EarthLink, Romance Service Provider

EarthLink continues to show other ISPs the way to find new sources of revenue as it makes the world's largest "global online dating services provider" the "default dating and romance provider on EarthLink."

by ISP-Planet Staff [August 15, 2001]

MatchNet PLC (Frankfurt: MHJG), the largest global online dating services provider, has partnered with EarthLink (NSDQ: ELNK) to offer MatchNet's dating and romance content and services through EarthLink's Personal Start Page subscriber portal.

The start page is customizable, and MatchNet's AmericanSingles.com website will be one of the options for subscribers. AmericanSingles.com will be the default dating and romance provider on EarthLink.

Additionally, AmericanSingles.com will be promoted strategically across EarthLink's variety of subscriber touchpoints, including the ISP's People/Chat channel and the new "Romance" sub-channel, as well as EarthLink's weekly e-newsletter, "eLink."

"We're excited to be the first online dating and romance company to partner with EarthLink, as well as the inspiration behind the creation and implementation of the 'Romance' sub-channel," said Joe Shapira, CEO of MatchNet. "This is a strategic fit for our singles demographic, and we expect EarthLink's very large audience of active subscribers to add greatly to our global database, which is already one of the strongest singles networks in the world. Also, this deal sets us apart from our competitors and solidifies our position as the market leader in the online dating and romance space."

"The Internet is a great place to meet people no matter what your dating preferences are, and MatchNet's services will help make online dating an easy-to-use service and quality experience for EarthLink subscribers," said Doug Trautman, EarthLink's vice president of business development.

This pair of companies brings a large number of eyeballs to the relationship (which seems to resemble dating rather than marriage).

AmericanSingles.com has over 3.6 million registered members. MatchNet also runs singles websites for Jewish singles, for gay and lesbian singles, and national singles sites for Germany, France, England, and Australia.

According to ISP-Planet's U.S. ISP rankings, EarthLink has 4.8 million subscribers.

Behold the creation of the RSP (Romance Service Provider).

—End