVIN M. O'DONNELL*
- --------------------------------------    Director
          Kevin M. O'Donnell
 
          JOHN W. SIDGMORE*
- --------------------------------------    Director
           John W. Sidgmore
 
           REED E. SLATKIN*
- --------------------------------------    Director
           Reed E. Slatkin
 
           /s/ PAUL MCNULTY
- --------------------------------------    Director
             Paul McNulty
 
        *By: /S/ SKY D. DAYTON
- --------------------------------------
            Sky D. Dayton
           Attorney-in-fact
</TABLE>
 
                                      II-8
<PAGE>
                               INDEX TO EXHIBITS
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
EXHIBITS                                                                                                     PAGE
- ---------                                                                                                  ---------
<C>        <S>                                                                                             <C>
   1.1     Form of Underwriting Agreement*
   3.1     Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation**
           (a) Certificate of Amendment of Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation++
   3.2     Bylaws**
   3.3     Certificate of Designation Preferences and Rights of Series A Convertible Preferred Stock++
           (a) Certificate of Amendment of EarthLink Network, Inc. Certificate of Designation,
            Preferences and Rights of Series A Convertible Preferred Stock
   4.1     See exhibits 3.1, 3.2 and 3.3 for provisions of the Certificate of Incorporation and Bylaws
            defining rights of holders of Common Stock++
   4.2     Specimen Stock Certificate++
   4.3     Form of Warrant Agreement**
   4.4     Registration Rights Agreement, Amendment No. 1 to Registration Rights Agreement and Amendment
            No. 2 to Registration Rights Agreements (See also Exhibit 10.23(c))++
   4.5     Buy-Sell Agreement, dated June 10, 1995, among the Registrant, Sky Dayton, Reed Slatkin and
            Kevin O'Donnell***
   5.1     Opinion of Hunton & Williams
   9.1     Voting Trust Agreement, dated June 10, 1995, among Sky Dayton, Reed Slatkin and Kevin
            O'Donnell***
  10.1     1995 Stock Option Plan and forms of Stock Option Agreement and Stock Purchase Agreement**
  10.2     Amended and Restated Stock Option Plan for Directors++
  10.3     Master Lease Agreement, dated February 8, 1996, between the Registrant and Boston Financial &
            Equity Corporation**
  10.4     Lease Line Agreement, dated January 30, 1996, between the Registrant and Boston Financial &
            Equity Corporation**
  10.5     Master Lease Agreement, dated September 1, 1995, between the Registrant and LINC Capital
            Management**
  10.6     Netscape Communications Corporation Internet Service Provider Navigator Distribution Agreement
            dated May 31, 1996, between the Registrant and Netscape Communications Corporation+**
           (a) Amendment No. 1 to Netscape Communications Corporation Internet Service Provider
            Agreement++
           (b) Amendment No. 2 to Netscape Communications Corporation Internet Service Provider
            Agreement+, ++
  10.7     Network Services Agreement dated May 31, 1996, between the Registrant and UUNET Technologies,
            Inc.+**
           (a) Addendum No. 1 to Network Services Agreement+,++
  10.8     Software Distribution Agreement (MacTCP), dated October 2, 1995, between the Registrant and
            Apple Computer, Inc.***
  10.9     Employment Agreement, dated January 15, 1996, between the Registrant and Charles G. Betty**
  10.10    Indemnification Agreement, dated August 31, 1995, among the Registrant and Kevin O'Donnell as
            Indemnitors and Reed Slatkin as Indemnitee**
  10.11    Indemnification and Participation Agreement, dated December 1, 1995, among the Registrant and
            Kevin O'Donnell as Indemnitors and Reed Slatkin as Indemnitee**
  10.12    Standard Industrial/Commercial Multi-Tenant Lease, dated December 1, 1995, between the
            Registrant and Becton, Dickinson***
</TABLE>
    
<PAGE>
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
EXHIBITS                                                                                                     PAGE
- ---------                                                                                                  ---------
<C>        <S>                                                                                             <C>
  10.13    Business Loan Agreement, dated June 15, 1995, and Promissory Note in the original principal
            amount of $250,000 between the Registrant and California United Bank***
  10.14    Line of Credit Note in the original principal amount of $250,000, dated June 23, 1995, and
            Security Agreement, dated June 23, 1995, between the Registrant and the Bank of California,
            N.A.**
  10.15    Line of Credit Note in the original principal amount of $1,000,000, dated November 2, 1995,
            between the Registrant and the Bank of California, N.A.**
  10.16    Production and Distribution Agreement, dated May 6, 1996, between the Registrant and National
            Media Corporation**
           (a) Amendment No. 1 to Production and Distribution Agreement
  10.17    Documents evidencing the Company's sale of $2,950,000 of its 10% Promissory Notes, dated June
            18, 1996:
            (a) Form of Subscription Agreement***
            (b) Form of Warrant***
            (c) Form of 10% Promissory Note***
  10.18    Amended and Restated Stock Purchase Agreement Relating to 2,727,273 Shares of Series A
            Convertible Preferred Stock between the Company and the Investors named therein, dated
            September 10, 1996++
            (a) Form of Stock Purchase Warrant++
  10.19    Internet Wizard Sign-Up Agreement between the Company and Microsoft Corporation, dated August
            16, 1996+, ++
  10.20    Network Access Agreement between the Company and PSINet, Inc., dated July 22, 1996 and
            Amendment No. 1 to Network Access Agreement+, ++
  10.21    Office Lease by and between The Mutual Life Insurance Company of New York, as Landlord, and
            the Company, as Tenant, dated September 20, 1996++
  10.22    Standard Office Lease -- Gross, by and between Glen Feliz Properties, as Landlord, and the
            Company, as Tenant, dated July 2, 1996++
  10.23    Amended and Restated Note Purchase Agreement between the Company and UUNET Technologies, Inc.,
            dated October 31, 1996++
           (a) $5,000,000 Convertible Note++
           (b) Stockholders Agreement++
           (c) Addendum to Amended and Restated Registration Rights Agreement++
  11.1     Statement of computation of per share earnings
  23.1     Consent of Price Waterhouse LLP, independent public accountants
  23.2     Consent of Hunton & Williams (contained in its opinion in exhibit 5.1)
  27.      Financial Data Schedule++
</TABLE>
    
 
- ------------
  * To be filed by amendment.
 ** Incorporated by reference to the Exhibit designated by the same exhibit
    number and filed as an exhibit to the Company's Registration Statement on
    Form S-1 (Registration No. 333-5055) filed with the Commission on June 3,
    1996.
*** Incorporated by reference to the exhibit designated by the same exhibit
    number and filed as an exhibit to Amendment No. 1 to the Company's
    Registration Statement on Form S-1 (Registration No. 333-5055) filed with
    the Commission on June 27, 1996.
   
  + Confidential portions of this exhibit have been omitted, marked with
    asterisks (*) and filed separately with the Securities and Exchange
    Commission pursuant to an application for confidential treatment.
    
 ++ Previously filed.

<PAGE>

                                                                    EXHIBIT 5.1

                              December 17, 1996

EarthLink Network, Inc. 
3100 New York Drive
Pasadena, California  91107

     Re:  Registration of 2,300,000 Shares of Common Stock; 
          Registration Statement on Form S-1 (Reg. No. 333-15781)

Ladies and Gentlemen: 

     We have acted as counsel to EarthLink Network, Inc., a Delaware corporation
(the "Company"), in connection with the registration under the Securities Act of
1933, as amended, pursuant to the Company's Registration Statement on Form S-1,
Registration No. 333-15781 (the "Registration  Statement"), of an initial public
offering of 2,000,000 shares of common stock, $.01 par value ("Common Stock") of
the Company (the "Firm Shares"), all of which are being sold by the Company as
described in the underwriting agreement (the "Underwriting Agreement") to be
entered into between the Company and Invemed Associates, Inc. (the
"Underwriter").  In addition, the Company will grant to the Underwriter an
option to purchase up to an additional 300,000 shares of Common Stock solely to
cover over-allotments, if any (the "Option Shares"). The Firm Shares and the
Option Shares are hereinafter referred to collectively as the "Shares." 

     In this capacity, we have examined the Registration Statement (including
all amendments thereto), the proposed form of Underwriting Agreement, the
Company's Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation and originals or
copies, certified or otherwise identified to our satisfaction, of such corporate
records, agreements, documents and other instruments of the Company relating to
the authorization and issuance of the Shares to be sold by the Company and other
matters as we have deemed relevant and necessary as a basis for the opinion
hereinafter set forth. 

     In conducting our examination we have assumed the genuineness of all
signatures, the legal capacity of all natural persons, the authenticity of all
documents submitted to us as originals, the conformity to original documents of
all documents submitted to us as certified or photostatic copies and the
authenticity of the originals of such documents. 

     Based upon the foregoing, and in reliance thereon, we are of the opinion
that the Shares, when issued and delivered against payment therefor in
accordance with the terms of the Underwriting Agreement, will be legally and
validly issued, fully paid and non-assessable.  

<PAGE>

     We hereby consent to the incorporation of this opinion into the
Registration Statement as Exhibit 5.1 thereto and to the reference to our firm
under the heading "Legal Matters" in the Prospectus that is a part of the
Registration Statement. 

     We further consent to the use of this opinion as an exhibit to applications
to securities commissioners of various states of the United States for the
registration or qualification of the Shares under the securities or "blue sky"
laws of such states. 

                                               Very truly yours, 


                                               /s/ HUNTON & WILLIAMS
                                               --------------------------------
                                               HUNTON & WILLIAMS


<PAGE>

          AMENDMENT No. 2 TO AMENDED AND RESTATED INTERNET SERVICE PROVIDER 
                           NAVIGATOR DISTRIBUTION AGREEMENT

This Amendment No. 2 (The "Amendment") is entered into by and between Netscape
Communications Corporation, a Delaware corporation, with principal offices at
501 E. Middlefield Road, Mountain View, California 94043 ("Netscape"), and
EarthLink Network, Inc, a Delaware corporation with a usual place of business at
3100 New York Drive, Pasadena, California 91107 ("NSP") and effective as of
September 1, 1996 ("Effective Date").

WHEREAS, the parties have entered into an Amended and Restated Internet Service
Provider Navigator Distribution Agreement effective May 31, 1996 (the
"Agreement") and an Amendment No. 1 thereto effective August 1, 1996; and

WHEREAS, the parties wish to modify and supplement the provisions of such
Agreement;

NOW, THEREFORE, the parties, in consideration of the terms and conditions
herein, agree as follows:

1.  The Netscape products selected on the cover sheet of the Agreement after
    "Check Applicable" shall be Netscape Navigator LAN, Netscape Navigator Dial
    up kit, and Netscape Navigator Gold only.

2.  Section 1.16 of the Agreement shall be amended to read in its entirety as
    follows:

    1.16      "Registered User" means (a) an End User that is provided Netscape
              Navigator Gold upon the date such product is first distributed to
              such End User or (b) an End User that is provided Netscape
              Navigator LAN who is provided Internet Access through NSP's
              Product and who continues to use NSP's Product for Internet
              Access as of the shorter of (i) the duration of any free trial or
              evaluation period offered by NSP or (ii) thirty (30) days after
              the date that such End User is first provided Internet Access
              through NSP's Product.

3.  Section 1 of Attachment C shall be amended to read in its entirety as
    follows:

    1.        PRICING
                                                    LICENSE FEE PER COPY

              Netscape Navigator LAN                    *****
              (Windows 95/NT and Macintosh
              platforms)

              Netscape Navigator Gold                   *****
              (Windows 95/NT and Macintosh
               platforms)

4.  Capitalized terms defined in the Agreement shall have the same meaning in
    this Amendment as in the Agreement.

5.  Except as explicitly modified, all terms, conditions and provisions of the
    Agreement shall continue in full force and effect.
   
*   Confidential portions of this exhibit have been omitted, marked with 
    asterisks (*) and filed separately with the Securities and Exchange
    Commission pursuant to an application for confidential treatment.
    
                                          1

<PAGE>

6.  In the event of any inconsistency or conflict between the Agreement and
    this Amendment, the terms, conditions and provisions of this Amendment
    shall govern and control.

7.  This Amendment and the Agreement constitute the entire and exclusive
    agreement between the parties with respect to this subject matter.  All
    previous discussions and agreements with respect to this subject matter are
    superseded by the Agreement and this Amendment.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Amendment to be executed
by their duly authorized representatives, and effective as of the Effective
Date.

         NETSCAPE COMMUNICATIONS                  EARTHLINK NETWORK INC.
             CORPORATION

By: /s/ Thomas Dicker                         By: Garry H. Betty
   --------------------------------              -----------------------------
        Signature                                    Signature

Name: Thomas Dicker                           Name: Garry Betty
     ------------------------------                ---------------------------
        Print or Type                                Print or Type

Title: Executive Director                     Title: CEO/President
      -----------------------------                 --------------------------

Date: September 24, 1996                      Date: September 26, 1996
     ------------------------------                ---------------------------


                                          2

<PAGE>

                                                                EXHIBIT 10.7(a)


                                  ADDENDUM NO. 1 TO
                              NETWORK SERVICES AGREEMENT


    This Addendum No. 1 (the "Addendum") to Network Services Agreement between
    UUNET Technologies, Inc. ("UUNET") and EarthLink Network, Inc.
    ("EarthLink") dated May 31, 1996 (the "Agreement") is made as of October
    31, 1996.

    The parties agree as follows:

1.  AMENDMENT. Each of UUNET and EarthLink wish to amend the Agreement on the
    terms and subject to the Conditions set forth in this Addendum.

2.  PRICING. The attached Schedule A, NETWORK SERVICES PRICING, TERMS AND
    CONDITIONS supersedes and replaces in its entirety Schedule A to the
    Agreement.

3.  EFFECTIVITY AND TERM. The initial term of the Agreement, as modified by
    this Addendum, is 30 months from October 1, 1996, unless earlier terminated
    by either party in accordance with the terms of the Agreement, as modified
    by this Addendum. The term shall be automatically renewed for additional
    one-year terms; provided, that neither party has given the other party a
    written notice of intent not to renew for the forthcoming term. Such notice
    of intent shall be given not less than 60 days prior to the end of the
    current term.

4.  EARTHLINK TERMINATION FOR CAUSE.  The attached Schedule D, SERVICE LEVEL
    AGREEMENT AND TERMINATION FOR CONVENIENCE, supersedes and replaces in its
    entirety Section 8 of the Agreement.

5.  UUNET TERMINATION FOR CAUSE. The last sentence of Section 9 of the
    Agreement is hereby amended to read in its entirety as follows: "If any
    amounts due and owing by EarthLink remain unpaid 60 days after the date
    payment is due, the UUNET may terminate this agreement immediately without
    penalty."

6.  CONFIDENTIALITY; NO PUBLICITY. The prices and terms of the Agreement, both
    prior to and as modified by this Addendum, shall be held confidential by
    both parties, as shall the parties' respective performance under the
    Agreement, the quality of UUNET Network performance, and any data provided
    by UUNET to EarthLink regarding performance of the UUNET Network. Each
    party shall not disclose any such information to third parties, except as
    permitted by this Section 6, and shall disseminate such information among
    its employees only on a need-to-know basis. In the event that EarthLink is
    required for legal or regulatory reasons to disclose the terms of the
    Agreement or the Addendum or performance thereunder, EarthLink shall use
    its best efforts to minimize such disclosure, shall notify UUNET in advance
    of such required disclosure and shall provide to UUNET, to the maximum
    extent practicable, the opportunity to comment upon such proposed
    disclosure. Each party shall be entitled to all available legal and
    equitable remedies in the event of a breach of this Section 6. In addition,
    UUNET, in its discretion, may terminate this Agreement upon ten days' notice
    and without penalty in the event of EarthLink's breach of the terms of this
    Section 6.

7.  OUTSTANDING CHARGES. EarthLink agrees that all charges billed by UUNET to
    EarthLink to date under the Agreement are final, and EarthLink agrees to pay
    to UUNET such charges under the Agreement through September 1996, including
    without limitation the charges based on the invoices in the attached
    SCHEDULE "E".

8.  ENTIRE AGREEMENT; RATIFICATION. Section 13 of the Agreement is replaced in
    its entirety by this Section 8. The parties hereby affirm and ratify their
    respective rights and obligations under the Agreement, which Agreement
    shall remain in full force and effect, as modified by the Addendum. The
    Agreement, this Addendum, and the attached Schedules and Exhibits
    constitute the entire agreement between the parties and supersede any and
    all prior or contemporaneous oral or written

   
*   Confidential portions of this exhibit have been omitted, marked with 
    asterisks (*) and filed separately with the Securities and Exchange
    Commission pursuant to an application for confidential treatment.
    
1

<PAGE>

    communications with respect to the subject matter hereof and thereof. None
    of the Agreement, this Addendum or the attached Schedules and Exhibits
    shall be modified, amended or in any way altered except by an instrument in
    writing signed by both parties.

    IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have set their hands as of the date
    first above written.

EARTHLINK NETWORK, INC.

By: /s/ C. GARRY BETTY
   -------------------------------

Name: /s/ C. GARRY BETTY
     -----------------------------

Title: President and CEO
      ----------------------------


UUNET TECHNOLOGIES, INC.

By: /s/ DAVID FOSTER
   -------------------------------

Name: David Foster
     -----------------------------

Title: Vice President
      ----------------------------


2

<PAGE>

                                      SCHEDULE A
                    NETWORK SERVICES PRICING, TERMS AND CONDITIONS


1.  DEFINITIONS

    "EarthLink Users" are EarthLink customers that reside in the
    continental United States or Canada and are making use of the UUNET Network
    with connections at either 28.8 Kbps analog or below, or ISDN, for
    connecting to the Internet. Such customers shall be those who can
    reasonably be expected to use the dial-up connections for ordinary periodic 
    use and not to maintain continuous or pseudo-dedicated connections.
    Further, such customers shall not be permitted directly or indirectly to
    sell or permit access to the general public.

    ***** ************ ****** are EarthLink Users logged into the UUNET Network
    from the continental United States or Canada ************** ** ********
    ****** * ***** **** ********* 

    ******* ******* **** ************ ****** are EarthLink Users logged into
    the UUNET Network from the continental United States or Canada
    ************** ***** ** ******* ***** **** **** ******* ****** ******
    *********** ********
   
    ******** ******* **** ************ ****** is the average of the highest 
    number of ****** ******* **** ************ ***** for each day of a calendar
    month, which, during the period of October 1, 1996, through March 31, 
    1997, for the applicable month, will be adjusted pursuant to Section 3 of 
    this Schedule A.
    
   
    ******* ****** is the total number of EarthLink connect hours in the
    continental U.S. and Canada for a calendar month, less the product of (a)
    the ******* ******* **** ************ ****** multiplied by (b) *** *****
    ******* *******
    
2.  PRICING FOR EARTHLINK USERS
   
    EarthLink will pay to UUNET a monthly price based on the ******* *******
    **** ************ ***** as measured by UUNET, dependent upon whether
    ******* ******* **** ************ ****** prior to any contractual 
    adjustments, is at or below the ****** ****** specified below.
    
   
    In addition to the **** ************ **** ******** EarthLink will pay to
    UUNET **** per hour for each ****** ***** plus the surcharge for ISDN 
    access and access outside of the continental USA as set forth below.

    Price per ******* ******* **** ************ ****
    
     ---------------------------------------------------------------------------

     ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
   
    EACH, PER CALENDAR MONTH, WHEN BELOW *******           $******
          ****** ******
    
   
                                                           $******
    EACH, PER CALENDAR MONTH, AT OR ABOVE ******
        *******
    
     ---------------------------------------------------------------------------

   
*   Confidential portions of this exhibit have been omitted, marked with 
    asterisks (*) and filed separately with the Securities and Exchange
    Commission pursuant to an application for confidential treatment.
    

3

<PAGE>

    ****** ****** of ******* ******* **** ************ *****


          ---------------------------------------------------

         MONTH                                ****** ******
          ---------------------------------------------------
         October-96                              *****
          ---------------------------------------------------
         November-96                             *****
          ---------------------------------------------------
         December-96                             *****
          ---------------------------------------------------
         January-97                              *****
          ---------------------------------------------------
         February-97                             *****
          ---------------------------------------------------
         March-97                                *****
          ---------------------------------------------------
         April-97                                *****
          ---------------------------------------------------
         May-97                                  *****
          ---------------------------------------------------
         June-97                                 *****
          ---------------------------------------------------
         July-97                                 *****
          ---------------------------------------------------
         August-97                               *****
          ---------------------------------------------------
         September-97                            *****
          ---------------------------------------------------
         October-97                              *****
          ---------------------------------------------------
         November-97                             *****
          ---------------------------------------------------
         December-97                             *****
          ---------------------------------------------------
         January-98                              *****
          ---------------------------------------------------
         February-98                             *****
          ---------------------------------------------------
         March-98                               ******
          ---------------------------------------------------
         April-98                               ******
          ---------------------------------------------------
         May-98                                 ******
          ---------------------------------------------------
         June-98                                ******
          ---------------------------------------------------
         July-98                                ******
          ---------------------------------------------------
         August-98                              ******
          ---------------------------------------------------
         September-98                           ******
          ---------------------------------------------------
         October-98                             ******
          ---------------------------------------------------
         November-98                            ******
          ---------------------------------------------------
         December-98                            ******
          ---------------------------------------------------
         January-99                             ******
          ---------------------------------------------------
         February-99                            ******
          ---------------------------------------------------
         March-99                               ******
          ---------------------------------------------------


3.  ******* ****** ADJUSTMENTS
   
    During the period of ******* ** **** through ******** *** ***** UUNET will
    deduct *** ****** ******* ************* from the actual number of *******
    ******* **** ************ ***** and during the period of 
    ******* ** **** through ***** *** ***** UUNET will deduct *** ****
    ******* ************* from the actual number of ******* ******* ****
    ************ ***** per calendar month
    
   
    In the event that the ******* ******* **** ************ ***** is less than
    the ****** ****** (prior to any adjustment pursuant to the preceding
    paragraph) for any calendar month from ******* ** **** through ***** ***
    ***** EarthLink will pay to UUNET **** per **** ************ **** for such
    month if ******* ******* **** *********** ****** for such month is more
    than *** but less than ****** of the ****** ****** for such month; **** per
    **** ************ **** if ******* ******* **** ************ ***** for such
    month is more than ***** and *** or less than the ****** ****** for such
    month; and **** per **** ************ **** for such month if *******
    ******* **** ************ ***** for such month is ***** or less of the
    ****** ****** for such month, in lieu of the pricing as stated in the *****
    *** **** ************ **** table above.
    
   
*   Confidential portions of this exhibit have been omitted, marked with 
    asterisks (*) and filed separately with the Securities and Exchange
    Commission pursuant to an application for confidential treatment.
    

4

<PAGE>

4.  ISDN ACCESS PRICING
   
    ISDN access from the continental United States and Canada shall be subject
    to a surcharge of **** per hour (per channel). ISDN access from outside of
    the continental United States and Canada is not available as part of this
    Agreement.
    
5.  CANADA ACCESS PRICING
   
    Access from Canada shall be subject to a surcharge of **** per hour in
    addition to any other surcharges which may apply.
    
6.  ALASKA AND HAWAII ACCESS PRICING

    Pricing for access from Alaska and Hawaii, subject to such access becoming
    commercially available, will be added in a separate addendum to this
    Agreement.

7.  INTERNATIONAL ROAMING ACCESS PRICING
   
    Access from any one of UUNET's POPs outside of the continental United
    States and Canada will be subject to an hourly rate of ***** per hour
    
8.  ******* ********
   
    If the actual charges to EarthLink under the terms of this Schedule A for 
    dial-up services only do not exceed the amount of the ******* ******* 
    ******* ******* set forth below, EarthLink shall pay to UUNET the ******* 
    ******* ******* ******* for charges incurred by EarthLink Users, after 
    applying all applicable surcharges and the initial period adjustments, as 
    follows:
    
   
    ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Time Period                                       ******* ******* *******
    ---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    October 1, 1996 through March 31, 1997                 **********

    April 1, 1997 through June 30, 1997                    **********

    July 1, 1997 through September 30, 1997                **********

    October 1, 1997 through December 31, 1997              **********

    January 1, 1998 through June 30, 1998                  **********

    July 1, 1998 through March 31, 1999                    **********

- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    
9.  RESALE

    Resale to other individuals and organizations is permitted, however resale
    to Internet Service Providers or other businesses or organizations which
    will resell or incorporate the use of the Internet as part of their
    service, such that the end user is not a customer of EarthLink, is subject
    to advance approval by UUNET, and will require that EarthLink's agreement
    with its reseller incorporates the terms and conditions provided in the
    attached Exhibit 1.  The terms of this Section 9 shall not restrict any 
    cooperative

   
*   Confidential portions of this exhibit have been omitted, marked with 
    asterisks (*) and filed separately with the Securities and Exchange
    Commission pursuant to an application for confidential treatment.
    

5

<PAGE>

    marketing or referral arrangements so long as all resulting end users are
    customers of EarthLink.

10. REFERRALS FROM UUNET
   
    EarthLink agrees to the extent reasonably possible to set-up all customers
    referred to EarthLink by UUNET with accounts using the UUNET Network. 
    EarthLink also agrees to pay to UUNET a ******** *** ** *** *** ******* for
    **** **********  EarthLink and UUNET agree to work diligently to establish
    an appropriate procedure for processing and tracking the ********* and
    making monthly ************
    
   
11. DISCOUNTS ON OTHER SERVICES

    UUNET will provide a discount of *** off the then current list price for
    two (2) DS-3's UUNET currently provides to EarthLin, and ***** discount
    off the then current list price on the first eight (8) DS-3s ordered after
    the date of this Addendum. In addition, UUNET will provide one Newsfeed at
    no charge.

    In the event that Termination for Convenience is elected, the discounts 
    will be reduced to *** off the then current list price for the two (2) DS-3s
    UUNET currentlyu provides to EarthLink, and *** off the then current list 
    price for the first eight (8) DS-3s ordered after the date of this Addendum.
    
    List prices are not inclusive of any period or term commitment discounts
    which may be offered. The discounts set forth in this Section 11 shall
    apply only for the term of the Agreement, as modified by this Addendum.

12. EARTHLINK RESPONSIBILITIES

    -  EarthLink will provide to UUNET a six month advance rolling forecast by
    POP on a monthly basis.

    -  EarthLink will cooperate with UUNET to direct new user load to
    appropriate POPs as specified by UUNET.

13. UUNET RESPONSIBILITIES

    UUNET will make available to EarthLink the following billing data files and
    reports regarding the utilization of the UUNET Network for a calendar month
    by the 7th day of the following calendar month:

    -  Monthly Billing Data File containing all session records for the month.

    -  "One Day Ago" Daily Billing File which will include sessions beginning
    on the previous day, noting that the sum of such files for the month does
    not include all sessions.  UUNET will use reasonable efforts to rewrite the
    necessary systems such that Daily Billing Data Files can be provided which
    will include all sessions ending on given day, so that the sum of such
    files will include all sessions for the month.
   
    -  Report of POPs which were ***** ******** *********** *** ** ******* or
    more on each of ****** ** **** **** during the month.
    
    -  ******* ******* ************ **** ***** report including the number of
    ************ **** ***** for each day of the month.

    -  The data for such month set forth on Exhibit 2.

    In addition, UUNET will provide to EarthLink by Wednesday of the week
    following the applicable activity:

    -  Periodically updated list of all POPs and their primary rotary phone
    numbers.

   
*   Confidential portions of this exhibit have been omitted, marked with 
    asterisks (*) and filed separately with the Securities and Exchange
    Commission pursuant to an application for confidential treatment.
    

6

<PAGE>

    -  Weekly report of POPs which were heavily utilized, as defined by UUNET.

    -  Weekly report of expanded or new POPs.

    -  Report of **** ************ ***** by day.

    UUNET may provide other reports, to be determined at UUNET's option, which
    will assist EarthLink in managing resource utilization.


14. RESOURCE UTILIZATION REDUCTION
   
    EarthLink and UUNET agree to work diligently to reduce resource utilization.
    Specific measures to be investigated include, but are not limited to,
    preventing EarthLink users from having more than one simultaneous session,
    terminating unnecessarily long sessions, or taking other measures to reduce
    the average number of hours per account per month.
    
15. PAYMENT TERMS
   
    Payment for leased line services will be due ninety (90) days after the
    date of invoice for leased line services invoiced through September 30,
    1996, sixty (60) days from the date of invoice for leased line services
    invoiced through October 31, 1996 and thirty (30) days days from the date
    of invoice for leased line services invoiced during November 1996 and
    thereafter.  Payment for dial-up services will be due ninety (90) days
    after the last day of the month for which dial-up services were provided
    for services provided through October 31, 1996, sixty (60) days from the
    last day of the month for which dial-up services were provided through
    November 30, 1996 and thirty (30) days from the last day of the month for
    which dial-up services were provided during December 1996 and thereafter.
    
16. CONTINGENCIES
   
    EarthLink agrees to re-negotiate the terms of the Agreement, as modified by
    this Addendum, in good faith if UUNET so requests in the event of
    regulatory or legislative changes having a structural impact on the 
    Internet Service Provider marketplace which materially increase UUNET's 
    costs.
    
   
    EarthLink agrees to provide at least sixty (60) days' advance written
    notice to UUNET in the event that EarthLink desires to substantially 
    change the volume of use in any particular city or cities, for example to
    move such use to or from another network.
    
17. PRESS RELEASE; PUBLIC DISCLOSURE

    EarthLink and UUNET agree to issue a press release within 30 days of the
    effective date of this Addendum which shall include the announcement that
    EarthLink and UUNET have entered into a long term agreement and that John
    Sidgmore has been appointed to the Board of Directors of EarthLink.  The
    text of such press release shall be mutually agreed upon by the parties.

   
*   Confidential portions of this exhibit have been omitted, marked with 
    asterisks (*) and filed separately with the Securities and Exchange
    Commission pursuant to an application for confidential treatment.
    

7

<PAGE>

                                     SCHEDULE D
               SERVICE LEVEL AGREEMENT AND TERMINATION FOR CONVENIENCE


SERVICE LEVEL AGREEMENT

1.  Definitions
   
    ******** **** is a UUNET Point of Presence (POP) which is fully utilized
    for more than ********** ******* per day for **** or more days during a
    given calendar month.

    **** ****** is the percentage of the total EarthLink ***** ******* ****
    which a POP carries based on the attached list, Exhibit "2". (e.g. New
    York = 4.2%, Washington DC = 2.5%). The Exhibit "2" will be updated each
    calendar quarter using the averages for the three prior months. For any
    POPs which were not active for all three months, the average of the hours
    during the months that the POP was active will apply for the months in
    which it was not active.

    ******** ***** ***** ******* *** ****** is an amount equal to the *** of
    the *** ****** for all of the ******* **** for a calendar month divided by
    three (3).

    *********** is the percentage by which the ****** ****** of ******* *******
    **** ************ ***** and ******* ******* ******* ******* may be subject
    to reduction, and is the *** of the ******* ****** ***** ******* *** ******
    for the current and two *** previous months.
    
2.  Eligibility
   
    Earthlink will be eligible for a ********* for particular ******* **** if
    each of the following conditions have been met for those POPs:
    
   
      -  Earthlink has provided to UUNET monthly a six month advance rolling
         Forecast of number of **** ************ ***** by POP.
      -  The Blocked POP is truly *********** ******* ****** ***** ** ***
         ******* *** ******* *** **** ******* **** as the ******* *** which is
         not a ******* *****
      -  EarthLink has used reasonable efforts to distribute users across
         multiple POPs serving the common calling area of the ******* ***
         in accordance with UUNET's reasonable requests.
      -  The number of **** ************ ***** for the ******* *** has not
         increased more than *** over the previous calendar month.
    
    Earthlink will be not be eligible for a ********* if any of the following 
    occur:
   
      -  The ******* ******* **** ************ ***** has increased more than
         15% over the prior month.
      -  Earthlink has elected the option to terminate the Agreement for
         convenience pursuant to this Schedule D.
    
      -  EarthLink has caused or permitted an "Event of Default" to occur under
         the Note Purchase Agreement between EarthLink and UUNET.

    Additional conditions that apply:
   
      -  UUNET may select up to **** days per year to exclude on the basis of
         special events which result in unusually heavy load on the network.
    
   
      -  The terms of this Service Level Agreement do not take effect until
         April 1, 1997.
    
   
*   Confidential portions of this exhibit have been omitted, marked with 
    asterisks (*) and filed separately with the Securities and Exchange
    Commission pursuant to an application for confidential treatment.
    

8

<PAGE>
   
    - The ******* ******* ******* ****** shall not be reduced below **********
      and the ****** ****** ** ******* ******* **** ************ ***** shall
      not be reduced below ***** for any calendar month.

3.  Example

    July 1997, ****** ****** = **** ******* ******* **** ************ *****
    ******* ******* ******* ****** is **********

    ******* ***  *** *****     May          June        July       *********
                                                                   for July
    City 1          3.5%       3.5%
    City 2          2.5        2.5          2.5%        2.5%
    City 3          2.0        2.0          2.0
    City 4          1.5                     1.5         1.5
    City 5          1.0                     1.0         1.0
    City 6          1.0                                 1.0
    total                   8.0/3=2.67%  7.0/3=2.33%  6.0/3=2.0%       7.0%

    After applying ********* of 7.0%, ****** ****** for July is ***** and
    ******* ******* ******* ****** is ***********. The foregoing example is
    provided solely for the purpose of illustration and ssumes all conditions
    precedent for the ********* have breen fulfilled.

TERMINATION FOR CONVENIENCE

    Each of EarthLink and UUNET may terminate the Agreement for convenience by
    providing at least ****** full calendar months' advance written notice, but
    such notice may not be given prior to April 1, 1997.

    In the event that EarthLink elects to terminate for convenience, EarthLink
    agrees to pay to UUNET, within ** days of giving notice, an amount equal to
    *** of the reduction in charges attributable to the reduction in **** 
    ************ ***** per the initial period adjustment set forth in Section 3
    of Schedule A to this Addendum. The ******* ******* ******* ****** will be
    fixed based on the ******* ******* ******* ******* applicable for the
    calendar month immediately preceding the month during which notice is given
    ("Baseline Billing Amount"), and will be reduced based on the following
    table:
    
   
*   Confidential portions of this exhibit have been omitted, marked with 
    asterisks (*) and filed separately with the Securities and Exchange
    Commission pursuant to an application for confidential treatment.
    

9

<PAGE>
   
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                         Impact on ******* ****** 
         Time Period                          ******* Amounts
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------

         Through third full            ** *********
         calendar month after
         month during which
         notice was given

         Calendar months 4             *** reduction from Baseline
         through 6                     Billing Amount

         Calendar months 7             ** * reduction from Baseline
         through 9                     Billing Amount

         Calendar months 10            *** reduction from Baseline
         through 12                    Billing Amount
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    In the event that UUNET elects to terminate for convenience, EarthLink 
    agrees to migrate usage off of the UUNET Network thereby reducing UUNET 
    Network usage as measured both by the number of **** ************ ***** 
    and ******* ******* ***** according to the schedule in the following table.
    Further, UUNET agrees to reduce the ******* ****** ******* and *******
    ******* ******* ******** specified in the following table:

- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                 Reduction in
                         Reduction in    Reduction in ******    ******* *******
    Time Period          Network Usage        *******           ******* *******
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Through third full           none               ***                 ***
calendar month
after month during
which notice was
given

Calendar months 4              ***                ***                 ***
through 6

Calendar months 7              ***                ***                 ***
through 9

Calendar months 10             ***                ***                 ***
through 12
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    
   
*   Confidential portions of this exhibit have been omitted, marked with 
    asterisks (*) and filed separately with the Securities and Exchange
    Commission pursuant to an application for confidential treatment.
    

10

<PAGE>

                                  SCHEDULE E-Page 1
UUNET Technologies

3060 Williams Drive
Fairfax, VA 22031
703-206-5600

BILL TO:                                              Invoice Date: 08/20/96
    EarthLink Network, Inc.                            Invoice No.: u03659-r
    3100 New York Drive                                  Reference:
    Pasadena, CA 91107
      Attn: Lydia Hernandz                     Terms: 90 days from invoice date

- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Qty  Description                                  Unit Price       Total Price
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   
    National Accounts - ****** * ****** ***                       1,018,421.00
    So. CA hours - * **** ***                                        81,524.00
    Canada access hours - ***** * ***** ***                           1,600.00


    Note: This invoice revises invoice 403659-9607,
    dated 8/20/96, for $1,402,753 based on
    modified usage numbers as supplied by
    EarthLink.




                                                              ----------------
                            Total amount due:                     1,099,545.00
                                                              ----------------
    


                         **Important Remittance Information**
                      ------------------------------------

                               New Remittance Address:
                                  UUNET Technologies
                                     PO Box 85080
                               Richmond, VA 23285-4100

Please include this invoice number with your payment:   u03659-r
   
*   Confidential portions of this exhibit have been omitted, marked with 
    asterisks (*) and filed separately with the Securities and Exchange
    Commission pursuant to an application for confidential treatment.
    
<PAGE>

                                  SCHEDULE E-Page 2
UUNET Technologies
3060 Williams Drive
Fairfax, VA 22031
703-206-5600

BILL TO:                                              Invoice Date: 10/14/94
    EarthLink Network, Inc.                            Invoice No.: u03659-9608
    3100 New York Drive                                  Reference:
    Pasadena, CA 91107
      Attn: Lydia Hernandz                   Terms: 90 days from invoice date
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Qty Description                                 Unit Price         Total Price
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   
    National Accounts - ****** * ****** ***                       1,186,365.00
    So. CA hours - ******* * **** ***                               104,068.00
    Canada access hours - **** * *** **                               1,600.00


                                                              ----------------
                                Total amount due                  1,292,033.00
                                                              ----------------
    

                         **Important Remittance Information**
                         ------------------------------------

                               New Remittance Address:
                                  UUNET Technologies
                                     PO Box 85080
                               Richmond, VA 23285-4100

Please include this invoice number with your payment:    u03659-9608
   
*   Confidential portions of this exhibit have been omitted, marked with 
    asterisks (*) and filed separately with the Securities and Exchange
    Commission pursuant to an application for confidential treatment.
    
<PAGE>

                                  SCHEDULE E-Page 3
UUNET Technologies
3060 Williams Drive
Fairfax, VA 22031
703-205-5600

BILL TO:                                              Invoice Date: 10\14\96
    Earthlink Network, Inc.                            Invoice No.: u03659-9609
    3100 New York Drive                                  Reference:
    Pasadena, CA 91107
      Attn:Lydia Hernandz                      Terms: 90 days from invoice date 
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Qty  Description                              Unit Price           Total Price
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   
    National Accounts - ****** * ****** ***                       1,374,980.00
    So. CA hours - ******* * **** ***                                77,000.00
    Canada access hours - **** * *** **                               1,600.00


    Note: Southern California hours are
    estimated, and will be finalized once
    data is supplied by EarthLink. Canada
    hours are estimated.

                                                              ----------------
                                Total amount due                  1,453,580.00
                                                              ----------------
    

                         **Important Remittance Information**
                         ------------------------------------

                               New Remittance Address:
                                  UUNET Technologies
                                     PO Box 85080
                               Richmond, VA 23285-4100

Please include this invoice number with your payment:    u03659-9609
   
*   Confidential portions of this exhibit have been omitted, marked with 
    asterisks (*) and filed separately with the Securities and Exchange
    Commission pursuant to an application for confidential treatment.
    
<PAGE>

                                                                      EXHIBIT 1

                      INTERNET SERVICES PROVIDER AGREEMENT

This Agreement is made in the city of _____, _____, this __ day of _____, 
199_, between __________________, whose address is ______________, _____, 
____________ (the "Company"), and ________________________________ whose 
address is _____________________________________________ ("Reseller").

The parties agree as follows:

1.  SERVICE  The Company will sell, and Reseller will purchase, 
telecommunications services for the interconnection of Reseller's end users 
with the Internet.  Reseller is responsible for all end-user customer 
support, billing, and collections.  The Company's relationship under this 
Agreement is solely with Reseller and not with any of Reseller's end users.  
The Company agrees that its telecommunications services provided to Reseller 
will be of a quality usual and customary in the Industry for similarly 
situated companies.  Although it is understood that the Company cannot 
guarantee continuous service, the Company agrees to provide prompt reparation 
of any disruption in services to the extent reasonably possible consistent 
with its obligations to other customers.

2.  PRICING  The Prices for services provided by the Company to Reseller are 
set forth on the attached Schedule A.

3.  TERMS AND CONDITIONS  Reseller agrees to comply with the Network Services 
Terms and Conditions contained in Schedule B.  It further agrees to require 
its end users to comply with terms and conditions in substance identical to 
those in Sections One, Two, and Three of Schedule B.  Reseller shall defend, 
indemnify, and hold harmless the Company and its suppliers or vendors against 
any claims resulting from Reseller's use of UUNET's services, or that of its 
customers throughout its chain of distribution.

4.  TECHNICAL AGREEMENT  Reseller agrees to comply with the Technical 
Agreement for Network Interoperability, attached as Schedule C.

5.  TERM  The term of this Agreement is _____ from the date first set forth 
above, which term shall be automatically renewed for additional _____ terms, 
provided that neither party has delivered to the other party a written notice 
of intent not to renew for the forthcoming term.  Such notice of intent shall 
be given not less than _____ days in advance of the end of the current term.

6.  TERMINATION  Either party may terminate this Agreement for cause without 
penalty in the event that the other party hereto breaches any material term 
of this Agreement.  Prior to such termination, the party intending to 
terminate shall first give the other party written notice of its intent to 
terminate which shall clearly describe problem(s) constituting cause.  The 
other party will have _____ days from the date of receipt of such notice to 
correct the problem.  If the problem is not corrected within such period, the 
party intending to terminate may terminate this Agreement.  However, if 
Reseller shall violate the acceptable use policy in Section 2 of Schedule B, 
or permit such violation, and does not immediately act to remedy such 
violation when it becomes aware of it, the Company may terminate this 
Agreement without penalty with ten (10) days' written notice.  If any amounts 
due and owing by Reseller remain unpaid _____ days after date of invoice, 
then the Company may terminate this Agreement immediately upon written notice 
without penalty.  Either party may terminate this agreement for convenience 
_____ days after giving the other party written notice.  In the event of any 
such termination by Reseller, Reseller will pay the Company ________, in 
addition to paying all amounts currently due and owing.

7.  TESTING  The full effectiveness of this contract will be contingent upon 
the completion of technical testing to the mutual and reasonable satisfaction 
of both parties during the period of _____ days following execution of this 
Agreement.  If either party shall reasonably declare the testing results to 
be unsatisfactory at the conclusion of the _____ day period, then the parties 
shall have another _____ days to correct the problem.  If such correction is 
not completed to the mutual and reasonable satisfaction of the parties then 
this Agreement will terminate with no further liability to either party.  If 
no such declaration is made, acceptance of technical testing shall be 
presumed, and the contract shall remain in effect.



                                         Reseller Resale Agreement  Page 1 of 5
<PAGE>

8.  LIMITATION OF LIABILITY  NOTWITHSTANDING ANYTHING ELSE TO THE CONTRARY 
STATED OR IMPLIED HEREIN, NEITHER PARTY SHALL HAVE ANY LIABILITY WHATSOEVER 
FOR ANY INCIDENTAL, CONSEQUENTIAL OR SPECIAL DAMAGES SUFFERED BY THE OTHER OR 
BY ANY VENDOR, SUPPLIER, OR ASSIGNEE OR OTHER TRANSFEREE OF THE OTHER, EVEN 
IF INFORMED IN ADVANCE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES, EXCEPT IN 
CONNECTION WITH THE INDEMNIFICATION PROVISIONS OF SECTION 3 OF THIS AGREEMENT 
AND SECTION 2 OF SCHEDULE B.

9.  GOVERNING LAW  This Agreement and the rights of the parties hereunder 
shall be governed by and interpreted in accordance with the laws of the State 
of California, USA, and the parties agree that any appropriate state or 
district court located in Santa Clara County, California, shall have 
exclusive jurisdiction over any case or controversy arising hereunder, and 
shall be the proper forum in which to adjudicate such case or controversy.

10.  ENTIRE AGREEMENT  The parties hereto acknowledge that they have read 
this entire Agreement and that this Agreement and the exhibits attached 
hereto constitute the entire understanding and contract between the parties 
and supersedes any and all prior or contemporaneous oral or written 
communications with respect to the subject matter hereof.  This Agreement 
shall not be modified, amended or in any way altered except by an instrument 
in writing signed by the parties.

11.  RELATIONSHIP OF PARTIES  No agency, partnership, joint venture or 
employment is created as a result of this Agreement.  Neither party is 
authorized to bind the other in any respect whatsoever.

12.  BINDING EFFECT  Except as herein otherwise specifically provided, this 
Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the parties and 
their legal representatives, heirs, administrators, executors, successors and 
assigns.

13.  FORECASTS  Reseller shall provide the Company with initial and 
periodically revised forecasts of its expected usage, and recognizes the 
Company's reliance upon the reasonable accuracy of these forecasts.  
Specifically, by the _____ day of the first week of each calendar month 
Reseller shall provide the Company with its best forecast of users and hours 
for each remaining month of the term of the Agreement.  Reseller shall also 
provide the Company with any information as to marketing programs which will 
be helpful in determining expected future loads, particularly any information 
relevant to expected loads in particular geographical locations/POPs.

14.  CONFIDENTIALITY  The parties agree that all disclosures of confidential 
and/or proprietary information during the term of this Agreement shall 
constitute confidential information of the disclosing party.  Each party 
shall use its best efforts to ensure the confidentiality of such information 
supplied by the disclosing party, or which may be acquired by either in 
connection with or as a result of the provision of the services under this 
Agreement. Both parties warrant that they shall not disclose, use, modify, 
copy, reproduce, or otherwise divulge such confidential information.  Both 
parties further agree to prevent its employees and representatives from 
disclosing, using, modifying, copying, reproducing, or otherwise divulging 
such confidential information, and shall hold each other harmless and protect 
and indemnify the same in the event of any disclosure by said persons.  The 
terms of this section 14 shall continue beyond the term of this Agreement and 
shall be binding and enforceable even after the termination of this Agreement.

15.  PLURAL/GENDER  Whenever from the context it appears appropriate, each 
term stated in either the singular or the plural shall include the singular and
the plural, and pronouns stated in the masculine, the feminine or the neuter 
gender shall include the masculine, feminine and neuter. The term "person" 
means any individual, corporation, partnership, trust or other entity.

16.  SEVERABILITY  If any provision of this Agreement, or the application of 
such provision to any person or circumstance, shall be held invalid, the 
remainder of this Agreement, or the application of such provision to persons 
or circumstances other than those to which it is held invalid, shall not be 
affected thereby.

17.  COUNTERPARTS  This Agreement may be executed in several counterparts, 
each of which shall be deemed an original, but all of which, when taken 
together, shall constitute one and the same instrument.  It shall not be 
necessary for all parties to execute the same counterpart hereof.

18.  WAIVER  No failure on the part of either party to exercise, and no delay 
in exercising, any right or remedy hereunder shall operate as a waiver 
thereof; nor shall any single or partial exercise of any right or remedy 
hereunder preclude any other or further exercise thereof or the exercise of
any other right or remedy granted hereby or by law.



                                         Reseller Resale Agreement  Page 2 of 5
<PAGE>

19. NOTICE    Unless otherwise provided, any notice to be given hereunder shall
be effective on the fifth day after dispatch.  Such notice shall be sent by
first class mail, postage prepaid and marked for delivery by certified or
registered mail, return receipt requested, addressed to the parties listed below
at their respective places of business, or at such other addresses of which
notice has been given to the addressing party:

    If to Reseller:                           If to Company:

        ----------------------------              ----------------------------
        ----------------------------              ----------------------------
        ----------------------------              ----------------------------
        Attn:                                     Attn:
             -----------------------                   ------------------------

20. ASSIGNMENT     This Agreement shall not be assignable by either party
hereto without the prior written consent of the other party.

21. FORCE MAJEURE  No party shall be liable by reason of any failure or delay
in the performance of its obligations due to strikes, riots, fires, explosions,
acts of God, war, governmental action or any other cause which is beyond the
reasonable control of such party.

22. COMPLIANCE WITH LAWS     Each party shall comply with all laws, regulations
and other legal requirements that apply to this Agreement.  The Company hereby
warrants that, to its knowledge, it has complied with all laws, regulations, and
orders relating or pertaining to the provision of the services to be provided
under this Agreement, including without limitation, all applicable state or
federal legislation or rule applicable to the services in any material respect. 
To the knowledge of the Company, material permits, licenses, and authorizations
required by any regulatory bodies have been obtained and are in effect for the
services.

23. FACSIMILE TRANSMISSION   Parties to this Agreement are authorized to
execute the Agreement, and transmit a signed copy of same via fax to the other
parties, who hereby agree to accept and rely upon such documents as if they bore
original signatures.  The parties sending such facsimiles hereby acknowledge and
agree to provide to the other parties, within seventy-two (72) hours of
transmission, the Agreement bearing an original signature.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have set their hands and seals as of the
date first above recited.

- -----------------------------------         ----------------------------------

By:                                         By:
    -----------------------------                -----------------------------
    Name:                                        Name:
          -----------------------                      -----------------------
    Title:                                       Title:
          -----------------------                      -----------------------



                                           Reseller Resale Agreement Page 3 of 5
<PAGE>

                               SCHEDULE A TO EXHIBIT 1

                                       PRICING



                                           Reseller Resale Agreement Page 4 of 5

<PAGE>

                               SCHEDULE B TO EXHIBIT 1


                        NETWORK SERVICES TERMS AND CONDITIONS


1.  Neither the Company nor its vendors or suppliers exercise any control
whatsoever over the content of the information passing through the networks to
be accessed by Reseller or its customers.  The Company makes no warranties of
any kind, whether expressed or implied, for the service it is providing.  The
Company also disclaims any warranty or merchantability or fitness for a
particular purpose.  Neither the Company nor its vendors or suppliers will be
responsible for any damage Reseller suffers.  This includes loss of data
resulting from delays, nondeliveries, misdeliveries, or service interruptions.
Use of any information obtained via the Company is at the user's own risk.  Each
of the Company and its vendors and suppliers specifically denies any
responsibility for the accuracy or quality of information obtained through its
services.

2.  The Company's network may be used only for lawful purposes.  Transmission of
any material in violation of any applicable law is prohibited.  This includes,
but is not limited to: copyrighted material, material which is threatening or
obscene, or material protected by trade secret.  Any access to other networks
connected to the Company's network must comply with the rules appropriate for
the other network.  Reseller agrees to indemnify and hold harmless the Company
and its vendors and suppliers from any claims resulting from Reseller's use of
the service or the use of the service by any of Reseller's customers or others
throughout Reseller's chain of distribution, including end users, which damages
the Company, its vendors or suppliers, or any other party.

3.  Any access to other networks connected to the Company's network must comply
with the rules appropriate for the other network.

4.  [Payment terms]

5. Resale to other individuals and organizations is permitted, but they may not
further resell the services.

6. These Terms and Conditions supersede all previous representations,
understandings, or agreements and shall prevail notwithstanding any variance
with terms and conditions of any order submitted.  Use of the Company's network
constitutes acceptance of these Terms and Conditions.


                               SCHEDULE C TO EXHIBIT 1

                   TECHNICAL AGREEMENT FOR NETWORK INTEROPERABILITY

1.  Reseller agrees to assign each end user customer a unique identification
number for billing purposes, and to reasonably cooperate with Company in
establishing the structure of this identification number.

2.  Reseller and Company each agree to cooperate with the other in identifying
and resolving any security infringements which involve Reseller's customers and
Company's network.



                                           Reseller Resale Agreement Page 5 of 5

<PAGE>
   
*** ******* ***** for SEPT 1996                                        EXHIBIT 2
    
City Name               Month               ELN Connect Hrs
- ---------               -----               ---------------
Abilene, TX               9                      *********
Akron, OH                 9                      *********
Albany, GA                9                      *********
Albany, NY                9                     **********
Albuquerque, NM           9                      *********
Allentown, PA             9                      *********
Altoona, PA               9                      *********
Amarillo, TX              9                      *********
Anaheim, CA               9                     **********
Ann Arbor, MI             9                      *********
Annapolis, MD             9                      *********
Asheville, NC             9                        *******
Athens, GA                9                      *********
Atlanta, GA               9                     **********
Auburn/Opelika, AL        9                      *********
Augusta, GA               9                      *********
Austin, TX                9                     **********
Bakersfield, CA           9                      *********
Baltimore, MD             9                     **********
Baton Rouge,LA            9                      *********
Baytown, TX               9                      *********
Beaumont, TX              9                      *********
Beaverton, OR             9                      *********
Belleville, MI            9                      *********
Biloxi/Gulfport, MS       9                      *********
Binghamton, NY            9                      *********
Birmingham, AL            9                     **********
Bloomington, IL           9                        *******
Bloomington, IN           9                      *********
Boise, ID                 9                      *********
Boston, MA                9                     **********
Bradenton, FL             9                        *******
Braintree, MA             9                      *********
Brentwood, NY             9                     **********
Buffalo, NY               9                      *********
Burlington, MA            9                      *********
Butte, MT                 9                         ******
Calgary, AB               9                        *******
Cambridge, MA             9                     **********
Carlsbad, CA              9                     **********
Cedar Rapids, IA          9                      *********
Champaign, IL             9                      *********
Charleston, SC            9                        *******
Charleston, WV            9                      *********
Charlotte, NC             9                     **********
Chattanooga, TN           9                      *********
Cherry Hill, NJ           9                      *********
Chicago, IL               9                     **********
Chico, CA                 9                      *********
Cincinnati, OH            9                     **********
Clarksburg, WV            9                      *********
Clearwater, FL            9                     **********
Cleveland, OH             9                     **********
Clovis, CA                9                      *********
   
*   Confidential portions of this exhibit have been omitted, marked with 
    asterisks (*) and filed separately with the Securities and Exchange
    Commission pursuant to an application for confidential treatment.
    

                                        Page 1

<PAGE>

College Station, TX       9                      *********           EXHIBIT 2
Colorado Springs, CO      9                     **********
Colton, CA                9                      *********
Columbia, MO              9                      *********
Columbia, SC              9                      *********
Columbus, GA              9                      *********
Columbus, OH              9                     **********
Concord, CA               9                     **********
Conshohocken, PA          9                      *********
Corpus Christi, TX        9                      *********
Dallas, TX                9                     **********
Danvers, MA               9                      *********
Davenport, IA             9                      *********
Dayton, OH                9                      *********
Daytona Beach, FL         9                      *********
Decatur, AL               9                        *******
DeKalb, IL                9                      *********
Denver, CO                9                     **********
Des Moines, IA            9                      *********
Detroit, MI               9                     **********
Durham, NC                9                      *********
Edmonton, AB              9                        *******
El Paso, TX               9                      *********
Elk Grove, IL             9                     **********
Elkhart, IN               9                        *******
Erie, PA                  9                      *********
Eugene, OR                9                      *********
Evansville, IN            9                      *********
Everett, WA               9                      *********
Fairfax (ch-t1), VA       9                          *****
Fairfax (test), VA        9                          *****
Fargo, ND                 9                      *********
Farmingdale, NY           9                      *********
Farmington, MI            9                      *********
Fayetteville, NC          9                      *********
Fayettville, AR           9                      *********
Feathersound, FL          9                     **********
Florence, SC              9                      *********
Fort Collins, CO          9                      *********
Fort Lauderdale, FL       9                     **********
Fort Pierce, FL           9                      *********
Fort Smith, AR            9                      *********
Fort Wayne, TX            9                        *******
Fort Worth, TX            9                     **********
Framingham, MA            9                      *********
Franklin, Il              9                      *********
Frederick, MD             9                      *********
Fredericksburg, VA        9                      *********
Freehold, NJ              9                        *******
Fremont, CA               9                     **********
Fresno, CA                9                      *********
Gadsden, AL               9                      *********
Gainesville, FL           9                      *********
Garden City, NY           9                     **********
Goldsboro, NC             9                        *******
Grand Rapids, MI          9                      *********
Green Bay, WI             9                      *********
Greensboro, NC            9                      *********
   
*   Confidential portions of this exhibit have been omitted, marked with 
    asterisks (*) and filed separately with the Securities and Exchange
    Commission pursuant to an application for confidential treatment.
    

                                        Page 2

<PAGE>

Greensburg, PA            9                        *******           EXHIBIT 2
Greenville, SC            9                        *******
Hackensack, NJ            9                     **********
Harlingen, TX             9                      *********
Harrisburg, PA            9                      *********
Harrisonburg, VA          9                        *******
Hartford, CT              9                     **********
Harvester, MO             9                      *********
Hershey, PA               9                        *******
Hinsdale, IL              9                     **********
Holmdel, NJ               9                      *********
Hong Kong                 9                          *****
Houma,LA                  9                          *****
Houston, TX               9                     **********
Huntington Beach, CA      9                      *********
Huntington, WV            9                      *********
Huntsville, AL            9                      *********
Indianapolis, IN          9                     **********
Inglewood, CA             9                     **********
Iowa City, IA             9                      *********
Irvine, CA                9                      *********
Irving, IL                9                      *********
Irving, TX                9                      *********
Ithaca, NY                9                        *******
Jackson, MS               9                      *********
Jackson, TN               9                      *********
Jacksonville, FL          9                     **********
Kansas City, MO           9                     **********
Kennewick, WA             9                      *********
Knoxville, TN             9                     **********
Lafayette, IN             9                      *********
Lake Charles, LA          9                         ******
Lakeland, FL              9                      *********
Lancaster, PA             9                        *******
Lansing, MI               9                          *****
Las Vegas, NV             9                     **********
Lawrence, MA              9                        *******
Lexington, KY             9                      *********
Little Rock, AR           9                      *********
Livermore, CA             9                      *********
Long Beach, CA            9                     **********
Long Branch, NJ           9                      *********
Long Branch2, NJ          9                      *********
Longview, TX              9                      *********
Longview, WA              9                          *****
Los Angeles, CA           9                     **********
Louisville, KY            9                     **********
Lubbock, TX               9                      *********
Lynchburg, VA             9                      *********
Macon, GA                 9                      *********
Madison, WI               9                      *********
Manassas, VA              9                      *********
Marion, OH                9                         ******
Melbourne, FL             9                     **********
Memphis, TN               9                      *********
Memphis2, TN              9                      *********
Mercerville, NJ           9                      *********
Miami, FL                 9                     **********
   
*   Confidential portions of this exhibit have been omitted, marked with 
    asterisks (*) and filed separately with the Securities and Exchange
    Commission pursuant to an application for confidential treatment.
    

                                        Page 3

<PAGE>

Midland, TX               9                      *********           EXHIBIT 2
Milwaukee, WI             9                     **********
Minneapolis, MN           9                     **********
Mobile, AL                9                      *********
Modesto, CA               9                      *********
Modesto2, CA              9                      *********
Monroe, LA                9                        *******
Monterey, CA              9                      *********
Montgomery, AL            9                      *********
Montreal, QB              9                      *********
Morgantown, WV            9                        *******
Morristown, NJ            9                      *********
Mt Pleasant, MI           9                        *******
Muskegon, MI              9                      *********
Myrtle Beach, SC          9                         ******
Naperville, IL            9                     **********
Nashua, NH                9                     **********
Nashville, TN             9                     **********
New Brunswick, NJ         9                      *********
New Orleans,LA            9                     **********
New York 2, NY            9                      *********
New York City 2, NY       9                         ******
New York City, NY         9                          *****
New York, NY              9                     **********
New York2, NY             9                     **********
Newark, NJ                9                     **********
Norfolk, VA               9                      *********
Norfolk2, VA              9                      *********
Northbrook, IL            9                     **********
Oakland, CA               9                     **********
Oakland2, CA              9                        *******
Ogden, UT                 9                      *********
Oklahoma City, OK         9                     **********
Olympia, WA               9                      *********
Omaha, NE                 9                     **********
Ontario, CA               9                      *********
Orlando, FL               9                     **********
Ottawa, ON                9                        *******
Oxnard, CA                9                         ******
Palm Springs, CA          9                     **********
Palo Alto, CA             9                     **********
Paoli, PA                 9                      *********
Paris, FRA                9                          *****
Pasadena, CA              9                     **********
Paterson, NJ              9                      *********
Pensacola, FL             9                        *******
Philadelphia, PA          9                     **********
Philadelphia2, PA         9                     **********
Phoenix, AZ               9                     **********
Pine Bluff, AR            9                        *******
Pittsburgh, PA            9                      *********
Placentia, CA             9                      *********
Pleasantville, NJ         9                     **********
Port Chester, NY          9                      *********
Portland, ME              9                      *********
Portland, OR              9                     **********
Poughkeepsie, NY          9                     **********
Princess Anne, VA         9                      *********
   
*   Confidential portions of this exhibit have been omitted, marked with 
    asterisks (*) and filed separately with the Securities and Exchange
    Commission pursuant to an application for confidential treatment.
    

                                        Page 4

<PAGE>

Princeton, NJ             9                        *******           EXHIBIT 2
Providence, RI            9                      *********
Provo, UT                 9                      *********
Pullman, WA               9                        *******
Rahway, NJ                9                      *********
Raleigh, NC               9                     **********
Rancho Cucamonga, CA      9                      *********
Reading, PA               9                        *******
Redding, CA               9                      *********
Redmond, WA               9                      *********
Rialto, CA                9                      *********
Richardson, TX            9                      *********
Richmond, VA              9                     **********
Roanoke, VA               9                      *********
Rochester, NY             9                      *********
Rocky Mount, NC           9                      *********
Rome/Utica, NY            9                      *********
Sacramento, CA            9                     **********
Salem, OR                 9                      *********
Salinas, CA               9                      *********
Salt Lake City, UT        9                      *********
San Antonio, TX           9                     **********
San Bernardino, CA        9                      *********
San Diego, CA             9                     **********
San Diego2, CA            9                     **********
San Francisco, CA         9                     **********
San Francisco2, CA        9                     **********
San Jose, CA              9                     **********
San Luis Obispo, CA       9                      *********
San Mateo, CA             9                     **********
San Rafael, CA            9                     **********
San Ramon, CA             9                     **********
Santa Barbara, CA         9                     **********
Santa Clara, CA           9                     **********
Santa Cruz, CA            9                      *********
Santa Monica, CA          9                     **********
Santa Rosa, CA            9                      *********
Sarasota, FL              9                      *********
Savannah, GA              9                      *********
Seattle (Test), WA        9                          *****
Seattle, WA               9                     **********
Seattle2, WA              9                     **********
Sherman Oaks, CA          9                     **********
Shreveport, LA            9                      *********
Sioux Falls, SD           9                      *********
Smyrna, GA                9                     **********
South Bend, IN            9                      *********
Southfield, MI            9                      *********
Spokane, WA               9                      *********
Springfield, IL           9                      *********
Springfield, MA           9                      *********
Springfield, MO           9                      *********
St Cloud, MN              9                        *******
St Louis, MO              9                     **********
Stamford, CT              9                      *********
Stewart, IL               9                      *********
Stockton, CA              9                      *********
Syracuse, NY              9                     **********
   
*   Confidential portions of this exhibit have been omitted, marked with 
    asterisks (*) and filed separately with the Securities and Exchange
    Commission pursuant to an application for confidential treatment.
    

                                        Page 5

<PAGE>
                                                       EXHIBIT 2

Tacoma, WA                9                     **********
Tallahassee, FL           9                      *********
Tampa, FL                 9                     **********
Temple, TX                9                        *******
Terre Haute, IN           9                      *********
Thousand Oaks, CA         9                      *********
Tokyo, JPN                9                          *****
Toledo, OH                9                      *********
Topeka, KS                9                      *********
Toronto, ON               9                      *********
Trenton, NJ               9                      *********
Tucson, AZ                9                     **********
Tulsa, OK                 9                     **********
Tuscaloosa, AL            9                      *********
Vacaville, CA             9                      *********
Valparaiso, IN            9                        *******
Vancouver, BC             9                      *********
Visilia, CA               9                      *********
Waco, TX                  9                      *********
Waltham, MA               9                      *********
Warren, MI                9                      *********
Washington, DC            9                     **********
West Palm Beach, FL       9                     **********
Westheimer, TX            9                      *********
Wheeling, WV              9                      *********
White Horse, NJ           9                      *********
White Plains, NY          9                     **********
Wichita, KS               9                      *********
Wilkes Barre, PA          9                      *********
Williamsburg, VA          9                         ******
Wilmington, CA            9                      *********
Wilmington, DE            9                      *********
Winnipeg, MB              9                        *******
Winston/Salem, NC         9                         ******
Worcester, MA             9                        *******
York, PA                  9                      *********
Youngstown, OH            9                          *****
TOTAL                                        *************
   
*   Confidential portions of this exhibit have been omitted, marked with 
    asterisks (*) and filed separately with the Securities and Exchange
    Commission pursuant to an application for confidential treatment.
    

                                        Page 6

<PAGE>
   
                                                              EXHIBIT 10.16(a)


             AMENDMENT NO 1 TO PRODUCTION AND DISTRIBUTION AGREEMENT


This Amendment No. 1 ("Amendment No. 1") as dated as of the 20th day of
December, 1996 and relates to that certain Production and Distribution
Agreement (the "Agreement") by and between EarthLink Network, Inc.
("EarthLink") and National Media Corporation ("National"), dated
May 6, 1996.

Whereas, on December 4, 1996, EarthLink effected a one-for-two stock 
combination.

Whereas, EarthLink and National wish to amend the Agreement to reflect the 
occurrence of such stock combination.

In exchange for mutual consideration, the receipt and adequacy of which is 
hereby acknowledged, the parties to the Agreement amend the Agreement as 
follows.

     1) Sections 4.2(a) and (b) of the Agreement are amended to read in their 
     entirety as follows:

          "(a) WARRANTS FOR EARTHLINK SPOTS. EarthLink shall provide National
          with warrants to purchase 25,000 shares of EarthLink's common stock
          upon EarthLink's approval of the Short Spot and warrants to purchase
          an additional 25,000 shares of EarthLink's common stock upon
          EarthLink's approval of the Long Spot. The exercise price for all
          such warrants shall be $9.76 per share.

          (b) WARRANTS FOR NATIONAL CUSTOMERS. EarthLink shall provide National
          with warrants to purchase one share of EarthLink common stock for
          each two National Customers who subscribe to and pay in full for the
          ELN Service for at least 60 days from the date of registration, up
          to a maximum of warrants for 300,000 shares of EarthLink common
          stock. The exercise price for all such warrants shall be $9.76 per
          share with respect to all warrants so earned on or before December
          31, 1997 and the fair market value of EarthLink's common stock, as
          determined by EarthLink's Board of Directors, (or, if EarthLink's
          common stock is publicly traded, the then-applicable 30-day average
          closing price thereof) with respect to all warrants so earned from
          and after January 1, 1998."

     2) Section 4.2(d) shall be added to the Agreement to read in its entirety
     as follows:

          "4.2(d) To the extent that any further stock combinations or stock
          splits shall be undertaken by EarthLink prior to the issuance of any
          of the above warrants described in Section 4, the stock underlying
          any warrants thereafter issued hereunder, the exercise price with
          respect to such warrants and the number of National Customers whose
          subscriptions and payment in full for the ELN Service for at least
          60 days from the date of registration shall entitle National to
          receive a warrant to purchase one share of common stock shall all
          be adjusted proportionately to reflect such stock combination or
          stock split.
    

<PAGE>
   
     3) Other than as set forth herein the terms of the Agreement shall not be
     effected by this Amendment No. 1.

In Witness Whereof, the parties hereto have executed this Amendment No. 1 as 
of the day and year first above written.

                                         EARTHLINK NETWORK, INC.

                                         By:  /s/ CHARLES G. BETTY
                                            ------------------------------

                                         Title: President and C.E.O.
                                               ---------------------------

                                         NATIONAL MEDIA CORPORATION

                                         By: /s/ MARK P. HERSHHORN 
                                            ------------------------------


                                         Title: Chief Executive Officer
                                               ---------------------------

    

<PAGE>

          INTERNET-SIGN UP WIZARD REFERRAL AND MICROSOFT INTERNET
               EXPLORER LICENSE AND DISTRIBUTION AGREEMENT

     This Internet-Sign Up Referral and Microsoft Internet Explorer License 
and Distribution Agreement ("Agreement") is made and entered into this 16th 
day of August, 1996 ("Effective Date"), by and between MICROSOFT CORPORATION, 
a Washington corporation, One Microsoft Way, Redmond, WA 98052-6399 ("MS"), 
and Earthlink Network, Inc., a Delaware corporation, including its majority 
owned subsidiaries and affiliates (collectively, "COMPANY").

                               INTRODUCTION

     This Agreement includes two distinct business arrangements.

     Under the first arrangements, MS plans to develop and distribute an 
"Internet Connection Wizard" as a means of promoting internet access services 
for various Internet access service providers, including COMPANY, and of 
acquiring subscribers for such access services.  COMPANY will pay MS a 
referral fee for each subscriber acquired by means of the Internet Connection 
Wizard.

     Under the second arrangement, COMPANY may distribute, on a royalty-free 
basis, a customized version of Microsoft Internet Explorer to subscribers 
or potential subscribers of its Internet access services.

     In consideration of the mutual promises and covenants contained herein, 
the parties agree as follows:

1.  DEFINITIONS. The following terms, whenever initially capitalized, shall 
have the following meanings for purposes of this Agreement:

    1.1  "Access" shall mean telecommunications facilities and services that 
enable a computer user to access and use Internet sites and content by means 
of a TCP/IP connection.

    1.2  "COMPANY Information" shall mean information regarding or relating to 
the ISP Service such as order processing information, fees, service plans, 
etc., and other information that is reasonably necessary to describe and 
solicit orders of the ISP Service to the ISP Subscriber and/or such other 
information that has been mutually agreed to by the parties.

    1.3  "Comic Chat" shall mean the graphical Internet chat client in all 
available language versions requested by COMPANY, and for all available 
platforms.

    1.4  "Criteria" shall mean the applicable Internet Explorer criteria as 
defined in the Microsoft Internet Explorer Logo Qualification Criteria, 
attached to Exhibit G as Attachments 1 and 2, and such future versions as 
established by MS in its sole discretion.

    1.5  "Guidelines" shall mean the guidelines for use of the Logo as 
outlined in the Microsoft Internet Explorer Logo Usage Guidelines which are 
attached hereto as Exhibit G and H and are an integral part of this Agreement.

    1.6  "IEAK" shall mean the Internet Explorer Administration Kit, including 
any updates to the IEAK as may be provided by MS from time to time, which 
contains a single copy of the Licensed Software in object code as well as a 
set of tools that enable COMPANY to perform limited customizations

   
LICENSE #7691-6250

* -- Confidential portions of this exhibit have been omitted, marked with
     asterisks (*) and filed separately with the Securities and Exchange
     Commission pursuant to an application for confidential treatment.
    

<PAGE>

to the Licensed Software in order to facilitate the ISP Subscriber sign up 
process, and to automate the task of creating diskettes/CD ROMs for 
distribution. COMPANY shall use the IEAK in accordance with the instructions 
in the IEAK and the Logo Guidelines provided by MS.

    1.7  "Internet Connection Wizard" shall mean an electronic referral 
mechanism to be developed by MS to promote the ISP services for various ISP 
service providers, including COMPANY, and which ordering mechanism shall 
enable the end user to order ISP Service via a link to COMPANY's Sign-up 
Server or other method mutually agreed to by the parties. The Internet 
Connection Wizard shall prompt the ISP Subscriber to enter various Locator 
Information. The Internet Connection Wizard shall be launched from an icon on 
the "desktop" of the English language version of Windows 95 designated as "The 
Internet" or such other name designated by MS. MS may include the Internet 
Connection Wizard in other MS products as determined by MS. An overview of 
the referral and ordering process is set forth in Exhibit Z.

    1.8  "Internet Explorer" shall mean the (a) Microsoft Internet Explorer 
(Domestic English Language and such other foreign language versions requested 
by COMPANY and which MS has available) for the following platforms: Windows 
3.x (including Windows for Workgroups 3.x), Windows NT 3.x, Windows 95 and 
Apple Macintosh; and (b) a customized version of Internet Explorer created 
through the use of the IEAK. Availability of various versions of Internet 
Explorer is summarized in Exhibit F.

    1.9  "Internet Mail and News" shall mean the client for email and Internet 
newsgroups in all available language versions requested by COMPANY, and for all 
available platforms.

    1.10 "Internet Product" shall mean any COMPANY product which provides 
access to or information about the Internet. An Internet Product may not be a 
personal computer. For purposes of this Agreement, "ISP Service" (defined 
below) shall be a type of Internet Product.

    1.11 "Internet Site" shall mean COMPANY's worldwide web site(s) which 
meet the applicable Criteria.

    1.12 "ISP Information" shall mean information regarding or relating to 
internet access services (including the ISP Service) such as order processing 
information, fees, service plans, ETC., and other information that is 
reasonably necessary to describe and solicit orders of such internet access 
services to the internet access service subscriber and/or such other 
information that has been mutually agreed to by MS and an internet service 
provided (including COMPANY).

    1.13 "ISP Information Page" shall mean a HTML based page which includes 
ISP Information, to be maintained by COMPANY and hosted on the MS Referral 
Server. The ISP Information Page shall be downloaded to the prospective ISP 
Subscriber as part of the ordering and referral process.

    1.14 "ISP Phone Book(s)" shall mean a listing of names of ISPs and 
associated telephone numbers and other ISP Information, including COMPANY 
Information. ISP Phone Books may be unique to a given telephone area code 
and/or geographic region. There may be one or more ISP Phone Books specific 
to a single telephone area code, geographic region or Service Area. The ISP 
Phone Book(s) shall be hosted on one or more Referral Server(s). MS shall 
solely determine the placement, presentation and content of COMPANY 
Information in the ISP Phone Book(s).

    1.15 "ISP Referral Fee" shall mean an amount set forth in Exhibit D for 
each new ISP Subscriber. COMPANY shall receive a credit for each ISP 
Subscriber for which an ISP Referral Fee was previously paid, who cancels the 
ISP Service account within ninety (90) days of initiation of the ISP Service.

    1.16 "ISP Service" shall mean a COMPANY service, listed in Exhibit B, 
which provides an internet protocol (IP) access service to the Internet as 
contemplated by this Agreement. The parties

   
* -- Confidential portions of this exhibit have been omitted, marked with
     asterisks (*) and filed separately with the Securities and Exchange
     Commission pursuant to an application for confidential treatment.
    
                                       2

<PAGE>

acknowledge that COMPANY may provide access to the Internet via other 
Internet Product(s) not listed in Exhibit B.

    1.17 "ISP Subscriber" shall mean any individual or legal entity who 
subscribes to the ISP Service through or as a result of the Internet 
Connection Wizard.

    1.18 "License Key" shall mean the 10-digital alpha numeric code provided 
by MS that enables COMPANY to use the customization features in the IEAK.

    1.19 "Licensed Software" shall mean, collectively, Internet Explorer, 
NetMeeting, Internet Mail and News, and Comic Chat.

    1.20 "Locator Information" shall mean an ISP Subscriber's name, email and 
conventional mailing addresses, telephone and facsimile numbers, credit card 
number, and any other data about such subscriber that enables the possessor of 
such information to personally identify the end user.

    1.21 "Logo" shall mean the "Microsoft-Registered Trademark- Internet
Explorer" logo depicted in the Guidelines or such additional or replacement
logos as MS may provide from time to time under this Agreement.

    1.22 "NetMeeting" shall mean Microsoft's realtime collaboration and 
communication software in all available language versions requested by 
COMPANY, and for all available platforms.

    1.23 "Referral Server" shall mean a server maintained by MS which shall 
provide an ISP Subscriber with one or more ISP Phone Books, and which shall 
enable the ISP Subscriber to transmit ordering information, via the Internet 
Connection Wizard to the Sign-up Server.

    1.24 "Service Area" shall mean the area in which COMPANY currently 
provides or will provide Access, as of the Effective Date, as set forth in 
Exhibit B.

    1.25 "Sign-up Server" shall mean a server maintained by COMPANY which 
shall enable the ISP Subscriber to order ISP Service from COMPANY and shall 
further enable COMPANY to configure the ISP Subscriber's copy of the Licensed 
Software (hosted on the ISP Subscriber's computer), all via online 
transmission. COMPANY shall use the Sign-up Server to configure the ISP 
Subscriber's copy of Licensed Software in accordance with the ISP Subscriber 
Configuration Guidelines set forth in Exhibit E.

2. LICENSE FOR DISTRIBUTION OF CUSTOMIZED VERSION OF MICROSOFT INTERNET
   EXPLORER; LOGO LICENSE; AND LICENSE RESTRICTIONS

   
   2.1 MS grants to COMPANY a nonexclusive, limited worldwide, royalty-free 
license during the term of this Agreement to (a) customize Internet Explorer 
using the IEAK solely in accordance with the instructions provided in the 
IEAK's "Custom ISK Wizard"; and (b) reproduce and distribute (directly and 
indirectly) through COMPANY's distribution channel the Licensed Software 
(including Internet Explorer as may be customized by COMPANY) to potential 
end users of COMPANY's Internet Product(s). COMPANY acknowledges and agrees 
that its use of the IEAK to customize Internet Explorer requires the rightful 
receipt from MS of the License Key allocated to COMPANY. Except as provided 
in Exhibit E, Company may not ********* ** *** ************ **** ** ******** 
******** ******* ** *** *** ************ ********** in the course of 
Company's configuration of the ISP Subscriber's copy of Licensed Software.
    

   2.2 COMPANY acknowledges and agrees that its use of the IEAK to customize 
Internet Explorer requires the rightful receipt from MS of the License Key 
allocated to COMPANY. COMPANY agrees that it shall use the IEAK solely in 
accordance with the instructions provided in the IEAK's Custom

   
* - Confidential portions of this exhibit have been omitted, marked with
    asterisks (*) and filed separately with the Securities and Exchange
    Commission pursuant to an application for confidential treatment.
    
                                       3

<PAGE>

ISK Wizard that is available to COMPANY upon input of the allocated License 
Key and in accordance with the Logo Guidelines provided by MS.

   2.3 If MS makes a new release (other than an "Update" release which is 
designated by MS as a change in the hundredths digit ([x.x(x)]) of any 
component of the Licensed Software available, then: (a) COMPANY may no longer 
distribute the old version of the Licensed Software component, and may only 
distribute such new release of the Licensed Software component with COMPANY's 
Internet Product, provided, however that Company may continue to distribute 
existing inventory of Company's Internet Product containing a prior version 
of a Licensed Software component for a period of six (6) months following MS' 
release of a new release; and (b) COMPANY must formally notify its customers 
on COMPANY's home page for its main public web site that an upgrade of the 
Licensed Software component is available at the download URL specified in the 
most current version of the Internet Explorer Logo License Agreement located 
on www.microsoft.com for Internet Explorer and at www.microsoft.com/ie for 
other components of the Licensed Software. The text of the respective notices 
must state: For Internet Explorer: "Microsoft has made available a new 
version of Internet Explorer. Click the Internet Explorer Logo to upgrade 
your browser today." and for other components: "Microsoft has made available a
new version of (NetMeeting/Internet Mail and News/Comic Chat). Go to 
www.microsoft.com/ie to update you software today". This notification will 
remain present on the COMPANY's main public web site until the earlier of 
COMPANY's depletion of its outdated inventory, or until three (3) months 
following the public availability of a new release.

   2.4 Subject to and expressly conditioned upon compliance with the terms 
and conditions of this Agreement, MS hereby grants to COMPANY a worldwide, 
nonexclusive, non-assignable, nontransferable, royalty-free, right to use the 
Logo solely in conjunction with COMPANY's Internet Site(s) and/or Internet 
Product(s) and solely in the manner described in the Guidelines. COMPANY 
agrees and acknowledges: MS owns the Logo; use of the Logo will inure to the 
benefit of MS; COMPANY will not adopt, use, or register any corporate name, 
trade name, trademark, service mark, or certification mark, or other 
designation similar to, or containing in whole or in part, the Logo; 
COMPANY's use of the Logo shall adhere to the Criteria.

   2.5 COMPANY may not reverse engineer, decompile or disassemble the 
Licensed Software.

   2.6 COMPANY shall only distribute NetMeeting in conjunction with Internet 
Explorer.

   2.7 COMPANY may not permit further redistribution of the Licensed Software 
by ISP Subscribers and end user customers of COMPANY's other internet access 
services, if applicable.

   2.8 COMPANY shall maintain and not alter or remove any copyright, 
trademark and other protective notices contained in the Licensed Software, 
including the end user license agreement ("EULA") which is included in the 
setup installation of the Licensed Software. COMPANY shall also comply with 
Microsoft's trademark guidelines with respect to the proper use of Microsoft 
trademarks associated with the Licensed Software.

   2.9 COMPANY shall require its distributors, dealers and others in its 
distribution channels to comply with the relevant distribution terms of this 
Agreement, in particular with Section 2.

   2.10 COMPANY shall not modify, alter or remove contents of the Licensed 
Software except as expressly provided in this Agreement.

   2.11 All rights not expressly granted herein are reserved by MS.

3. MICROSOFT OBLIGATIONS

   MS shall perform the following:

   
* -- Confidential portions of this exhibit have been omitted, marked with
     asterisks (*) and filed separately with the Securities and Exchange
     Commission pursuant to an application for confidential treatment.
    
                                       4

<PAGE>
   
     3.1  DEVELOP INTERNET CONNECTION WIZARD AND ISP PHONE BOOK(S); 
MAINTAIN ISP PHONE BOOK(S). Provided that COMPANY complies with its 
obligations under this Agreement, MS shall include COMPANY's name, telephone 
number and other mutually agreed upon COMPANY Information in the applicable 
ISP Phone Book(s). Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this 
Agreement, MS may move COMPANY Information to another ISP Phone book or 
remove COMPANY Information from one or all ISP Phone books if (a) during any 
two calendar quarters COMPANY's shipments of Licensed Software (where 
Internet Explorer is distributed ** *** **** *** *******) falls below 
************ ******* ***** of total COMPANY shipments of all web browsers or 
(b) commencing two calendar quarters after MS first distributes an Internet 
Connection Wizard, during any single calendar quarter the number of new ISP 
Subscribers for such quarter compared to the number of new subscribers of 
other ISPs which appear in the same ISP Phone Book as COMPANY for such 
quarter, is such that COMPANY is in the ****** ****** ******* ***** of all 
ISPs listed in the ISP Phone Book. By way of example, if there are *** *** 
ISPs in an ISP Phone Book ***** *** ******* *** *** ****** ****** ** *** 
*********** ******** ** ***** **** ** *** *** ***** *****, then MS could move 
COMPANY information to another ISP Phone Book or remove COMPANY information 
from one or all ISP Phone Books. For purposes of Section 3.1(a) browser 
shipment calculation shall exclude those copies of a web browser shipped by 
******** ******** ********** ****** ** ******* **     

     3.2  DISTRIBUTION OF INTERNET CONNECTION WIZARD. Incorporate the 
Internet Connection Wizard into an icon on the "desktop" of the English 
language version of Windows 95 designated as "The Internet" or such other 
name designated by MS.

     3.3  REFERRAL SERVER. Develop and maintain Referral Server.

     3.4  PROMOTION. Include information concerning the ISP Service in press 
releases and marketing activities related to promotion of the Internet 
Connection Wizard.

4.   COMPANY OBLIGATIONS
     -------------------

     COMPANY shall perform the duties described in Exhibit C.

5.   PAYMENT AND REPORTING
     ---------------------

   
     5.1  ADVANCE. In Consideration for MS including information regarding 
the ISP Services in the ISP Phone Book, COMPANY shall distribute up to ****** 
****** of Microsoft Internet Explorer to its current customer base ** ******* 
according to Exhibit D Section 4. Advance shall be ****** **** ******* ****** 
** *** ******** *** ******** ********* shipped to subscribers before 9/30/96. 
COMPANY shall pay the Advance to MS on or before 9/30/96.
    

     5.2  ISP REFERRAL FEE. In consideration of each ISP Subscriber, COMPANY 
shall pay MS the ISP Referral Fee for each subscription for ISP Service 
ordered by each ISP Subscriber.

     5.3  REPORTING. Within forty five (45) days after the end of each 
calendar quarter, COMPANY shall furnish MS a statement together with payment 
for any amount shown thereby to be due to MS. The royalty statement shall be 
based upon ISP Referral Fees for the quarter then ended, and shall be in the 
form of the sample report included on Exhibit D. Late payment(s), including 
receipts for foreign taxes withheld, if applicable, shall bear interest at 
the rate of one and one-half percent (1.5%) per month or the maximum rate 
allowable by applicable law, from the date such payment is due until the date 
it is actually paid. COMPANY's report shall include for each version of the 
Licensed Software, the number of copies of the Licensed Software licensed or 
distributed by or for COMPANY during that calendar quarter, including 
"competitive upgrade" copies as described in Exhibit D. In the event that no 
copies were licensed or distributed by or for COMPANY during a calendar 
quarter, COMPANY shall indicate this on the report. COMPANY's report shall 
further include the number of copies of all web browsers licensed or

   
*  - Confidential portions of this exhibit have been omitted, marked with
     asterisks (*) and filed separately with the Securities and Exchange
     Commission pursuant to an application for confidential treatment.
    

                                      5

<PAGE>

distributed by or for COMPANY during that calendar quarter. All such reports 
shall be maintained in confidence by MS and shall not be disclosed to any 
third party except to its immediate legal and financial consultants as may be 
required in the ordinary course of MS' business.

     5.4  All amounts due hereunder shall be sent to the address listed in 
Section 11. All amounts due hereunder are exclusive of any taxes, duties, 
fees, excises or tariffs imposed on any of COMPANY's activities in connection 
with this Agreement. Such charges, if any, shall be paid by COMPANY.

6.  ACCEPTANCE, DISCLAIMER OF WARRANTY AND LIMITATION OF LIABILITY
    --------------------------------------------------------------

    6.1  The Licensed Software and IEAK are deemed accepted by COMPANY.

    6.2  Neither the COMPANY nor any of its employees shall have any right to 
make any representation, warranty, or promise on behalf of MS.

    6.3  THE LICENSED SOFTWARE AND IEAK ARE PROVIDED TO COMPANY AS IS WITHOUT 
WARRANTY OF ANY KIND. THE ENTIRE RISK AS TO THE RESULTS AND PERFORMANCE OF THE 
LICENSED SOFTWARE AND IEAK ARE ASSUMED BY COMPANY AND THE END-USER CUSTOMER. 
MS DISCLAIMS ALL WARRANTIES, EITHER EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT 
LIMITED TO, IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY, FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR 
PURPOSE AND NON-INFRINGEMENT.

   6.4  IN NO EVENT SHALL EITHER PARTY BE LIABLE FOR ANY DIRECT (EXCEPT AS TO 
AMOUNTS OWED HEREUNDER), CONSEQUENTIAL, INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL, OR SPECIAL 
DAMAGES WHATSOEVER, INCLUDING WITHOUT LIMITATION, DAMAGES FOR LOSS OF 
BUSINESS PROFITS, BUSINESS INTERRUPTION, LOSS OF BUSINESS INFORMATION, AND 
THE LIKE, ARISING OUT OF THE USE OF OR INABILITY TO USE THE LICENSED SOFTWARE 
OR IEAK, EVEN IF THE OTHER PARTY HAS BEEN ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH 
DAMAGES. BECAUSE SOME STATES DO NOT ALLOW THE EXCLUSION OR LIMITATION OF 
LIABILITY FOR CONSEQUENTIAL OR INCIDENTAL DAMAGES, THE ABOVE LIMITATION MAY 
NOT APPLY.

  6.5  Not withstanding Section 6.4:

   (a) MS agrees to defend COMPANY against, and pay the amount of any adverse 
final judgment (or settlement to which MS consents) resulting from, third 
party claim(s) (hereinafter "Indemnified Claims") that the Internet Explorer 
infringes any copyright or trade secret enforceable in any included 
Jurisdictions (defined in Section 6.5(d), below); provided MS is notified 
promptly in writing of the Indemnified Claim and has sole control over its 
defense or settlement, and COMPANY provides reasonable assistance in the 
defense of the same at MS expense for COMPANY's reasonably incurred 
out-of-pocket expenses.
   (b) In the event MS receives information concerning an intellectual 
property infringement claim (including an Indemnified Claim) related to the 
Internet Explorer, MS may at its expense, without obligation to do so, either 
(i) procure for COMPANY the right to continue to distribute the alleged 
infringing Internet Explorer or (ii) replace or modify the Internet Explorer 
to make it non-infringing, and in which case, COMPANY shall thereupon cease 
distribution of the alleged infringing Internet Explorer.
   (c) MS shall have no liability for any intellectual property infringement 
claim (including an Indemnified Claim) based on COMPANY's (i) manufacture, 
distribution, or use of any Internet Explorer after MS' notice that COMPANY 
should cease manufacture, distribution, or use of such Internet Explorer due 
to such a claim; or (ii) unauthorized combination of a Internet Explorer with 
any other product, program or data; or (iii) unauthorized adaptation or 
modification of any Internet

   
* -- Confidential portions of this exhibit have been omitted, marked with
     asterisks (*) and filed separately with the Securities and Exchange
     Commission pursuant to an application for confidential treatment.
    
                                      6

<PAGE>

Explorer. For all claims described in this Section 6.5(c), COMPANY agrees to 
defend and indemnify MS to the same extent that MS is obligated to defend and 
indemnify COMPANY under Sections 6.5(a), 6.5(b) and 6.5(c).
   (d) MS shall have no obligation to COMPANY for any Indemnified Claims 
which arise outside the geographical boundaries of the United States, Canada, 
Australia, Japan, the European Union, and Norway ("Included Jurisdictions").

7.  TERM OF AGREEMENT
    -----------------

The term of this Agreement shall commence as of the Effective Date and shall 
continue for a period of two (2) years. Thereafter, this Agreement shall 
automatically renew for successive one year terms unless either party gives 
the other party thirty (30) days written notice of its intent not to renew. 
Either party may terminate for any reason upon 30 days written notice.

8.  DEFAULT AND TERMINATION
    -----------------------

    8.1  This Agreement may terminate earlier if any of the following events 
of default occur: (a) if COMPANY materially fails to perform or comply with 
this Agreement or any provision hereof; (b) if COMPANY fails to strictly 
comply with the provisions of Section 10 or makes or attempts to make an 
assignment in violation of Section 13.5; (c) if COMPANY becomes insolvent or 
admits in writing its inability to pay its debts as they mature, or makes an 
assignment for the benefit of creditors; (d) if a petition under any foreign, 
state, or United States bankruptcy act, receivership statute, or the like, as 
they now exist, or as they may be amended, is filed by COMPANY; or (e) if 
such a petition is filed by any third party, or an application for a receiver 
of COMPANY is made by anyone and such petition or application is not resolved 
favorably to COMPANY within sixty (60) days.

    8.2  Termination under subsection 8.1(b) shall be effective as of the 
date notice is given. In all other cases, termination shall be effective 
thirty (30) days after notice of termination to COMPANY if COMPANY's defaults 
have not been cured. The rights and remedies of MS provided in this Section 
shall not be exclusive and are in addition to any other rights and remedies 
provided by law or this Agreement.

    8.3  Upon termination of this Agreement for any reason, COMPANY must 
cease distribution of the Licensed Software. Upon termination of this 
Agreement, COMPANY's Information shall be immediately removed from the ISP 
Phone Book(s). If this Agreement is terminated other than due to COMPANY's 
default, COMPANY may distribute Licensed Software remaining in inventory as 
of such termination date for a period of three (3) months. After such time, 
COMPANY shall destroy all full or partial copies of the Licensed Software and 
IEAK in COMPANY's possession or under its control. If this Agreement is 
terminated for cause pursuant to Section 8, COMPANY shall return to MS or 
destroy all full or partial copies of the Licensed Software and IEAK in 
COMPANY'S possession or under its control within ten (10) days following the 
termination date, including any in-house copies COMPANY may have produced.

    8.4  End user licenses validly granted prior to expiration or termination 
of this Agreement shall survive termination or expiration of this Agreement.

    8.5  Sections 1, 5, 6, 8, 10, 11, 12 and 13 shall survive termination of 
this Agreement.

9.  SUPPORT
    -------

    9.1  COMPANY shall have the sole responsibility and expense for providing 
all support for the Sign-up Server and all support needed by ISP Subscribers 
for the Licensed Software and the ISP Service.

   
* -- Confidential portions of this exhibit have been omitted, marked with
     asterisks (*) and filed separately with the Securities and Exchange
     Commission pursuant to an application for confidential treatment.
    
                                       7

<PAGE>

     9.2  MS will provide COMPANY (but not ISP Subscribers) support for the 
Internet Connection Wizard. Except for such support, this Agreement does not 
include technical support from MS to COMPANY. Technical support may be 
available from MS or an MS subsidiary pursuant to a separate agreement.


10. NONDISCLOSURE AGREEMENT

COMPANY shall keep confidential the terms and conditions of this Agreement, 
and other non-public information and know-how disclosed to COMPANY by MS. 
However, COMPANY may disclose the terms and conditions of this Agreement in 
confidence as follows: (1) in confidence to its immediate legal and financial 
consultants as required in the ordinary course of COMPANY's business; (2) to 
the SEC or others as legally required in connection with a public offering of 
the COMPANY's stock, in which event COMPANY will inform MS of the date and 
content of its filing and will cooperate with MS in attempting to keep as 
many of the terms of this agreement confidential as possible, especially the 
financial terms; (3) to COMPANY's Affinity Marketing Partners only upon 
specific request of such partners and then only page 1, paragraph 2.1 and the 
signature page.

11. NOTICES AND REQUESTS

All notices, authorizations, and requests in connection with this Agreement 
shall be deemed given on the day they are (i) deposited in the U.S. mails, 
postage prepaid, certified or registered, return receipt requested; or (ii) 
sent by overnight courier, charges prepaid, with a confirming fax; and 
addressed as follows:

NOTICES TO COMPANY:

                 EarthLink Network, Inc.
                 3100 New York Drive
                 Pasadena, CA 91107

Attn:            Garry Betty, President
Telephone:       (818) 296 2408
Fax:             (818) 296 4161


NOTICES TO MS AND PAYMENTS/VOLUME DISTRIBUTIONS SUMMARIES:


Notices:         MICROSOFT CORPORATION
                 One Microsoft Way
                 Redmond, WA 98052-6399

Attn:            Senior Vice President, Systems
Copy to:         Law & Corporate Affairs, US Legal
Fax:             (206) 936-7209


Payments/Volume  MICROSOFT CORPORATION
Distribution     Remittance Processing
Summaries:       P.O. Box 84808
                 Seattle, WA 98124-6108


or such other address as the party to receive the notice or request so 
designates by written notice to the other.

12.  AUDITS

   
* -- Confidential portions of this exhibit have been omitted, marked with
     asterisks (*) and filed separately with the Securities and Exchange
     Commission pursuant to an application for confidential treatment.
    
                                      8
<PAGE>

     12.1  During the term of this Agreement, COMPANY agrees to keep all 
usual and proper records and books of account and all usual and proper 
entries relating to COMPANY's ISP Subscriptions sufficient to substantiate 
the number of ISP Subscribers. COMPANY shall maintain on COMPANY premises 
such records for itself and for each Subsidiary which exercises rights under 
this Agreement.

     12.2  In order to verify statements issued by COMPANY and COMPANY's 
compliance with the terms of this Agreement, MS may cause an audit to be made 
of COMPANY's applicable books and records. Any audit shall be conducted 
during regular business hours at COMPANY's facilities upon reasonable advance 
notice. Any audit shall be conducted by an independent certified public 
accountant of national stature selected by MS (other than on a contingent fee 
basis).

     12.3  COMPANY agrees to provide MS' designated audit team access to the 
relevant COMPANY's records and facilities.

     12.4  Prompt adjustment shall be made to compensate for any errors or 
omissions disclosed by such audit. Any such audit shall be paid for by MS 
unless material discrepancies are disclosed. "Material" shall mean the under 
reporting of five percent (5%) of the amount due. If material discrepancies 
are disclosed, COMPANY agrees to pay MS for the costs associated with the 
audit in addition to the amount of any discrepancy.

13.  GENERAL

     13.1  This Agreement shall be construed and controlled by the laws of the 
State of Washington, and COMPANY consents to jurisdiction and venue in the 
state and federal courts sitting in the State of Washington. Process may be 
served on either party in the manner provided in Section 11 above, or by such 
other method as is authorized by law.

     13.2  Neither this Agreement, nor any terms and conditions contained 
herein, shall be construed as creating a partnership, joint venture, agency 
relationship or as granting a franchise.

     13.3  This Agreement constitutes the entire agreement between the 
parties with respect to the subject matter hereof and supersedes all prior 
and contemporaneous agreements or communications. It shall not be modified 
except by a written agreement dated subsequent to the date of this Agreement 
and signed on behalf of COMPANY and MS by their respective duly authorized 
representatives. No waiver of any breach of any provision of this Agreement 
shall constitute a waiver of any prior, concurrent or subsequent breach of 
the same of any other provisions hereof, and no waiver shall be effective 
unless made in writing and signed by an authorized representative of the 
waiving party.

     13.4  If any provision of this Agreement shall be held by a court of 
competent jurisdiction to be illegal, invalid or unenforceable, the remaining 
provisions shall remain in full force and effect.

     13.5  The rights and obligations hereunder shall inure to the benefit of 
the successors of the parties hereto, provided any rights or obligations 
hereunder shall not be assigned by COMPANY without the prior written approval 
of MS. COMPANY hereby agrees that it will remain responsible for and guarantee 
the compliance of each majority owned subsidiary or affiliate which exercises 
rights under this Agreement.

     13.6  Any Licensed Software which COMPANY distributes or licenses to or 
on behalf of the United States of America, its agencies and/or 
instrumentalities (the "Government"), is provided to COMPANY with RESTRICTED 
RIGHTS. Use, duplication or disclosure by the Government is subject to 
restriction as set forth in subparagraph (c)(l)(ii) of the rights in 
Technical Data and Computer Software clause at DFAR 252.227-7013, or as set 
forth in the particular department or agency regulations or rules which 
provide Microsoft protection equivalent to or greater than the above-cited 
clause. COMPANY shall comply with any requirements of the Government to 
obtain such RESTRICTED RIGHTS protection, 

   
* -- Confidential portions of this exhibit have been omitted, marked with
     asterisks (*) and filed separately with the Securities and Exchange
     Commission pursuant to an application for confidential treatment.
    
                                      9

<PAGE>

including without limitation, the placement of any restrictive legends on the 
Tool documentation and any license agreement used in connection with the 
distribution thereof. Manufacturer is Microsoft Corporation, One Microsoft 
Way, Redmond, Washington 98052-6399. Under no circumstances shall Microsoft 
be obligated to comply with any Governmental requirements regarding cost and 
pricing data and cost accounting. For any distribution or license of the 
Licensed Software that would require compliance by Microsoft with 
Governmental requirements relating to cost and pricing data or cost 
accounting, COMPANY must obtain an appropriate waiver or exemption from such 
requirements for the benefit of Microsoft from the appropriate Governmental 
authority before the distribution and/or license of the Licensed Software to 
the Government.

     13.7  COMPANY acknowledges that the Licensed Software and IEAK are 
subject to the export control laws and regulations of the US, and any 
amendments thereof. COMPANY confirms that with respect to the Licensed 
Software, it will not export or re-export them, directly or indirectly, 
either to (a) any countries that are subject to US export restrictions 
(currently including, but not necessarily limited to, Cuba, the Federal 
Republic of Yugoslavia (Serbia and Montenegro), Iran, Iraq, Libya, North 
Korea, and Syria); (b) any end user who COMPANY knows or has reason to know 
will utilize them in the design, development or production of nuclear, 
chemical or biological weapons; or (c) any end user who has been prohibited 
from participating in the US export transactions by any federal agency of the 
US government. COMPANY further acknowledges that the Licensed Software and 
IEAK may include technical data subject to export and re-export restrictions 
imposed by US law.

     13.8  COMPANY shall, at its own expense, obtain and arrange for the 
maintenance in full force and effect of all governmental approvals, consents, 
licenses, authorizations, declarations, filings, and registrations as may be 
necessary for the performance of all of the terms and conditions of the 
Agreement including, but not limited to, foreign exchange approvals, import 
and offer agent licenses, fair trade approvals and all approvals which may be 
required to realize the purposes of the Agreement.

     13.9  In the event income taxes are required to be withheld by any 
non-U.S.A. government on payments required hereunder, COMPANY may deduct such 
taxes from the amount owed MS and pay them to the appropriate tax authority. 
COMPANY shall promptly deliver to MS an official receipt for any such taxes 
withheld or other documents necessary to enable MS to  claim a U.S.A. Foreign 
Tax Credit. COMPANY will make certain that any taxes withheld are minimized 
to the extent permitted by the applicable law.

     13.10 If either MS or COMPANY employs attorneys to enforce any rights 
arising out of or relating to this Agreement, the prevailing party shall be 
entitled to recover reasonable attorney's fees and costs.

     13.11 The following Exhibits are part of the Agreement:

           Exhibit B   Company ISP Service(s)
           Exhibit C   Company Obligations
           Exhibit D   ISP Referral Fees
           Exhibit E   ISP Subscriber Configuration Guidelines
           Exhibit F   Internet Explorer
           Exhibit G   Microsoft -Registered Trademark- Internet Explorer Online
                        Logo Usage Guidelines
            Attach 1&2 Microsoft Internet Explorer Logo Qualification
                       Criteria
           Exhibit H   Microsoft -Registered Trademark- Internet Explorer 
                       Standard Logo Usage Guidelines
           Exhibit X   Microsoft Frontpage Server Extensions
           Exhibit Y   Current agreement list.
           Exhibit Z   Windows 95 ISP Referral and Ordering Process
   
* -- Confidential portions of this exhibit have been omitted, marked with
     asterisks (*) and filed separately with the Securities and Exchange
     Commission pursuant to an application for confidential treatment.
    
                                      10

<PAGE>

      IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have executed this Agreement as of the 
date set forth above. All signed copies of this Agreement shall be deemed 
originals.


MICROSOFT CORPORATION                     EarthLink Network, Inc.
                                          ---------------------------
                                          (COMPANY)



/s/ Cameron D. Myhrvold                   /s/   Charles G. Betty
- --------------------------                ---------------------------
By (sign)                                 By (sign)


    Cameron D. Myhrvold                         Garry Betty
- --------------------------                ---------------------------
Name (Print)                              Name (Print)


 VP-Public Network Sales                       Its President
- --------------------------                ---------------------------
Title                                     Title


       9-19-96                                     8/16/96
- --------------------------                ---------------------------
Date                                      Date
   
* -- Confidential portions of this exhibit have been omitted, marked with
     asterisks (*) and filed separately with the Securities and Exchange
     Commission pursuant to an application for confidential treatment.
    
                                     11

<PAGE>

                                 EXHIBIT B
                         COMPANY'S ISP SERVICE(S)


                           EarthLinks co-branded
                        Affinity Marketing Program

                          COMPANY SERVICE AREA

                   Currently United States and Canada
   
* -- Confidential portions of this exhibit have been omitted, marked with
     asterisks (*) and filed separately with the Securities and Exchange
     Commission pursuant to an application for confidential treatment.
    
                                      12

<PAGE>

                                EXHIBIT C

     COMPANY OBLIGATIONS (NOTE: MS OBLIGATIONS ARE SET FORTH IN SECTION 3)

COMPANY SHALL PERFORM THE FOLLOWING DUTIES/OBLIGATIONS;

     1.  Offer the ISP Services(s).

     2.  Develop and maintain a Sign-up-Server. The Sign-up Server shall be 
operational on a 7X24 basis.

     3.  Estabilsh a toll free telephone number, or any other communication 
medium mutually agreed to by the parties for the processing of orders for ISP 
Subscribers. COMPANY shall notify MS in writing by a mutually agreed upon 
date of such specific communication medium or other relevant means of order 
entry secured by COMPANY for the ISP Service and any other COMPANY 
Information. COMPANY shall use unique numbers, extensions or addresses so as 
to ensure that all ISP Subscribers (e.g. those directed to the Sign-up Server 
by the Internet Connection Wizard) can be easily segregated from other orders 
received by COMPANY that do not originate from the Internet Connection Wizard 
for revenue reporting purposes.

     4.  Use and display the "Microsoft Internet Explorer" logo on the home 
page for COMPANY's ISP Service, along with a hot link to 
www.microsoft.com/ie/ie.htm on the face of the home page.

     5.  In copies of Microsoft Internet Explorer distributed by COMPANY, 
COMPANY may set the "default" URL to point to COMPANY's home page for the ISP 
Service, provided that such home page includes a hot link to 
www.microsoft.com/ie/ie.htm.
   
     6.  Offer the Microsoft Internet Explorer ** *** **** *** *** ****** *** 
********** *** **********. At the time of ISP Service request from an ISP 
Subscriber, COMPANY shall not express or imply that an alternate browser is 
available. COMPANY may provide a non-MS web browser with its ISP Service only 
upon a customer initiated request.

     7.  Company shall not advertise or otherwise promote any non-MS web 
browser **** **** ** ** *** ** ***** ************. By way of example, COMPANY 
shall not display any logo for, or maintain a link to, a non-MS web browser on 
Company's home page for the ISP Service, on the Start Page, or on any COMPANY 
home page for any other internet access service offered by COMPANY.
    
     8.  Use the Microsoft Internet Explorer name and logo in COMPANY's 
packaging, advertising and promotional materials. Such use shall be pursuant 
to MS' standard trademark policies as attached hereto and as may be provided 
by MS to COMPANY from time to time.

     9.  Within sixty (60) days following execution of this Agreement, issue 
a press release announcing that COMPANY has licensed the Microsoft Internet 
Explorer and include favorable commments about the Internet Explorer and 
ActiveX technology. In the event COMPANY elects to distribute NetMeeting, 
COMPANY shall issue a press release announcing such distribution within sixty 
(60) days following execution of this Agreement. COMPANY shall provide any 
such press release to Microsoft for review at least five (5) days
   
*  - Confidential portions of this exhibit have been omitted, marked with
     asterisks (*) and filed separately with the Securities and Exchange
     Commission pursuant to an application for confidential treatment.
    
                                      13

<PAGE>

prior to release, COMPANY agrees MS may use COMPANY's name in any press 
release MS issues regarding licensing of the Microsoft Internet Explorer.

     10.  Before COMPANY is listed in the ISP Phone Book(s), COMPANY will 
test and certify compliance of Access with MS specifications for security and 
authentication protocols, other industry protocols, and other specifications 
and standards specified by MS from time to time in accordance with the 
procedures, and using the testing tools specified by MS from time to time, 
COMPANY will provide MS with information and access as requested by MS from 
time to time to allow MS to ensure COMPANY's ongoing compliance with such 
specifications, the acceptance testing procedures, and the terms of this 
Agreement.
   
* -- Confidential portions of this exhibit have been omitted, marked with
     asterisks (*) and filed separately with the Securities and Exchange
     Commission pursuant to an application for confidential treatment.
    
                                      14

<PAGE>

                                    EXHIBIT D
                                    ---------

                                ISP REFERRAL FEES


     Number of New ISP Subscribers
     Quarterly                                Fee
     -----------------------------            ---

                ************                   ***
                ************                   ***
                ************                   ***
                ************                   ***

1.  The above Referral Fees shall be reduced by an additional ************
   *** if, COMPANY implements at least two (2) "ActiveX" controls in the 
    design of COMPANY's home page for the ISP Service. COMPANY shall notify 
    MS of the ActiveX controls implemented by COMPANY.

2.  The above Referral Fees shall be reduced by an additional ************
   *** if: (a) COMPANY uses Microsoft Windows NT and Microsoft Internet 
    Information Server as the platform for COMPANY's web site that hosts the 
    home page for the ISP Service and (b) if COMPANY offers web hosting 
    services, it uses Microsoft Internet Information Server as one of its 
    platforms for such web hosting services.

3.  If COMPANY offers web hosting services, the above Referral Fees shall be 
    reduced by an additional *************** if COMPANY uses Microsoft 
    Front Page server extensions (listed in Exhibit X) on COMPANY's web hosting 
    servers.
   
4.  COMPANY may deduct from aggregate Referral Fees owed to MS, the following 
    amounts for each copy of the most current available version of Internet 
    Explorer distributed ** * ************ ******** to subscribers to COMPANY's
    internet access services *** *** ***** * ******* ***** **** ******** 
    ******** as of the date that COMPANY's name first appears in an ISP Phone 
    Book: (a) ***** ******* **** for each copy distributed on external media 
    (e.g. diskette or CD ROM) and (b) *** ****** **** for each copy distributed
    electronically (e.g. downloaded from COMPANY's web site). The foregoing 
    deductions shall be limited to copies of Internet Explorer distributed 
    prior to one hundred and eighty (180) days after the Effective Date of 
    the Agreement and shall be further limited to no more than one (1) copy 
    of Internet Explorer per subscriber. In no event shall such deductions 
    exceed the total amount of Referral Fees payable to MS hereunder. COMPANY 
    shall report all such copies (separately for external media and electronic
    distribution) on its quarterly reports.

* -- Confidential portions of this exhibit have been omitted, marked with
     asterisks (*) and filed separately with the Securities and Exchange
     Commission pursuant to an application for confidential treatment.
    
                                      15

<PAGE>

                              EXHIBIT D (CONT'D)
                              -------------------


                              REFERRAL FEE REPORT




                  Report for _____________________________
Report Period: _______________________, 19____ to ______________________, 19___

                 Microsoft License #______________________________

   
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Referral Fee Calculation:

A.      Total new ISP Subscriber* for the quarter:  ____________ X $___=______
B.      Previously reported ISP Subscriber accounts
        lasting < 60 days which
        terminate during the quarter                ____________ X $   =______
C.      Total fees due (Line A - Line B)=                               ______
D.      Less Deductions for ********** ********** of Internet Explorer  ______
                      Total payment enclosed:                           ______
*as defined in Section 1
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

E.      Total number of *** ** *** ******** distributed during quarter 
        through all channels:                                          _______

F.      Total number of copies of Internet Explorer distributed through
        all channels where Internet Explorer is distributed ** *** ****
        *** ********                                                   _______

G.      Total number of *********** ******** copies of Internet 
        Explorer shipped - external media                              _______

H.      Total number of ************ ******** copies of Internet
        Explorer shipped - electronic                                  _______
    
The undersigned hereby certifies that he/she is an officer or director of 
COMPANY and that this report is complete and correct.



                                  ___________________________(Signature)

                                  ___________________________(Print)

                                  ___________________________(Title)

                                  ___________________________(Date)

Telephone Number:                 (    )
                                  ___________________________
   
* -- Confidential portions of this exhibit have been omitted, marked with
     asterisks (*) and filed separately with the Securities and Exchange
     Commission pursuant to an application for confidential treatment.
    
                                                16

<PAGE>

                                      EXHIBIT E
                                      ---------

                        ISP SUBSCRIBER CONFIGURATION GUIDELINES



1.  COMPANY shall configure the ISP Subscriber's copy of Internet Explorer 
    (hosted on the ISP Subscriber's computer) via an INS file such that the 
    "default" URL on Internet Explorer points to the Start Page.

2.  COMPANY can add and populate a "favorites folder" on the ISP Subscriber's 
    copy of Internet Explorer via an INS file.

3.  [DRAFT] COMPANY's ISP Information Page shall comply with the following:

       a.  Size of the HTML page limited to 5K.
       b.  The page should have one exit point that points back to the main 
           referral page.
       c.  No scrolling, no tabs, no links, and no fields.
       d.  Should fit on 640x480 with no fields.
       e.  Use buttons as much as possible.
       f.  Do not use hot links.
       g.  A "cancel" leaves the entire Internet Connection Wizard.

                            MS reserves the right to change the above criteria.
   
* -- Confidential portions of this exhibit have been omitted, marked with
     asterisks (*) and filed separately with the Securities and Exchange
     Commission pursuant to an application for confidential treatment.
    
                                             17

<PAGE>

                                         EXHIBIT F
                                         ---------

                                      INTERNET EXPLORER


   AVAILABILITY                       VERSION
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------
 PLATFORM                       2.0         NEXT(c)
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------
Windows 3.x, WFW 3.11           Today(a)      *********
Windows NT                       --           ***********
Windows 95                      Today(a)      *************
Apple Macintosh                 Today(b)      ********

                                   (a)        *******************
                                   (b)        **********************
                                   (c)        **********************
                                   (d)        ***********

   
* -- Confidential portions of this exhibit have been omitted, marked with
     asterisks (*) and filed separately with the Securities and Exchange
     Commission pursuant to an application for confidential treatment.
    
                                           18

<PAGE>

            EXHIBIT G TO THE LICENSE AND DISTRIBUTION AGREEMENT
            ---------------------------------------------------

             MICROSOFT-REGISTERED TRADEMARK- INTERNET EXPLORER
                       ONLINE LOGO USAGE GUIDELINES

                    This site is best experienced with
                                  [LOGO]
                           Click here to start.

1. USAGE
     Use the Internet Explorer online logo (the "logo") only to promote 
     Microsoft Internet Explorer and indicate that your Internet Site includes
     or is compatible with the Microsoft Internet Explorer.

     The Logo may only be used on your Internet Site which must meet the 
     applicable Logo Qualification Criteria and may not be used in any other 
     fashion.

     RECOMMENDED TEXT. Based upon extensive research, we suggest that the 
     Internet Explorer Logo be accompanied by the following text: "This site 
     is best experienced with ... Click here to start." as indicated in the 
     below images. This information clarifies how the logo should be used, 
     especially for new Internet visitors who are unfamiliar with the 
     different means of navigating the Internet.

                       This site is best experienced with
                                    [LOGO]
                             Click here to start.


         This site is best experienced with [LOGO] Click here to start.

     PRODUCT NAME. It should appear as "Microsoft-Registered Trademark- 
     Internet Explorer" at the first and most prominent use in all materials 
     and can thereafter be referred to as "Internet Explorer."

2. INTENT
     You are not permitted to use the logo to disparage Microsoft, its 
     products or services, or for promotional goods or for products which, in 
     MS' reasonable judgement, may diminish or otherwise damage Microsoft's 
     goodwill in the Logo, including but not limited to uses which could be 
     deemed to be obscene, pornographic, excessively violent, or otherwise in 
     poor taste or unlawful, or which purpose is to encourage unlawful 
     activities. Similarly, you cannot imitate Microsoft's product packaging 
     or the Logo in any of your materials, including advertising, product 
     packaging, and promotional materials. The Logo must not be used in a 
     manner that implies Microsoft's sponsorship or endorsement of the 
     product, service, or content presented on your Internet Site.

3. LOGO LINK
     Used in an Internet Site, the Logo must be an active link to this 
     URL address:
                        http://www.microsoft.com/ie/ie.htm
                        ----------------------------------

                                       19

<PAGE>

4. PRESENTATION
     PROMINENCE. Do not use the Logo or the names "Microsoft," "Microsoft 
     Internet Explorer," or "Internet Explorer" more prominently than your 
     company, product, or Internet Site name.

     ARTWORK. Use only Microsoft authorized electronic artwork of the Logo. 
     The Logo must stand by itself and must include a minimum amount of empty 
     space surrounding the Logo (30 pixels) so as to separate it from any 
     other object, such as type, photography, borders, edges, and so on. The 
     Logo may not be used as a feature or design element of any other Logo.

     SIZE. The Logo cannot be reduced in size beyond what is electronically 
     provided by Microsoft and must be placed in a prominent location on the 
     Internet Site where it is used. Do not remove any trademark symbols or 
     alter the Logo in any way. Redraws, distortions, or animation of the 
     Logo are not permitted beyond what is provided to authorized/registered 
     Microsoft Online logo Internet Sites.

     FOOTNOTE. Include the following footnote on Internet Sites that include 
     the Logo: "Microsoft is a registered trademark in the United States and 
     other countries and the Microsoft Internet Explorer Logo is a trademark  
     of Microsoft Corporation."

ALTERATIONS TO THESE GUIDELINES
Microsoft reserves the right to change the Logo and these Usage Guidelines at 
any time and solely at its discretion. If possible, Microsoft will provide 
advanced notice of these changes. Any use of the Logo that is not consistent 
with these guidelines is strictly prohibited.

CANCELLATION OF AUTHORIZATION TO HOST LOGO
Microsoft reserves the right to review use of the Internet Explorer Logo. 
Disregard for these Usage Guidelines may result in a revocation of the right 
to use the logo, and with it all benefits enjoyed through participation in 
the logo program.

Third parties improperly using the Logo must correct any deficiencies in 
their use of the Logo and/or in the quality of the product used in 
conjunction with the Logo upon reasonable notice from Microsoft. Refusal to 
correct such deficiencies may result in revocation of the right to use the 
Logo.

QUESTIONS
If you have any questions about the Logo Program, please send e-mail to 
"[email protected]"


TRADEMARKS. Microsoft and Windows are registered trademarks and ActiveX is a 
trademark in the United States and other countries and the Microsoft Internet 
Explorer Logo is a trademark of Microsoft Corporation.

                                       20

<PAGE>

   ATTACHMENT 1 TO EXHIBIT G OF THE MICROSOFT INTERNET EXPLORER LOGO
                            USAGE GUIDELINES
          Microsoft -Registered Trademark- Internet Explorer Online
                          Logo Qualification Criteria

                       This site is best experienced with

                                  [LOGO]

                               Click here to Start

Gaining authorization to use the version of the Microsoft -Registered
Trademark- Internet Explorer online logo shown above for your Internet Site 
is easy. Simply fulfill the following two criteria and you are eligible to 
use the logo.

1.  Showcase on your Internet Site one or more of these HTML features:
        -    RATINGS. Support self-regulation of content to ensure 
             appropriate access to your Internet Site.
        -    MARQUEES. Scroll text or graphics across your screen.
        -    ENHANCED TABLES. Use colors/textures to make tabular data 
        -    more legible and visually appealing.
        -    BACKGROUND SOUNDS. Provide an auditory experience when your
             Internet Site is accessed.
        -    WATERMARKS. Create a mark of distinction on your home page.
        -    INLINE AVIs. Graphically animate your page beyond static 
             images.
        -    ENHANCED HTML FRAME TAGS. Simulate the appearance of a 
             magazine with borderless, nonscrolling, floating frames,
             and even frames within frames.
        -    ENHANCED HTML STYLE SHEETS. Control margins, line spacing, 
             and placement of design elements; specify fonts and point 
             sizes; get desktop publishing support for the Web.

2.  Enroll in the logo program, and agree to follow the Logo Usage Guidelines.


NEED HELP GETTING STARTED?
Please go to the FREE Microsoft Internet Explorer online logo-compliant Web 
site template at http://www.microsoft.com/ie/log/actxtemp.htm. This template 
will help to get you started in building your Internet Site or to simply 
enhance your existing Internet Site. See examples of the new HTML features 
and ActiveX -TM- -compatible controls at the ActiveX Gallery at
http://www.microsoft.com/ie/appdev/controls/default.htm.

If you want more assistance, order the ActiveX Development Kit at 
http://www.microsoft.com/intdev/sdk.

NOTE ABOUT CHANGES:
Note: Due to the rapid development of Internet Explorer technology, these 
criteria will change periodically over time. All online logo authorized sites 
will be notified by e-mail of any changes to these criteria. Permission to 
use the logo is limited to those who meet the then applicable criteria, and 
those who no longer meet the criteria must discontinue use of logo.

TRADEMARKS. Microsoft and Windows are registered trademarks and ActiveX is a 
trademark in the United States and other countries and the Microsoft Internet 
Explorer Logo is a trademark of Microsoft Corporation.

                                     21

<PAGE>

   ATTACHMENT 2 TO EXHIBIT G OF THE MICROSOFT INTERNET EXPLORER LOGO
                            USAGE GUIDELINES
         Microsoft -Registered Trademark- Internet Explorer Online
                   Animated Logo Qualification Criteria

                     This site is best experienced with

                                  [LOGO]

                            Click here to start.
Gaining authorization to use the animated version of the Microsoft Internet 
Explorer online logo shown above for your Internet Site is easy. Simply 
fulfill the following three criteria and you are eligible to use the logo:

1.  Showcase on your Internet Site one or more of these HTML features:
        -    RATINGS. Support self-regulation of content to ensure 
             appropriate access to your Internet Site.
        -    MARQUEES. Scroll text or graphics across your screen.
        -    ENHANCED TABLES. Use colors/textures to make tabular data 
             more legible and visually appealing.
        -    BACKGROUND SOUNDS. Provide an auditory experience when your
             Internet Site is accessed.
        -    WATERMARKS. Create a mark of distinction on your home page.
        -    INLINE AVIs. Graphically animate your page beyond static 
             images.
        -    ENHANCED HTML FRAME TAGS. Simulate the appearance of a 
             magazine with borderless, nonscrolling, floating frames, and
             even frames within frames.
        -    ENHANCED HTML STYLE SHEETS. Control margins, line spacing, 
             and placement of design elements; specify fonts and point 
             sizes; get desktop publishing support for the Web.

2.  Activate your Internet Site with ActiveX -TM- -compatible Technology. 
Support one or more ActiveX-compatible controls on your Internet Site.
        -    DEMONSTRATE ACTIVEX-COMPATIBLE CONTROLS. Make your 
             Internet Site interactive today!
        -    SCRIPT ACTIVEX-COMPATIBLE CONTROLS. Use ActiveX-compatible 
             scripts to make a Web page interactive. You can easily link 
             together ActiveX-compatible controls or intrinsic controls to 
             create dynamic pages.

3.  Enroll in the logo program and agree to follow the Logo Usage Guidelines.


NEED HELP GETTING STARTED?
Please go to the FREE Microsoft Internet Explorer online logo-compliant Web 
site template at http://www.microsoft.com/ie/log/actxtemp.htm. This template 
will help to get you started in building your Internet Site or to simply 
enhance your existing Internet Site. See examples of the new HTML features 
and ActiveX-compatible controls at the ActiveX Gallery at
http://www.microsoft.com/ie/appdev/controls/default.htm.

If you want more assistance, order the ActiveX Development Kit at 
http://www.microsoft.com/intdev/sdk.

Note: Due to the rapid development of Internet Explorer technology, these 
criteria will change periodically over time. All online logo authorized sites 
will be notified by e-mail of any changes to these criteria. Permission to 
use the logo is limited to those who meet the then applicable criteria, and 
those who no longer meet the criteria must discontinue use of logo.

TRADEMARKS. Microsoft and Windows are registered trademarks and ActiveX is a 
trademark in the United States and other countries and the Microsoft Internet 
Explorer Logo is a trademark of Microsoft Corporation.

                                     22

<PAGE>
           EXHIBIT H TO THE LICENSE AND DISTRIBUTION AGREEMENT

MICROSOFT-Registered Trademark-INTERNET EXPLORER STANDARD LOGO USAGE GUIDELINES
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------

                                Includes

                                 [LOGO]

Microsoft has established the following set of guidelines to assist you in 
proper use of the Microsoft Internet Explorer standard logo (the "Logo").
The power of the Logo lies in its consistent and appropriate use. Any usage 
outside these guidelines dilutes the effectiveness of the Logo and makes it 
more difficult to defend our rights to the trademark.
Microsoft reserves the right to change the Logo and/or these Guidelines at 
any time at its discretion. Third parties shall comply with the Guidelines as 
amended from time to time.

ACCOMPANYING WORDS

The graphic may not be used without the words "Includes," 
"Microsoft-Registered Trademark-," and "Internet Explorer" attached, except 
as otherwise provided below. No additional or substitute words may be used. 
The words may not be abbreviated, translated, or transliterated, as in 
non-English documentation. Microsoft will, however, provide the Logo in 
versions where the word "Includes" may be translated for the local market, as 
available. You may not substitute your own translation of the Logo.

USING THE MICROSOFT INTERNET EXPLORER STANDARD LOGO

- - Use the Logo only to promote Microsoft Internet Explorer and indicate that 
  your product includes Microsoft Internet Explorer.
- - This Logo is NOT to be placed on World Wide Web sites for the purpose of 
  downloading Microsoft Internet Explorer. For this purpose, please see the 
  Microsoft Internet Explorer Online Logo Usage guidelines at 
  http://www.microsoft.com/ie/logo/.
- - Microsoft will provide you with electronic artwork of the Logo. You may not 
  alter this artwork in any way.
- - This Logo is for Microsoft and third party use only as a graphical 
  representation of Microsoft Internet Explorer software.
    - Microsoft Use: The Logo may be used by Microsoft on packaging, channel, 
      collateral, advertising, direct mail, and events promotion materials for 
      Microsoft products that include Microsoft Internet Explorer software. When
      referring to Microsoft Internet Explorer by itself, Microsoft may use the 
      Logo without the word "Includes."
    - Third Party Use: The Logo may be used by third parties authorized to 
      distribute the Microsoft Internet Explorer software under a separate 
      License and Distribution Agreement. Authorized third parties may use the 
      Logo only on the product packaging of products that include Microsoft 
      Internet Explorer software and related advertising.

LEGAL INFORMATION

- - The Logo is owned by Microsoft Corporation. All uses of the Logo must 
  include the following notice: "Microsoft is a registered trademark in the 
  United States and other countries and the Microsoft Internet Explorer Logo is 
  a trademark of Microsoft Corporation." A trademark symbol (-TM-) should appear
  to the right of the Logo without alteration from the electronic or 
  camera-ready artwork provided. In

                                       23

<PAGE>

  addition, a registered trademark symbol (-Registered Trademark-) must 
  appear in the upper-right corner immediately following the word "Microsoft." 
  Do not remove any trademark symbols or alter the Logo in any way.
- - The product name for Microsoft Internet Explorer should appear as 
  "Microsoft-Registered Trademark-Internet Explorer" at the first and most 
  prominent use in all materials and can thereafter be referred to as "Internet 
  Explorer."
- - Microsoft owns the Microsoft Internet Explorer Logo and all uses of the Logo 
  will inure to the benefit of Microsoft. Third parties shall employ best 
  efforts to use the Logo in a manner that does not derogate from Microsoft's 
  rights in the Logo and will take no action that will interfere with or 
  diminish Microsoft's rights in the Logo. Third parties should not adopt, use,
  or register any corporate name, trade name, trademark, service mark or 
  certification mark, trade dress, or other designation similar to, or 
  containing in whole or in part the Logo.
- - Third parties may not use the Logo in a manner that would imply that their 
  company or any goods or services provided by such third parties are sponsored 
  or endorsed by, or affiliated with Microsoft.
- - Third parties may not display the Logo on packaging, documentation, 
  collateral, or advertising in a manner that suggests their product is a 
  Microsoft product, or in a manner that suggests Microsoft is a part of their 
  product name.
- - You are not permitted to use the Logo to disparage Microsoft Corporation, 
  its subsidiaries, products, or services, or for promotional goods or for 
  products which, in Microsoft's reasonable judgment, may diminish or otherwise 
  damage Microsoft's goodwill in the Logo, including but not limited to uses 
  that could be deemed obscene, pornographic, excessively violent, or otherwise 
  in poor taste or unlawful, or which purpose is to encourage unlawful 
  activities.
- - Third parties may not imitate Microsoft's product packaging or the Logo in 
  any of their materials, including advertising, product packaging, and 
  promotional materials.
- - The Logo or the names "Microsoft," "Microsoft Internet Explorer," or 
  "Internet Explorer" cannot appear larger and/or more prominent than third 
  parties' trade name, service name, product name, or trademark on any 
  materials produced or distributed by such third parties.
- - Microsoft reserves the right to object to unfair uses or misuses of its 
  trademarks or other violations of applicable law.

SIZING AND PLACEMENT REQUIREMENTS

- - Recommended minimum size is 1" high. The "small" graphic interchange format 
  (GIF) file provided is an example of the smallest recommended size.
- - The Logo with accompanying words must stand alone. A minimum amount of 
  empty space must surround the Logo so as to separate it from any other object
  such as type, photography, borders, edges, and so on. The required border of 
  empty space around the Logo must be 1/2X wide, where X equals the height of 
  the Logo as measured from the top edge of the word "Includes" to the bottom 
  edge of the word "Explorer."
- - You may not combine the Logo with any other object, including, but not 
  limited to, other logos, words, graphics, photos, slogans, numbers, design 
  features, or symbols.
- - The Logo may not be used as a design feature on your product, product 
  packaging, documentation, collateral, or advertising.

FOUR-COLOR OR ONE-COLOR APPLICATIONS

COLORS

The color version is the preferred way of reproducing the Logo. The Logo 
consists of a blue graphic element and black type. The PANTONE-Registered 
Trademark- Matching System (PMS) color for the blue is PMS 279 C. Four-color 
process (CMYK) equivalents can also be used. For online usage, the blue color 
should be Red 0, Green 102, Blue 255 for 8-bit or higher resolution palettes.

The color version can be reproduced only as described here.

                                       24

<PAGE>

BLACK-AND-WHITE APPLICATIONS

The black-and-white Logo consists of a black graphic element and black type. 
Please use the file provided.

ACCESSING THE FILES

The print files are provided in Encapsulated PostScript-Registered Trademark- 
(EPS) and Windows-Registered Trademark- metafile (WMF) format. Use the EPS 
files for materials printed to a PostScript-compatible printer. Use the 
Windows metafile to print to a non-PostScript printer. These files should not 
be opened and edited, only placed (for example, select "import...picture") 
into software programs such as common page-layout or presentation programs, 
word-processing software, and so forth.
Due to translation problems between the Mac and PC, Mac-TM- EPS images may 
lose their preview. When you place them into your page-layout document, you 
will see a box or a big 'X' instead of the preview. The image will still 
print correctly and the bounding box accurately shows the size of the image. 
EPS images are sizable, but please scale proportionately.
PC EPS images only have black-and-white previews. If you chose to use a color 
PC EPS, it will still preview in black-and-white. When you print it, the 
color will print correctly.
EPS format is device-dependent so the resolution of the device you are 
printing to is the resolution you will achieve.
The art files include Adobe Illustrator (ART) and Macromedia Freehand (FH5) 
format. These are provided for use where the print files supplied will not 
work. They are not to be altered.

QUALITY CONTROL

Microsoft reserves the right to review your use of the Logo and to conduct 
spot checks on all products, product packaging, marketing materials, and 
documentation and may periodically send out requests for samples. Microsoft 
may also conduct spot checks in retail outlets and other product sources to 
monitor your compliance with these Logo Usage Guidelines. Refusal to submit 
samples, noncompliance with these Guidelines, or failure to correct any 
deficiencies in your use of the Logo and/or in the quality of the product 
used in conjunction with the Logo upon reasonable notice from Microsoft could 
result in revocation of your license to use the Logo.

- -C- 1996 Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved.
Microsoft and Windows are registered trademarks in the United States and/or 
other countries and the Microsoft Internet Explorer logo is a trademark of 
Microsoft Corporation.
PostScript is a registered trademark of Adobe Systems, Inc. Macintosh is a 
registered trademark and Mac is a trademark of Apple Computer, Inc. PANTONE 
is a registered trademark of Pantone, Inc.

- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------

                                       25

<PAGE>

                                    [LOGO]

                           NETWORK ACCESS AGREEMENT


PSINet Inc.               Purchaser: EarthLink Network, Inc.
510 Huntmar Park Drive         3100 New York Drive
Herndon, VA 22070              Pasadena, CA 91107
703.904.4100                   818.296.2400
703.904.4200 (fax)             818.296.4161 (fax)

Business Contact:              Contact: Garry Betty
Phone/Fax:                     Phone/Fax: 818 296 2408
Business Contact:              Business Contact: Same
Title/Phone/Fax:               Title/Phone/Fax: President/CEO, fax 818 296 4161:


THIS AGREEMENT is made between PSINet Inc., a corporation incorporated under 
the laws of the State of New York and having its principal place of business 
at 510 Huntmar Park Drive, Herndon, Virginia 22070 ("PSINet"), and the 
wholesale customer of PSINet's wide-area computer network system ("EarthLink" 
or "Purchaser") as specified above.

WITNESSETH:

WHEREAS, Purchaser desires to obtain from PSINet network access for the 
benefit of Purchaser's customers desiring access at speeds up to 128Kbps 
(hereinafter, "Customers"); and

WHEREAS, PSINet is willing and able to provide such access;

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual promises and covenants 
contained herein, the parties agree, intending to be legally bound, as 
follows:

1.      DEFINITIONS. The following terms shall have the following meanings for
        purposes of this Agreement and for purposes of the Exhibits hereto:

1.2     "HOST" shall mean a computer with a Network address (IP address).

1.3     "NETWORK" shall mean the combination of computer hardware, computer 
        software programs and data transmission facilities operated by PSINet
        which will permit computers operated by Purchaser's Customers to
        communicate with

- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PSINet/EarthLink
Network Access Agreement           Page: 1                               7/24/96
   
* - Confidential portions of this exhibit have been omitted, marked with 
    asterisks (*) and filed separately with the Securities and Exchange 
    Commission pursuant to an application for confidential treatment.
    
<PAGE>

        computers at remote locations which are operated by others and to 
        provide access to Internet.

1.4     "POP" shall mean a Network point-of-presence where PSINet equipment 
        will be located and these POPs will be positioned throughout the world
        in order to permit authorized users to access the Network by telephone.

1.5     "PSINET CUSTOMER" will be EarthLink's non-dedicated 
        (non-static-addressed) or non-LAN dial-up customers designated by
        EarthLink as having their principal dial-up access through PSINet's
        dial-up network in the U.S. and Canada.

1.6     "NON-PSINET CUSTOMER" will be EarthLink's dial-up customers 
        designated by EarthLink as having their principal dial-up access
        through another network than PSINet's, whether it be EarthLink's own
        network, or another of EarthLink's network vendors.

1.7     "CUSTOMER" will be a customer of EarthLink, whether a "PSINet 
        Customer" or "Non-PSINet Customer".

2.      INTERNET CONNECTION SERVICES.

2.1     GENERAL. PSINet agrees to provide Purchaser with dialup (also call 
        "switched") telephone connection services for Purchaser's Customers to
        access the Network and the Internet. Purchaser and its Customers may
        access the Network from any PSINet POP in the United States and Canada.
        The fees to be paid by Purchaser to PSINet for such access services are
        set forth in Section 5.1.

2.2     PROVISION OF ACCESS. Throughout the term of this Agreement, PSINet
        shall provide Purchaser's Customers with the right to access at 
        speeds up to 128 Kbps using standard telephone and ISDN lines, and 
        use its Network at the levels then provided and supported by PSINet
        ("Access"). A recent estimated listing of Network POPs can be retrieved
        by sending electronic mail at '[email protected]' or through access to 
        PSINet's world-wide web site at 'http://www.psi.net'. PSINet reserves 
        the right to install new POPs and/or to close existing POPs as it, in 
        its sole discretion, deems appropriate. In the event PSINet deems it 
        necessary to close an existing POP, PSINet shall provide Purchaser with
        sixty (60) days written notice thereof. Purchaser may order such Access
        on behalf of its present or future Customers and there shall be no 
        limit on the number of Customers who may use the Network; provided, 
        however, subject to the Service Level Agreement in Section 3.7 that 
        PSINet may refuse service to Purchaser because there is insufficient 
        capacity on the Network or in the POP to provide the Access amount 
        requested.

2.2.1   TERMINATION OF ACCESS. PSINet shall terminate the Access rights of 
        any Purchaser Customer as soon as is reasonably practicable upon written
        notice from Purchaser to do so or upon mutually agreed upon electronic
        process with receipt confirmed, but shall have no liability in
        connection therewith.

- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PSINet/EarthLink
Network Access Agreement           Page: 2                               7/24/96

<PAGE>

2.2.2   ISDN SERVICE. PSINet shall make ISDN 64k and 128k Internet connection 
        services available to Purchaser for Purchaser's dial-up customers. The
        fees to be paid by Purchaser for such services are set forth in Section
        5.1.

3.      PURCHASER OBLIGATIONS.

3.1     PURCHASER RESPONSIBILITY FOR ITS CUSTOMERS. Purchaser shall be 
        responsible for all Customer support, pricing and service plans, billing
        and collections with respect to its own Customers.

3.2     PURCHASER CONNECTION TO THE NETWORK. Purchaser may provide, at its 
        own expense, the telecommunications circuit for its connection to the
        Network which shall run between the best suited PSINet POP (as
        determined by PSINet) and the Purchaser's operations center (which
        includes the local telephone company or Competitive Access Provider
        circuits). In addition, Purchaser may provide an estimate of the traffic
        it anticipates between Purchaser's network and PSINet's Network.

3.3     [INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK]

3.4     [INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK]

3.5     CUSTOMER EQUIPMENT. PSINet shall not be responsible for the 
        installation, operation or maintenance of any computer equipment or
        computer software programs used by any Purchaser Customer.

3.6     OPTIONAL PEERING. In addition to the connection of Purchaser's 
        network and PSINet's Network as set forth in Section 3.2, Purchaser may,
        but shall not be obligated to, provide telecommunications circuits
        interconnecting Purchaser's network with PSINet's network at a location
        agreed upon by the parties and, from time to time, in other locations.
        The parties will use these circuits only for traffic originating within
        one party's network (or the networks of its Customers) and destined only
        to the other party's network (or the networks of its Customers).

3.7     SERVICE LEVEL AGREEMENT. Purchaser will maintain a 90 day rolling 
        forecast of predicted PSINet Customers at each POP, and provide this
        forecast to PSINet as requested. This forecast will include comparative
        historical numbers as they become available. Except as set forth in the
        section below, Purchaser will have no liability for the inaccuracy of
        this forecast.

        The number forecasted at each POP 60 days prior to a given day will 
        give rise to mutual obligations for that day at that POP as follows:

             1. If the number of actual PSINet Customers for a given POP on a 
                given day is greater than 110% of the number forecasted, no
                penalty or Service Level Agreement ("SLA") applies.

- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PSINet/EarthLink
Network Access Agreement           Page: 3                               7/24/96

<PAGE>

             2. If the number of PSINet Customers on a given day is less than 
                90% of the number forecasted, Purchaser will pay a penalty of *%
                above the applicable fees for that POP for that day.

             3. For each POP where neither 1 nor 2 applies, PSINet will be 
                required to provide 99.5% availability for dial-in-access. For
                each day less than 99.5% availability is provided, Purchaser
                will be credited *** ********** ********* ***** ****** *** ****
                ****** ******** ******** ********* ******* ** **** ***. For
                example, if on April 2, 1997 Purchaser forecasted that there
                would be 910 PSINet Customers on the Smalltown POP, and the
                actual number of PSINet Customers on the Smalltown POP on 
                June 1, 1997 were 1000, and the total number of PSINet
                Customers on June 30, 1997 were 155,001, and the availability of
                Smalltown POP fell below 99.5% on June 1, 1997, Purchaser would
                be credited ***** * ******* ** ******* for that service lapse.

        Purchaser will provide at least 60 days' notice if it decides to 
        build a POP to service existing PSINet Customers in a particular city,
        provided the existing PSINet Customers for that POP exceed 5,000
        customers.

4.      PSINET OBLIGATIONS.

4.1     QUALITY OF SERVICE. PSINet shall provide to Purchaser (for its 
        Customers) Internet connection services that meet reasonable commercial
        standards, including, without limitation, with respect to accessibility,
        latency, packet loss, and throughput. For example, PSINet shall maintain
        throughput of 80% of nominal port speed (e.g. 23 Kbps for a 28.8 Kbps
        connection, 51 Kbps for a 64 Kbps single ISDN connection) 90% of the
        time. PSINet shall keep and maintain its Network in good condition and
        repair. The Network shall be properly maintained, serviced and upgraded
        by PSINet as it, in its sole discretion, shall determine is necessary in
        order to ensure connectivity to Purchaser Customers.

4.1.1   REPORTS AND INFORMATION REGARDING SERVICE.

4.1.1.1 ACCESS TO NETWORK MONITORING SYSTEMS. PSINet shall provide Purchaser 
        with read-only access to all applicable network monitoring systems used
        by PSINet to monitor its network. Such access will permit Purchaser to
        determine availability at each POP.

4.1.1.2 PSINET NETWORK OUTAGES. PSINet shall provide to Purchaser prompt 
        notification of any PSINet network outages that affect Purchaser's 
        Customers. When possible, at least three days advance notice of planned
        outages shall be given to Purchaser so that Purchaser's Customers may be
        alerted.

4.1.1.3 SNMP ACCESS. PSINet shall provide to Purchaser SNMP access to 
        PSINet's Network (i.e., direct read-only access to the dialup equipment,
        as well as, if

   
* - Confidential portions of this exhibit have been omitted, marked with 
    asterisks (*) and filed separately with the Securities and Exchange 
    Commission pursuant to an application for confidential treatment.
    
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PSINet/EarthLink
Network Access Agreement           Page: 4                               7/24/96


<PAGE>
possible, the devices used to provide backbone transport) with respect to 
Purchaser's dial-up Customers, as soon as such access is practicable.

4.1.1.4  TECHNICAL INTERCONNECT. PSINet will develop a means to allow PSINet 
Customers to be authenticated via Purchaser's RADIUS serves in Purchaser's 
data center. PSINet Customers will be set up by Purchaser to log into 
PSINet's network with an "ELN/" in front of their username.

PSINet will provide real-time monitoring capabilities for Purchaser's 
technical and support staff to track access of PSINet Customers on PSINet's 
network. PSINet will provide 24X7 NOC-to-NOC support for Purchaser.

5.  PRICE AND PRICING TERMS.

5.1  CHARGES.  Purchaser will pay PSINet the applicable monthly fee for each 
PSINet Customer who has access to PSI's network during a particular month. 
Where the PSINet Customer did not have access for the entire month, the 
monthly fee will be prorated. Where the PSINet Customer has signed up AND 
canceled Purchaser's service within an initial 30 day period, no monthly fee 
will be due PSINet for that PSINet Customer.

In addition to PSINet Customers, Purchaser will have customers who use 
Purchaser's own dial-up TCP/IP network or other networks provided by vendors 
other than PSINet. Purchaser will make reasonable efforts to ensure that it 
segregates customers to one network or another in a given billing month. 
However, for such Non-PSINet customers who access the PSINet network in a 
given month, PSINet will charge Purchaser $**** for each day such Non-PSINet 
customer accesses the PSINet network, but no more than the applicable flat 
monthly rate for each PSINet Customer.

For each PSINet customer in the United States, monthly charges to Purchaser 
shall be based upon the number of PSINet Customers, calculated at the end of 
each month, as follows:

      TIER       PRICE       VOLUME
       A         ******      0-10,000
       B         *****       10,001-125,000
       C         *****       125,001 +

For each PSINet Customer in Canada, the monthly charge to the Purchaser will 
be $**** more (U.S. dollars) than the price noted above. Canadian and US 
Customers will count together cumulatively for the purpose of determining 
Purchaser's pricing tier above.

The minimum volume required to maintain Tier C pricing shall increase 
according to the month from the period beginning April 30, 1997 until 
December 31, 1997, after which the minimum monthly volume necessary to 
maintain Tier C pricing shall remain at 250,000 Customers.

   
* - Confidential portions of this exhibit have been omitted, marked with 
    asterisks (*) and filed separately with the Securities and Exchange 
    Commission pursuant to an application for confidential treatment.
    

                                      5

<PAGE>

Month-ending Tier C minimum commitment table:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<S>        <S>         <S>         <S>         <S>         <S>         <S>          <S>          <S>
4/97        5/97        6/97        7/97        8/97        9/97        10/97        11/97        12/97

135,000     145,000     155,000     170,000     185,000     190,000     210,000      230,000      250,000

</TABLE>

The applicable base charges above are applied to all PSINet Customers 
irrespective of the rate that previously was applied to 
each group of Customers. That is, when the volume threshold for a certain 
tier is reached, Purchaser shall be entitled to the pricing for that tier for 
all PSINet Customers (e.g. at and below that tier volume).

ISDN Service:  Charges will be the same as above for ISDN 64K connection 
services. Charges will be twice the 64K rate for 128K service.

5.1.1  MOST FAVORED NATION.  PSINet commits that the pricing provided to 
Purchaser will be at least as low as for comparable volume levels and similar 
services as that provided any other PSINet customer.

5.2  ADJUSTMENTS TO BASE CHARGE.  When the number of PSINet Customers exceeds 
500,000, PSINet and purchaser will begin good faith negotiations on new 
pricing terms.

5.3  MINIMUM COMMITMENT: On January 1, 1997, Purchaser's minimum monthly 
commitment to PSINet shall become $******* per month for each month of 1997. 
This minimum commitment will expire on December 31, 1997.

5.4  TAXES. Purchaser shall be liable for and shall reimburse PSINet for all 
taxes and related charges however designated, imposed in connection with or 
arising from the provision of access to the PSINet network by Purchaser or 
its Customers. This clause is intended to cover "per-subscriber" or 
"per-byte" charges targeted at the Internet traffic of Purchaser or its 
customers. These taxes will not include the following:

         -Taxes on T1 or PRI local loop lines to PSINet POPs
         -Taxes on PSINet's equipment or facilities
         -Taxes on PSINet's dedicated data circuits

5.5  INVOICES. PSINet shall invoice Purchaser monthly in arrears for all 
charges under this Agreement. Except where inapplicable per Section 5.9, all 
invoices will be payable within (30) days of receipt of invoice. 
Delinquent payments are subject to a late payment charge at the annualized rate 
of prime plus four percent computed monthly (4%), or portion thereof, of the 
amount due (but not to exceed the maximum lawful rate). In the event 
Purchaser shall fail to pay PSINet any amount due under this Agreement for a 
period of forty (40) days, PSINet, in addition to charging applicable 
delinquency fees, may discontinue providing to Purchaser and its Customers 
upon seven (7) days' prior written notice to Purchaser. PSINet shall resume 
providing Access immediately upon receipt of 

   
* - Confidential portions of this exhibit have been omitted, marked with 
    asterisks (*) and filed separately with the Securities and Exchange 
    Commission pursuant to an application for confidential treatment.
    

                                      6

<PAGE>

such payment, and in such event Purchaser shall pay PSINet a reasonable 
reconnection fee. However, Purchaser shall not be deemed to be delinquent, 
nor may access be terminated, until Purchaser has exhausted the line of 
credit described in Section 5.9

5.6  CUSTOMER CHARGES.  Purchaser is solely responsible for establishing and 
collecting its Customer charges for services it offers its customers through 
the Network and for preparing and mailing invoices to its Customers. 
Purchaser is responsible for payment of the total amounts invoiced it by 
PSINet regardless of whether Purchaser is paid by its Customers.

5.7  MARKETING REFERRALS.  Until January 1, 1997, PSINet will provide 
Purchaser with the first opportunity to sell to all leads calling into PSINet 
inquiring about or seeking the purchase of non-dedicated, dial up Internet 
access. At Purchaser's discretion, such leads will be transferred 
telephonically directly to Purchaser's telemarketing group, where Purchaser 
will attempt to sell the lead a dial-up access account. Purchaser will pay 
PSINet a one-time bounty of $***** for each lead that signs up for services 
and remains a paying customer for more than 60 days. By 30 days after the end 
of each month, Purchaser shall provide PSINet an accounting of the number of 
leads received and the number successfully converted into sign-ups, along 
with payment of applicable bounties.

5.8  USAGE REPORTS.  PSINet will provide full usage reports at the end of 
each day. These reports shall include detailed accounting of each Purchaser 
network customer (PSINet Customer or Non-PSINet Customer) login to PSINet's 
network. Additionally, PSINet and Purchaser will work to set up a system 
whereby Purchaser can track usage (connects and disconnects) in real time.

5.9  ADDITIONAL CONSIDERATION.  In exchange for Purchaser issuing to PSINet 
the sum of 200,000 warrants to purchase the same number of shares of common 
stock of Purchaser (or the equivalent thereof to compensate for any changes 
in the capital structure of Purchaser between the time of grant and the time of
exercise by PSINet, with 4 years to exercise), the exercise price to be the fair
market value at the time of grant, PSINet will provide the following credit 
and rental facilities to Purchaser:

         1. A credit line for Purchaser's payables to PSINet hereunder 
according to these terms:

         - Up to $5,000,000
         - Accruing interest at prime plus 4% per annum
           Applied to payables beyond the 30 day payment term described above 
         - Balloon payment at the end of the initial term hereof

         2. A commitment to a rental facility for $5,000,000 of equipment 
(owned or leased by PSINet) for deployment in Purchaser's network. Such 
rental charges shall include all costs, such as service maintenance, and 
shall be for equipment agreed to in advance by the parties.

   
* - Confidential portions of this exhibit have been omitted, marked with 
    asterisks (*) and filed separately with the Securities and Exchange 
    Commission pursuant to an application for confidential treatment.
    

                                      7

<PAGE>

                   The equipment shall be Sun servers, Ascend Max Hubs and 
                   other network equipment. The maximum initial value of 
                   assets being rented shall not exceed $5,000,000 in value.

                   Rental agreement shall include Fair Market Value buyout 
                   provisions, a 3-year term and an effective rate of not 
                   more than prime plus 3% per annum.

                   Monthly rental payments will be due beginning 30 days 
                   after funding of Purchaser's IPO, or February 1, 1997,
                   whichever is sooner.

        Terms of Purchaser's warrants shall include a term of 4 years; 
        will provide for appropriate adjustments to the exercise price 
        and number of shares which may be purchased in the event of stock 
        splits, dividends and the like. In addition, PSINet shall receive 
        registration rights in respect to the shares (the "Shares") issuable 
        upon the exercise of the Warrants as described in the attached 
        Exhibit "A". PSINet shall be entitled to receive financial 
        information regarding the Company for so long as PSINet holds the 
        Shares.

6.      TERM/EXTENSIONS/TERMINATION. The term of this Agreement shall be two 
        (2) years, commencing on August 1, 1996 and ending July 31, 1998, 
        and, unless either party notifies the other in writing not less than 
        one-hundred eighty (180) days prior to the end of the initial term or 
        any extension thereof, this Agreement shall be automatically renewed 
        annually thereafter for a period of one year. Notwithstanding the 
        foregoing, such termination notice shall not be given by either party
        prior to December 31, 1997.

        Either party may terminate this Agreement if such other party has 
        materially breached this Agreement and has failed to cure such breach 
        within thirty (30) days after receiving written notice of such 
        breach; provided, however, that this notice period shall not apply to 
        a termination by PSINet in accordance with the provisions of Section 
        5.5.

7.      WARRANTIES EXCLUDED. EXCEPT AS EXPRESSLY PROVIDED HEREIN, PSINet 
        MAKES NO WARRANTIES IN CONNECTION WITH ITS NETWORK OR THE PROVISION 
        OF ACCESS AS CONTEMPLATED HEREIN, WHETHER WRITTEN OR ORAL, STATUTORY, 
        EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING WITHOUT LIMITATION THE WARRANTY OF 
        MERCHANTABILITY AND THE WARRANTY OF FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE 
        OR USE. PURCHASER'S SOLE AND EXCLUSIVE REMEDY SHALL BE PSINET'S 
        OBLIGATION TO ADJUST THE FEES PAYABLE BY PURCHASER AS SET FORTH 
        ELSEWHERE HEREIN.

8.      LIMITATION OF LIABILITY. NOTWITHSTANDING ANYTHING CONTAINED IN THIS 
        AGREEMENT TO THE CONTRARY, THE PARTIES AGREE THAT NEITHER PARTY SHALL 
        IN ANY EVENT BE LIABLE TO THE OTHER PARTY OR ANY OTHER PERSON FOR ANY 
        ACTUAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, SPECIAL, INCIDENTAL, 
        RELIANCE, PUNITIVE OR ANY OTHER DAMAGES OR FOR ANY LOST PROFITS OF ANY

                                  Page: 8

<PAGE>

        KIND OR NATURE WHATSOEVER, REGARDLESS OF THE FORESEEABILITY THEREOF, 
        ARISING OUT OF THE PROVISION OF ACCESS OR IN ANY WAY ARISING OUT OF 
        THIS AGREEMENT, WHETHER IN AN ACTION ARISING OUT OF BREACH OF 
        CONTRACT, BREACH OF WARRANTY, DELAY, NEGLIGENCE, STRICT TORT 
        LIABILITY, PATENT MATTERS OR ANY OTHER THEORY. NO ACTION OR 
        PROCEEDING AGAINST EITHER PARTY MAY BE COMMENCED MORE THAN TWO YEARS 
        AFTER THE SERVICES ARE RENDERED. THIS CLAUSE SHALL SURVIVE FAILURE OF 
        AN EXCLUSIVE REMEDY. EITHER PARTY'S TOTAL LIABILITY FOR GROSS 
        NEGLIGENCE DURING THE LIFETIME OF THIS AGREEMENT SHALL IN NO EVENT 
        EXCEED FIVE HUNDRED THOUSAND DOLLARS ($500,000) IN THE AGGREGATE.

9.      INDEMNIFICATION OF PSINET.  Purchaser shall indemnify and hold 
        harmless PSINet and PSINet's directors, officers, employees, agents 
        and advisors from and against any and all claims of other persons or 
        entities arising out of material, data, information or other content 
        transmitted by Purchaser Customers or other acts or omissions of 
        Purchaser and/or its Customers.

10.     CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION.

10.1    Nondisclosure. If either party acquires Confidential Information of 
        the other, such receiving party shall maintain the confidentiality of 
        the disclosing party's Confidential Information shall use such 
        Confidential Information only for the purposes for which it is 
        furnished and shall not reproduce or copy it in whole or in part, 
        except for use as authorized in this Agreement. Confidential 
        Information shall mean all information of the disclosing party which 
        it treats as confidential or proprietary. Confidential Information 
        shall not include information which is or hereafter becomes generally 
        available to others without restriction or which is obtained by the 
        receiving party without violating the disclosing party's rights under 
        this Article 10 or any other obligation of confidentiality. The terms 
        and conditions of this Agreement shall constitute Confidential 
        Information. The provisions in the Bilateral Nondisclosure Agreement 
        executed between the parties on July 18, 1996 shall survive the 
        execution and termination of this Agreement for any reason.

10.2    Duration. With respect to all Confidential Information, the parties' 
        rights and obligations under this Article shall remain in full force 
        and effect following the termination of this Agreement.

10.3    Ownership. All materials and records which constitute Confidential 
        Information, other than service orders and copies of this Agreement, 
        shall be and remain the property of, and belong exclusively to, the 
        disclosing Party, and the receiving party agrees either to surrender 
        possession of and turn over or to destroy all such Confidential 
        Information which it may possess or control upon request of the 
        disclosing party or upon the termination of this Agreement.

                                  Page: 9

<PAGE>

10.4    Injunctive Relief. The parties acknowledge and agree that, in the 
        event of a breach or threatened breach by any party of any provision 
        of this Article 10, the other party will have no adequate remedy in 
        money or damages and, accordingly, shall be entitled to an injunction 
        against such breach. However, no specification in this Section of a 
        specific legal or equitable remedy shall be construed as a waiver or 
        prohibition against any other legal or equitable remedies in the 
        event of a breach of this Article of this Agreement.

10.5    Legal Obligation to Disclose. Each party shall be released from its 
        obligations under this Article 10 with respect to information which 
        such party is required to disclose to others pursuant to obligations 
        imposed by law, rule or regulation; provided, however, that prior to 
        any such required disclosure, if practicable, such party provides 
        written notice to and consults with the other party.

11.     MISCELLANEOUS.

11.1    Independent Parties/No Agency. The relationship of PSINet and 
        Purchaser shall be that of independent third parties. Except as 
        otherwise expressly provided in this Agreement, this Agreement does 
        not constitute either party as the agent or legal representative of 
        the other party and does not create a partnership or joint venture 
        between the parties. Except as otherwise expressly provided in this 
        Agreement, neither party shall have any authority to contract for or 
        bind any other party in any manner whatsoever. This Agreement confers 
        no rights of any kind upon any third party.

11.2    Force Majeure. PSINet shall not be liable for failure to fulfill its 
        obligations hereunder if such failure is due to causes beyond its 
        control, including, without limitation, acts of God, fire, 
        catastrophe, governmental prohibitions or regulations, viruses which 
        did not result from the acts or omissions of PSINet, its employees or 
        agents, national emergencies, insurrections, riots or wars, or 
        strikes, lockouts, work stoppages or other labor difficulties. The 
        time for any performance required hereunder shall be extended by the 
        delay incurred as a result of such act of force majeure, and PSINet 
        shall act with dilligence to correct such force majeure.

11.3    Delays or Omissions. No delay or omission to exercise any right, 
        power or remedy accruing to a party under this Agreement shall impair 
        any such right, power or remedy of such party nor shall it be 
        construed to be a waiver of any such breach or default, or an 
        acquiescence therein, or of or in any similar breach or default 
        thereafter occurring; nor shall any waiver of any single breach or 
        default be deemed a waiver of any other breach or default theretofore 
        or thereafter occurring.  Any waiver, permit, consent or approval of 
        any kind or character on the part of either party of any breach or 
        default under this Agreement, or any waiver on the part of either 
        party of any provisions or conditions of this Agreement must be made 
        in writing and shall be effective only to the extent specifically set 
        forth in such writing. All remedies, either under this Agreement or 
        by law or otherwise afforded to a party, shall be cumulative and not 
        alternative.

                                  Page: 10

<PAGE>

11.4  BENEFIT AND ASSIGNMENT. No party hereto shall assign this Agreement, in 
      whole or in part, whether by operation of law or otherwise, without the 
      prior written consent of the other party hereto (which consent shall not 
      be unreasonably delayed or withheld); and any purported assignment in 
      violation of the foregoing shall be void. This Agreement shall be 
      binding upon and shall inure to the benefit of the parties hereto and 
      their respective successors and assigns as permitted hereunder. No 
      person or entity other than the parties hereto is or shall be entitled 
      to bring any action to enforce any provision of this Agreement against 
      any of the parties hereto, and the covenants and agreements set forth 
      in this Agreement shall be solely for the benefit of, and shall be 
      enforceable only by, the parties hereto or their respective successors 
      and assigns as permitted hereunder.

11.5  ADDITIONAL ACTIONS, DOCUMENTS AND INFORMATION: AUDIT. Each of the 
      parties hereto agrees that it will, at any time, prior to, at or after 
      the date hereof, take or cause to be taken such further actions, and 
      execute, deliver and file or cause to be executed, delivered and filed 
      such further documents and instruments and obtain such consents, as may 
      be reasonably requested in order to fully effectuate the purposes, 
      terms and conditions of this Agreement. In addition, PSINet may, at 
      reasonable intervals and upon reasonable notice to Purchaser, either by 
      itself or by its outside audit firm, audit the relevant books, records 
      and electronic data of Purchaser to assure proper payments have been 
      made by Purchaser hereunder. PSINet shall bear the costs of each such 
      audit unless the results of such audit show that Purchaser has 
      underpaid PSINet by 5% or more, in which case the cost of such audit 
      and the following correctional audit shall be borne by Purchaser.

11.6  NOTICES.

(a)   All notices and other communications required or permitted hereunder 
      shall be in writing and shall be mailed by certified or registered mail 
      (return receipt requested), express air courier, charges prepaid, or 
      facsimile addressed as follows:

                 To Purchaser: as provided above

                 To PSINet:

                       PSINet Inc.
                       510 Huntmar Park Drive
                       Herndon, Virginia 22070
                       Facsimile:  (703) 904-1608
                       Attn: Harold S. Wills, Chief Operating Officer

      or to such other address as either party shall have furnished to the 
      other in writing.

(b)   If a notice is given by either party by certified or registered mail, 
      it will be deemed received by the other party on the third business day 
      following the date on which it is deposited for mailing. If a notice is 
      given by either party by air express courier, it will be deemed 
      received by the other party on the next business day following the date 
      on which it is provided to the air express courier. If a notice is 
      given by facsimile, it will be deemed received by the other party after

- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PSINet/EarthLink                                                      7/24/96
Network Access Agreement            Page: 11               

<PAGE>

      confirmation of receipt. Notwithstanding the foregoing, any payments 
      made under this Agreement shall be deemed received only when actually 
      received.

11.7  SEVERABILITY. In case any provision of this Agreement shall be invalid, 
      illegal or unenforceable, such provision shall be construed so as to 
      render it enforceable and effective to the maximum extent possible in 
      order to effectuate the intention of this Agreement; and if such 
      provision shall be wholly invalid, illegal or unenforceable, the 
      validity, legality and enforceability of the remaining provisions 
      hereof shall not in any way be affected or impaired thereby.

11.8  SURVIVAL OF OBLIGATIONS. The parties' rights and obligations that, by 
      their nature, would continue beyond the termination, cancellation, or 
      expiration of this Agreement, shall survive such termination, 
      cancellation or termination.

11.9  TITLES AND SUBTITLES. The titles of the Articles and Sections of this 
      Agreement are for convenience of reference only and are not to be 
      considered in construing this Agreement.

11.10 COUNTERPARTS. This Agreement may be executed in any number of 
      counterparts, each of which shall be an original, but all of which 
      together shall constitute one instrument.

11.11 GOVERNING LAW. This Agreement shall be governed in all respects by the 
      laws of the State of New York without reference to its principles of 
      conflicts of laws.

11.12 ENTIRE AGREEMENT/AMENDMENTS. This Agreement (including all Exhibits and 
      the Bilateral Nondisclosure Agreement) constitutes the full and entire 
      understanding and agreement between the parties with regard to the 
      subjects hereof and thereof. Neither this Agreement nor any term hereof 
      may be amended, waived, discharged or terminated, except by a written 
      instrument signed by the parties hereto.







- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PSINet/EarthLink                                                      7/24/96
Network Access Agreement            Page: 12

<PAGE>



BOTH PARTIES REPRESENT AND WARRANT THAT THEY HAVE FULL CORPORATE POWER AND 
AUTHORITY TO EXECUTE AND DELIVER THIS AGREEMENT AND TO PERFORM THEIR 
OBLIGATIONS HEREUNDER, AND THAT THE PERSON WHOSE SIGNATURE APPEARS BELOW IS 
DULY AUTHORIZED TO ENTER INTO THIS AGREEMENT ON BEHALF OF THE PARTY.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, THE PARTIES HAVE ENTERED INTO THIS AGREEMENT AS OF THE 
DATE SET FORTH:



Charles G. Betty
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Authorized Purchaser Representative/Title (please type or print)


   
/s/ Charles G. Betty                                                     7/22/96
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Purchaser Signature                                                      Date
    


Harold S. Wills
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Authorized PSINet Representative (please type or print)


   
/s/ Harold S. Wills                                                      7/22/96
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PSINet Representative Signature                                          Date
    






                                     [GRAPHICS]









- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PSINet/EarthLink                                                      7/22/96
Network Access Agreement            Page: 13

<PAGE>

                        AMENDMENT TO NETWORK ACCESS AGREEMENT

This Amendment to the Network Access Agreement (this "Amendment") is made as of
this _____ day of October, 1996 between PSINet, a New York corporation and
EarthLink Network, Inc., a Delaware corporation.

                                       RECITALS

    A. PSINet and EarthLink entered into that certain Network Access 
agreement for network access for the benefit of EarthLink's customers, on 
July 22, 1996.

    B. The parties wish to amend the Original Agreement to reflect certain 
revisions as discussed between the parties.

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual obligations in this Amendment and
for other good consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are
acknowledged, the parties to this Amendment agree as follows:

1.  MODIFICATION OF CLAUSE 5.1.  Clause 5.1 of the Original Agreement, titled
Charges, specifically the third paragraph relating to monthly charges, is
modified to read in its entirety as follows:

    Tier           Price          Volume
    ----           -----          ------

    A              ******         0-10,000
    B              *****          10,001-100,000
    C              *****          100,000+

    The fifth paragraph of Clause 5.1 is modified to read as follows:

The minimum volume required to maintain Tier C pricing shall increase according
to the month from the period beginning July 30, 1997 until December 31, 1997,
after which the minimum monthly volume necessary to maintain Tier C pricing
shall remain at 165,000 Customers.

The sixth paragraph of Clause 5.1 is modified to read as follows:

7/97        8/97        9/97        10/97        11/97        12/97
100,000     110,000     120,000     135,000      150,000      165,000

2.  MODIFICATION OF CLAUSE 5.3.  Clause 5.3 of the Original Agreement, titled
Minimum Commitment, is modified to read in its entirety as follows:

On January 1, 1998, Purchaser's minimum monthly commitment to PSINet shall
become $******* per month for each month until expiring on July 31, 1998.

3.  MODIFICATION OF CLAUSE 5.7.  Clause 5.7 of the Original Agreement, titled 
Marketing Referrals, shall read as follows:

    Beginning December 1, 1996, and continuing through March 31, 1997, PSINet
will provide Purchaser with the first opportunity to sell to all leads calling
into PSINet inquiring about or seeking the purchase of non-dedicated, dial up
Internet access.  At Purchaser's discretion, such leads will be transferred
telephonically directly to Purchaser's telemarketing group, where Purchaser will
attempt to sell the lead a dial-up access

   
* - Confidential portions of this exhibit have been omitted, marked with 
    asterisks (*) and filed separately with the Securities and Exchange 
    Commission pursuant to an application for confidential treatment.
    

<PAGE>

account.  Purchaser will pay PSINet a one-time bounty of $***** for each lead
that signs up for services and remains a paying customer for more than 60 days.
By 30 days after the end of each month, Purchaser shall provide PSINet an
accounting of the number of leads received and the number successfully converted
into sign-ups, along with payment of applicable bounties.

    CANCELING CUSTOMERS.  The following text is added to the Original Agreement
as the second paragraph of Clause 5.7:

    Existing PSINet service customers who don't want to move to Mindspring or
who are otherwise canceling the PSINet service will be offered by PSINet
EarthLink as an alternative.  If interested, PSINet will transfer or otherwise
direct such customers to EarthLink's sales group to be closed.

4.  CONTINUED EFFECT OF ORIGINAL AGREEMENT.  All provisions of the Original
Agreement, except as modified by this Amendment, shall remain in full force and
effect and are hereby reaffirmed.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the duly authorized representatives of the parties hereto
have executed this Amendment as the date first written above.

EARTHLINK NETWORK, INC.                PSINet, INC.

By: /s/ CHARLES G. BETTY               By: /s/ HAROLD S. WILLS
   --------------------------------       --------------------------------
   Charles G. Betty                       Harold S. Wills
   Chief Executive Officer                Title:
   EarthLink Network, Inc.                PSINet, Inc.
   3100 New York Drive                    510 Huntmar Park Drive
   Pasadena, California 91107             Herndon, Virginia 22070
   Phone (818) 296-2400                   Phone:
   Fax (818) 296-4161

   
* - Confidential portions of this exhibit have been omitted, marked with 
    asterisks (*) and filed separately with the Securities and Exchange 
    Commission pursuant to an application for confidential treatment.
    

<PAGE>
                                                                    EXHIBIT 23.1
 
                       CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS
 
    We hereby consent to the use in the Prospectus constituting part of this
Registration Statement on Form S-1 of our report dated December 4, 1996 relating
to the financial statements of EarthLink Network, Inc., which appears in such
Prospectus. We also consent to the reference to us under the heading "Experts"
and "Selected Financial Data" in such Prospectus. However, it should be noted
that Price Waterhouse LLP has not prepared or certified such "Selected Financial
Data."
 
PRICE WATERHOUSE LLP
 
   
Costa Mesa, California
December 19, 1996
    


© 2022 IncJournal is not affiliated with or endorsed by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission