EarthLink Sees VoIP As Its Latest Calling; New Path To Growth?; Online service eyes big potential in voice over Internet protocol field.(INTERNET & TECHNOLOGY)

Byline: REINHARDT KRAUSE

EarthLink looks to dial up a new phase of growth by getting into the phone business.

The Internet service provider hopes to become a big player in voice over Internet protocol, or VoIP. As more Americans switch their phone service to Internet-based networks, it's betting that online companies can take control of the movement.

And EarthLink isn't alone. Google, America Online, eBay and others have recently jumped into the VoIP market.

The growth prospects are huge, EarthLink officials say.

"Today, there are roughly 3 million VoIP users in the U.S.," said Steve Howe, vice president of EarthLink's voice business. "Over the next five years, that could grow to 30 million users."

Even getting a small chunk of those users would provide a big windfall, he says.