Compaq, EarthLink announced broadband marketing pact

ATLANTA - Compaq Computer Corporation said Thursday it will begin marketing high-speed Internet access from EarthLink Incorporated on its Presario consumer computers. <br> <br> Two other computer manufacturers, Apple and Hewlett-Packard, also push EarthLink&#39;s high-speed service as part of consumers&#39; registration process. <br> <br> Terms of the two-year Compaq deal were not disclosed, although a person familiar with the agreement said both companies have an option to renew it. <br> <br> Compaq will continue to offer America Online for customers who want dial-up access. <br> <br> Atlanta-based EarthLink, the nation&#39;s third-largest ISP, lags its main rivals AOL and Microsoft&#39;s MSN Internet Access in the number of customers, but has been able to offer broadband services in more than 110 markets. <br> <br> EarthLink says it is the only ISP to offer high-speed access nationally through cable, digital subscriber lines and satellite, the three most common broadband systems. EarthLink had 471,000 high-speed customers at the end of 2001. <br> <br> Rahn said it is unclear how the arrangement would be affected if HP completes its purchase of Compaq. That acquisition has been embroiled in a dispute between HP management and heirs of the company&#39;s founders.