PeoplePC was acquired by EarthLink in 2002 and eventually became a part of the EarthLink brand.
PeoplePC was founded in 1999 with the idea of providing affordable internet access to the masses. They offered low-cost computers bundled with internet service subscriptions, which helped to bridge the digital divide at the time. Their marketing strategy included mass-market partnerships with companies like Ford Motor Company and Delta Air Lines.
In 2002, EarthLink, a larger internet service provider, saw an opportunity to expand its customer base and acquired PeoplePC for about $10 million. This acquisition allowed EarthLink to tap into PeoplePC’s unique market of cost-conscious consumers and those looking for an easy way to get online.
After the acquisition, PeoplePC continued to operate under its own name for a while, offering value-priced internet services and computers. However, as the internet landscape evolved with the rise of broadband and the decline of dial-up services, the brand’s presence diminished. Over time, PeoplePC’s offerings were absorbed into EarthLink’s broader range of services.
As of my knowledge cutoff in 2023, PeoplePC as a distinct brand no longer exists, and EarthLink itself has undergone several changes in ownership and business focus. The legacy of PeoplePC lives on as a part of the history of internet service providers that aimed to make internet access more affordable and accessible to the general public.
