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A couple of years back, EarthLink purchased OmniSky, a company that delivered wireless Web and e-mail access to Palm and Pocket PC handhelds. The buyout essentially extended the ISP's desktop services to the hand.

Today, EarthLink took its wireless offerings one step further with the announcement that it would now offer Research In Motion's BlackBerry 7750. So instead of buying the BlackBerry 7750 directly from RIM or a mobile operator, as is usually the case, you can now purchase the smartphone directly from EarthLink—a first for an ISP.

Like all BlackBerries, the BlackBerry 7750 integrates e-mail, voice calling, Internet browsing and a QWERTY thumb-keyboard. It is almost identical to the BlackBerry 7780, which we reviewed in July (see Review: RIM Ups Ante with BlackBerry 7780). According to reports, to support the voice part of the BlackBerry 7750, EarthLink purchased cellular network capacity wholesale.

Supporting and provisioning the BlackBerry 7780 is part EarthLink's plan to become a one-stop shop for all your communication needs. EarthLink Wireless VP Bret Cobb enthused "Beyond giving mobile professionals the benefits of an EarthLink experience when they are away from the office—including blocking virtually all spam from reaching the handheld—offering the BlackBerry 7750 is an important early step in our overall strategy to expand our voice and data offerings and become a complete communications provider."

For around $40 per month, EarthLink offers an unlimited data plan for Internet and e-mail access on the BlackBerry 7750. Another $40 gets you 500 anytime minutes with no roaming fees and free night and weekend calling.