/ Source: The Associated Press
Philadelphia is one step closer to its goal to set up a high-speed wireless Internet system for city residents.
A panel tapped by Philadelphia's mayor has chosen Earthlink over Hewlett-Packard to do the job.
The city's chief information officer says Earthlink would pay for construction and maintenance.
A contract is expected to be signed within 60 days.
Rates for private wireless access should run about 20 dollars a month, and the amount would be half that for low-income residents.
Citywide Wi-Fi networks are envisioned by dozens of communities across the country. San Francisco, Portland, Oregon, Minneapolis and Orlando, Florida are among those also working on similar concepts.
