EarthLink Mothballs Phil. Wi-Fi Network

May 13, 2008 12:19 p.m. EST

Atlanta, GA (AHN) - EarthLink is dropping its Philadelphia public Wi-Fi network, asking court permission to remove equipment from city streets and limiting its liability.

EarthLink, which has curtailed its involvement in other municipal wireless ventures, said it wanted to hand the network over to either the city or the nonprofit Wireless Philadelphia organization, but failed to reach an agreement.

EarthLink said it will unplug the network June 12 and is helping current customers find alternative Internet providers.

In federal court, EarthLink asked that its liability be limited to $1 million.