Carmel, Ind., December 27, 2004 – As eGIX Inc. expands into new areas, it sponsors programs designed to give back to communities and benefit local residents.

As part of the “25 Ambassador Families Success Initiative” with Purdue University Calumet, eGIX will provide free Internet access accounts for one year to families with “at-risk” students in third, fourth and fifth grades. Each account consists of a standard dial-up package, which includes spam and virus protection.

Driven through Purdue Calumet, the program affects 75 children, 25 in Hammond, 25 in East Chicago and 25 in Gary. The objective of the program is to provide students with the resources that may encourage an interest in pursuing an education beyond high school.

Purdue Calumet has selected the families that fit the criteria to receive the Internet access from eGIX. Committed to improving student success and regional economic development, the program is designed to help students build computer and math skills, as well as offering parenting workshops to the parents and legal guardians.

Headquartered in Carmel, Ind., eGIX is one of the largest privately-held, integrated communications providers with a national network operating in 37 of the top 50 metropolitan service areas. eGIX serves as a single source for reliable unified voice and data solutions, Internet access (dial-up & broadband), VoIP applications, local line services, IT Consulting and a full suite of enhanced services including unified communications and One Number "Follow Me" service.