EarthLink and USAA Announce Largest Affinity Partnership in Company History

Strategic Insights -

EarthLink, one of the world's leading Internet service providers, has partnered with USAA to offer customized Internet access to USAA's 3.3 million members. The three-year agreement, announced on August 9, 1999, makes EarthLink Sprint the official Internet service provider for USAA, marking EarthLink's largest affinity agreement to date. The partnership allows USAA members to access a range of benefits, including a customized Personal Start Page and enhanced member services.

Key Takeaways:

  • EarthLink and USAA announced a three-year agreement making EarthLink Sprint the official Internet service provider for USAA's 3.3 million members.
  • The partnership marks EarthLink's largest affinity agreement to date and demonstrates the value of EarthLink Sprint Internet service in providing partners with a strong member benefit.
  • USAA members will have access to a customized Personal Start Page, featuring one-click access to the USAA Web site, unique sections, and links to recommended sites.
  • The partnership is a result of EarthLink's strategic alliance with Sprint, which provides access to Sprint's extensive marketing channels.
  • EarthLink has grown an average of 166,000 members per quarter since the alliance was established in June 1998, making it one of the fastest growing Internet Service Providers (ISPs) in the industry.
  • The agreement highlights EarthLink's ability to customize its services to meet the needs of large organizations and their members.
  • USAA's President, Janice Marshall, praised EarthLink for its reputation for top-notch customer service and ability to build a customized Personal Start Page that fits USAA members' needs.

Statistics:

  • 3.3 million: The number of USAA members who will have access to EarthLink Sprint Internet access through the partnership.
  • 3 years: The duration of the partnership between EarthLink and USAA.
  • 166,000: The average number of new members per quarter that EarthLink has gained since its alliance with Sprint was established in June 1998.
  • 1.3 million: The number of individuals and businesses that EarthLink serves daily through its unified EarthLink Sprint Internet access service.
  • 77 years: The length of time that USAA has been serving present and former members of the U.S. military and their families.
  • $56 billion: The value of assets owned or managed by USAA.

Sources:

  • Press release, "EarthLink's Largest Affinity Partnership to Date Offers EarthLink Sprint Internet Access to USAA's 3.3 Million Members", August 9, 1999
  • USAA Website, "About USAA"
  • EarthLink Website, "About EarthLink"