Google, EarthLink Bid to Offer Wireless Access

Google Inc. and EarthLink Inc. submitted a joint bid to offer free wireless Internet access in San Francisco, a venture that might spark new competition for Comcast Corp. and AT&T; Inc.

Under the proposal, Google would provide a free service sponsored by advertising and EarthLink would offer a paid service with higher access speeds, Donald Berryman, president of EarthLink’s municipal networks unit, said. The bid was one of six offered to the city by Internet access providers.

Shares of Mountain View, Calif.-based Google gained $1.10 to $365.49. Shares of Atlanta-based EarthLink rose 22 cents to $11.86.