Earthlink will offer Internet access to customers in Northern California through a deal with Digitalpath Networks, a wireless ISP: Digitalpath uses a proprietary system to deliver the access. It had better be a pretty cheap proprietary system because it requires technicians to install antennas on customer homes. The cost of such installs is commonly blamed for the failure of the MMDS market in the '90s. Since then, many wireless ISPs in non-rural areas have targeted the more lucrative business market because of the expense of building and installing network equipment.
Earthlink has been one of the most bullish big players to pursue broadband wireless opportunities. It has made similar wireless offerings in the Atlanta area through partners.
On a side note, shame on Cnet for this line: "Wireless broadband, commonly called WiMax." Come on folks, not all wireless broadband is WiMax and in fact, WiMax gear doesn't exist. It sounds like Digitalpath is using a technology that is nothing like WiMax.