EarthLink Offers Trial Cable Service

EarthLink Inc., the No. 3 U.S. Internet provider, will conduct a six-month trial of its service over a cable system owned by Cox Communications Inc. The Atlanta-based companies might negotiate a definitive agreement that would allow EarthLink to sell high-speed online access using Cox’s lines, Cox spokeswoman Amy Cohn said. EarthLink, which offers its services primarily through telephone lines, has sought agreements with cable companies because more consumers want the higher speeds cable lines can provide. More than 288,000 of EarthLink’s 4.8 million customers access its service through high-speed connections. The trial will start in the third quarter over Cox’s cable system in El Dorado, Ark. EarthLink shares fell 30 cents to close at $11.25 on Nasdaq, while Cox fell 12 cents to close at $44.61 on the New York Stock Exchange.