GERMANTOWN, Md. -- Telkonet, Inc. (Amex:TKO), the leader in providing in-building broadband access over existing electrical wiring, and EarthLink (Nasdaq:ELNK), the next generation Internet service provider, have agreed to test broadband over power line access and Internet voice service in nine apartment complexes located in the Washington, D.C. area using Telkonet’s powerline backbone.

Under the terms of the agreement, Telkonet’s iWire System™ will be the platform used to enable high-speed Internet and data access to EarthLink as part of a voice and broadband Internet and home networking package that includes features such as caller ID, voicemail and three-way calling bundled with high-speed Internet access. EarthLink will market its services to apartment residents in the D.C. metro area.

“This combination of high-speed Internet, voice and home networking service is a part of EarthLink’s ongoing commitment to providing more access options for customers,” said Kevin Brand, EarthLink’s group vice president of access. “We want to make it easy for apartment residents to save money on their phone bills and get feature-rich, high-quality high-speed access.”

“EarthLink’s reputation for superb customer service combined with their enhanced services, competitive pricing and the Telkonet powerline backbone makes for a very compelling product offering,” said Ronald W. Pickett, president and CEO of Telkonet.

EarthLink will leverage Telkonet’s powerline technology to offer high-speed access, Internet voice and home networking service to apartment households in the D.C. area where the cost of retro-fitting the property with new wiring for broadband is not economically feasible. Telkonet’s system uses each building’s internal electrical wiring to deliver the service.

The nine properties are owned and managed by the Bozzuto Management Company, an award-winning operator of residential communities and commercial properties in the Washington/Baltimore and Philadelphia market. Bozzuto provides the very best value to their customers through an outstanding level of service to both the owners of the properties and the residents who live in them.

EarthLink Inc. (Nasdaq: ELNK)