Philadelphia approves EarthLink's test network: The 15 sq. mi. testbed that EarthLink built to demonstrate its citywide network would also function has received a passing grade from Wireless Philadelphia, the nonprofit the city established to handle network details. A third party evaluated the network. Interestingly, the Philadelphia Inquirer reporter writes (and told me when we spoke) that EarthLink doesn't know which firm evaluated the network and the city didn't return her calls on the question. The entire network will span 135 sq mi.
EarthLink's set its rates, too: $22 per month for 3 Mbps/1 Mbps and $20 for 1 Mbps/1 Mbps. Introductory pricing for the plans is $10 and $6 per month, respectively, for the first six months.
The division head at EarthLink said they expect 5,000 customers subscribed by July and 12,000 by the end of the year. The network should be finished by third quarter.